We are currently finalizing next year's trip, currently targeted for February 2025. Final dates, itinerary & registration will be available very soon.
In the meantime, please reference our 2024 brochure below, and use the "Inquire" button below to receive updates!
UNDISCOVERED
SOUTH INDIA
with optional North India trip extensions to Varanasi and Agra
January 4-18, 2024
next up in February 2025
TRIP OVERVIEW
Traveling India is a potent, perspective-shifting experience like no other, assured to present photo opportunities that leave a lasting impact on your worldview. On this trip you'll discover lesser-known, more relaxed, incredible Southern India—and with a true expert: award-winning photographer David H. Wells, who has logged over 60 trips in two decades of traveling and living in the subcontinent. Explore diverse landscapes, languages, & cultures across three states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Below are select highlights from our main trip's itinerary:
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Discover Bangalore, where David lives part time with his South Indian wife, from a local’s perspective, including the KR Market, one of the largest flower markets in Asia.
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Visit and photograph the cultural icons of South India that Indians pilgrimage to, such as the temples of the Hoysala dynasty at Belur and Halebid, known for their exquisite architecture and detailed carvings, and the Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola, including its 57-ft tall monolithic Gommateshwara Bahubali statue.
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Experience and photograph the spectacular, rarely-visited and very special Theyyam ritual.
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In Mysore, enjoy a visit to a silk factory and see its incredible palace both by day for a tour but also one special evening from outside, when it is lit with thousands of lights.
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Enjoy multiple visits to villages and markets, both in cities and the countryside Photograph the preparation and intricate make-up for a Kathakali dance we’ll see in Kerala.
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Spend two nights enjoying—and capturing—the tranquility of the highlands on a tea estate.
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Enjoy an afternoon cruise in the Backwaters, after exploring Kochi, capital of Kerala.
Also available as a part of this journey, we've designed optional pre-trip extensions to visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, and to explore the ritual-rich banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi. Detailed day-by-day itineraries for these extensions, and the main trip, are available in the full trip brochure.
In this PDF you will find:
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An overview of the trip
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A map of the route we take
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Select trip highlights
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A detailed day-by-day itinerary of the main trip in India, from January 16-30, 2024
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Details for the optional pre-trip extensions offered in Agra and/or Varanasi
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Leader bios for photo pro/instructor David Wells, and tour leader Temu Nana.
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Accommodations
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Rates & inclusions
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How to sign up
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Terms & Conditions
TRIP LEADERS FOR SOUTH INDIA
David H. Wells
Photography Instructor
PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTOR - David Wells is a freelance documentary photographer and photo educator based in Providence, RI. He specializes in inter-cultural communications and the use of light and shadow to enhance visual narratives. David’s “Light Studies” have appeared in a wide range of exhibitions and publications like the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday Magazine and Rhode Island Monthly. He has received two Fulbright Fellowships, a grant from Nikon/N.P.P.A. and a fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. His work has been shown around the world in over fifty exhibitions and publications including American Photographer, Camera and Darkroom, & more. He has taught workshops at the International Center for Photography in NYC and the Maine Media Workshops. David launched an online educational tool with video podcasts and other useful information for photographers called “The Wells Point.” Check out his portfolio site at www.davidhwells.com.
Temu Nana
Senior Trip Leader, Photo Instructor
TRIP LEADER - Temu Nana has been leading educational journeys around the globe for 15 years, and in particular photo tours the past 10 years with Open Sky Expeditions. As a successful professional tour manager—given his extensive experience in travel logistics, attention to detail, and knack for making people feel at ease—Temu’s ambitious international travel schedule quickly accelerated photography from a fun hobby to a profession. And in the process, he discovered an aptitude for teaching others how to compose the most compelling images and most effectively use their photo equipment. That he has done so while on tour in countless environments on all 7 continents give him an edge that can’t be learned in a classroom, or even by the most seasoned photo pros that simply host a trip here and there.
Temu led our previous South India trips, and very much looks forward to returning with you.
You can find his photography online at www.tknanaphoto.com.
WORDS FROM OUR 2019 INDIA TRAVELERS
“You guys are great - so organized and helpful...everyone at Open Sky made this a seamless journey. I had never used a
tour company before...I think the level of detail and care allowed me to focus on photography and trust the rest would
be handled. Loved it - would highly recommend you and would go anywhere with Temu.”
“Well done! Excellent team - David Temu Dennis - couldn't have asked for more - we dipped in to so many of the sights, sounds, and smells of India - I feel full (for now) Thank you!!”
“Open Sky Expeditions truly cares about their clients; they make us feel comfortable and at home even when we’re in the other side of the planet!”
BOOKING THIS TRIP
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
We're happy to assist! Please contact us at info@openskyexpeditions.com, or call us at 1.844.OPENSKY or +1.212.441.0024.
FYI, ONCE YOU BOOK
Once you are confirmed for the trip, we'll provide helpful pre-departure information including a pre-trip timeline & insurance recommendations. Flight booking guidelines and a private portal for participants will follow at the appropriate time.
TRIP REQUIREMENTS
To participate on this trip, you will need to:
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Passport: Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends
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Travel Insurance: Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation. This can be obtained after booking the trip. CLICK HERE to view details on the options offered via our partner Travel Insured International.
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Visa: Complete the following two requirements online for entry to India, per the straightforward instructions we'll send you in advance:
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For U.S. citizens: Obtain an e-visa online within 30 to 4 days of arrival.
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If this requirement is still in place: Fill in a Self-Declaration Form within 15 days of arrival (where you attest to your health status & can upload a vaccine certificate).
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TRIP BROCHURE PDF
View this trip's PDF Brochure for full details (including a map of the route we take, day-by-day itineraries of the main trip and extensions, leader bios, accommodations, rates, inclusions, and terms and conditions).