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South India, The Theyyam Festival and Holi

8,900 US$09 Mar 2027

This very unique South India Photo Tour begins in Mumbai, where the energy of the Old City offers compelling street photography. From there, we travel south to Kannur for the Theyyam Festival, one of India’s most visually striking and ancient rituals. This sacred tradition, dating back thousands of years, is a profound cultural experience where performers, draped in elaborate red, white, and gold costumes, undergo a dramatic transformation into deities.

Next, we experience the grandeur of the Kerala Elephant Festival in Thrissur. Here, majestic elephants, adorned with intricate headpieces, tassels, and colorful fabrics, parade through the streets, led by vibrant drummers and exuberant dancers. The festival’s rich pageantry and intense energy make it a dream setting for action photography and cultural documentation.

Our private access to a Kathakali performance offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness this ancient art form in its most authentic and intimate setting. By renting the entire theater, we go beyond the stage performance, capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments—the detailed makeup application, the precise tying of elaborate costumes, and the performers’ quiet moments of meditation before their transformation.

EXPLORE NOMAD'S INDIA

 

photo tour to india in theyyam

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

- Our two-day photographic coverage of the night fire Theyyam ceremonies, which can last throughout the night, offers a rare opportunity to capture the raw intensity and spiritual depth of this ancient ritual.

 

- The Elephant Festival, led by throngs of drummers and whirling dancers.

 

- Experience the incredible luxury of Kerala’s viridian hills and plantations, and visit Cochin.

 

Our cruise aboard a private boat, cruising through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, accompanied by our crew and personal cook, who prepares fresh, local cuisine.

 

- Our private Kathakali performance in a theatre that is entirely booked just for us. From the makeup and dressing rooms to the performance itself, we will have the opportunity to photograph the dancers at all stages of the event

 

- Exclusive private Holi celebration held in the residence of a Maharaja(*)

 

 

(*) Activities belonging to the optional extension

 

Our journey is a carefully curated photographic adventure, capturing India’s most vibrant traditions, dynamic festivals, and breathtaking landscapes.

At the core of this sacred tradition is the Kolam, the performer who undergoes an elaborate transformation through intricate face paint, towering headgear, and vibrant costumes. The term Kolam, meaning figure, shape, or form, signifies this divine metamorphosis. The ritual includes intense drumming, rhythmic movements, fire-walking, and possession-like states, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that blurs the lines between human and divine.

A similar tradition, known as Kolam dance, exists in Tulunad, north of Kolathunad, where it serves as a form of Bhoota (spirit) worship. In this practice, the ritual is performed before sthānams—sacred spaces where spirits are believed to reside. The performers invoke the Bhootas through dance, channeling their presence for the devotees, just as Theyyam does with the deities in Kerala.

Both traditions reflect the region’s deep-rooted animistic and folk beliefs, where gods and spirits are not distant celestial beings but living entities that interact with the community, offering blessings, guidance, and sometimes even justice through the medium of the performer.

Next, we experience the grandeur of the Kerala Elephant Festival in Thrissur. Here, majestic elephants, adorned with intricate headpieces, tassels, and colorful fabrics, parade through the streets, led by vibrant drummers and exuberant dancers. The festival’s rich pageantry and intense energy make it a dream setting for action photography and cultural documentation.

In Cochin, we explore its diverse heritage, photographing the historic Jewish Quarter, Dutch Palace, and Vasco da Gama Church. We capture the famed Chinese fishing nets at sunrise, as fishermen haul in their catches against the golden light. At the renowned Kalamandalam Dance School, we document expressive classical dance performances and the artistry of students in training. 

Our private access to a Kathakali performance offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness this ancient art form in its most authentic and intimate setting. By renting the entire theater, we go beyond the stage performance, capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments—the detailed makeup application, the precise tying of elaborate costumes, and the performers’ quiet moments of meditation before their transformation. Each movement, each expression is deliberate, narrating powerful mythological stories through rhythmic gestures and live Carnatic music. The weighty costumes, the towering headdresses, and the vivid colors add to the grandeur, but our privileged access allows us to document the human side of this sacred tradition—the dedication, discipline, and artistry that bring it to life.

Finally, we embark on a private cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, where life unfolds in peaceful rhythms. We capture intimate portraits of villagers, fishermen casting their nets, bustling riverside markets, and lush green landscapes reflected in calm waters.

 

 

 

The trip to the Theyam and Elephant Festivals in Kerala and the extension to Varanasi was absolutely great. Led by Harry’s colleague, Roberto, the organisation and logistics were smooth (it is India, after all), the locations well planned and the photo-opportunities brilliant.

I particularly wanted to take action shots at night and there was ample opportunity – you just had to avoid being knocked over by one of the fire carrying “gods”.

Roberto was a great tour leader – organised, helpful and very friendly. We were a small group, who worked well together. I look forward to another trip.

 

Paul Greenfield - Australia

 



ITINERARY

 

DAY 1. MARCH 9 - MUMBAI

Arrival to Mumbai airport. On arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in.
Afternoon introductory briefing and first exploration of the city.

Photographic Opportunities

The life and pulse of Mumbai’s streets, the contrasts of old and new architecture, street vendors and markets, and the evening atmosphere as the city begins to reveal its layers of energy and movement.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

DAY 2. MARCH 10- MUMBAI- KANNUR - THEYYAM FESTIVAL

Today we will fly from Mumbai to Kannur. On this night, depending on the schedule, we will attend and photograph a Theyyam dance – ornate red and white costumes covered in beads and cloth make the men with faces painted red and startling, look like crested, towering creatures of myth as they perform this ancient, several millennia old ritual that is integral to how their people view the world.

The dance may last the entire evening and well into the night.

Photographic Opportunities

Night scenes illuminated by firelight, painted faces of Theyyam performers in transformation, priests and drummers, crowds gathered under temple lights, and the atmosphere of devotion that surrounds this millennia-old ritual.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

DAY 3. MARCH 11- KANNUR - THEYYAM FESTIVAL

Morning to recover from the very  late night and to see some of the rituals in the day time.  Or relax at the beach or explore some of the nearby fishing villages.

Late evening again visits the dance at the local temple.

Theyyam is a corruption for Deyvam ‘God’. 'Aattam' means dance.  Thus 'Theyyaattam' means the God’s Dance.  The person who plays and personifies the deity is generally called ‘Kolam’.   The word Kolam means figure or shape or make-up in Tamil and Malayalam. In Tulunad, north of Kolathunaad, the custom of Kolam dance is widely prevalent as a form of worship of the Bhootas or spirits.  There, the dance was conducted before the sthaanams, where the Bhoothas or the spirits used to reside.

The dance may last the entire evening and well into the night.

Photographic Opportunities

Faces of Theyyam performers before and after transformation, temple rituals under torchlight, musicians beating drums, women and elders observing in reverence, and the human devotion underlying every gesture of this sacred performance.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 


DAY 4. MARCH 12- KANNUR - THRISSUR - ELEPHANT FESTIVAL

After an early but not too early breakfast, we will drive a few hours out to Thrissur, to see the Elephant Festival.  We will check into the hotel upon arrival.

Ayyamkulangara Kanipayyur is the local word for the Elephant Festival, which is frankly speaking, a photographic dream come true.  Colorfully decorated Elephants wear ribbons and tassels, brightly dyed cloth and beads, parade through the town to the temples, carrying effigies of deities on their backs while gaily dressed drummers and dancers swirl at their feet, leading them along the road to worship.

We will spend all day at the elephant festival, with some scheduled shoots, but mostly, as the festival is so lively and ever changing, this will be a day of more spontaneous photography. We will return to the hotel at night.

Photographic Opportunities

Parades of caparisoned elephants, temple musicians and dancers in motion, portraits of mahouts and pilgrims, reflections of gold and silk under tropical light, and candid moments from one of Kerala’s most photogenic festivals.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.




DAY 5. MARCH 13- THRISSUR- ELEPHANT CAMP - COCHIN

After breakfast, drive to visit the The Elephant Camp in Guruvayur, also known as Punnathur Kotta, is a unique sanctuary that houses over 50 elephants owned by the famous Guruvayur Temple in Kerala. Located about 3 km from the temple, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe elephants up close as they are bathed, fed, and trained for temple rituals and processions.  The camp reflects Kerala’s deep cultural and spiritual connection with elephants.  Visitors can witness the gentle giants’ daily routines and learn about their care, traditions, and significance in temple festivals, making it an unforgettable and educational experience


After our photo session we will head to Cochin, and arrive in the early evening.

After check in at our hotel we will go out just before sunset for a boat cruise to see the chinese fishing nets being hauled in just as the sun sinks below the horizon.  We have hand selected the spot so they we will have the best possible shots of the fishermen and the atmosphere.

Photographic Opportunities

Elephants being bathed and prepared for temple ceremonies, intimate scenes of mahouts at work, reflections and silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets at sunset, fishermen hauling nets by hand, and the soft changing light over Cochin’s harbor.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 



DAY 6-7. MARCH 14-15 - COCHIN - PRIVATE KATHAKALI SESSION - CHINESE NETS

Early in the morning we will head out to photograph fishermen in the harbor, again taking in the Chinese fishing nets at sunrise, then on to the fish market, the colorful and photogenic local laundry, and a few other surprises on the streets along the way.

We will also take time out today to visit a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch Palace, and the Vasco D’ Gama Church, with ample time to photograph the architecture and learn about the region´s culture.

Our private access to a Kathakali performance offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness this ancient art form in its most authentic and intimate setting. By renting the entire theater, we go beyond the stage performance, capturing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments—the detailed makeup application, the precise tying of elaborate costumes, and the performers’ quiet moments of meditation before their transformation.

Each movement, each expression is deliberate, narrating powerful mythological stories through rhythmic gestures and live Carnatic music.

The weighty costumes, the towering headdresses, and the vivid colors add to the grandeur, but our privileged access allows us to document the human side of this sacred tradition—the dedication, discipline, and artistry that bring it to life.

Photographic Opportunities

Morning fishing and market activity, portraits in Cochin’s colonial streets, architectural photography in historical landmarks, and the rare behind-the-scenes documentation of Kathakali preparation and performance in a private setting.

 

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

DAY 8. MARCH 16- BACKWATERS OF KERALA ON OUR PRIVATE HOUSE-BOAT

After breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey, the boarding point for the houseboat that will take us through the backwaters of Kerala.

We will have private houseboat with your own cook and staff.  Once we reach Muhamma we will visit the village market and see some coir making.  Then, the cruise will proceed to Pathiramanel and anchor for overnight stay.  Alleppey is a small town situated in the Backwaters of Kerala, and it is the ideal place to start a cruise along the winding waterways, lakes and canals of this peaceful area. There is a long stretch of beach to wander along and several interesting small churches to visit.

The romantic and unique Backwaters of Kerala are made up of a labyrinth of canals and lakes that stretch between the capital Cochin and the town of Quilon to the south.

From the vastness of Lake Vembanad to the quiet streams just large enough for a canoe, the Backwaters form the arteries through which rural daily life calmly flows – you will get the chance to capture with your camera the tranquility of life here; children splashing in the water, women washing clothes at the water's edge, fishermen up to their necks in water digging out fish with their feet, rice barges transporting coconuts and rice and of course the stunning backdrop of lush forest reflecting green off the river as our boat sails calmly by.

Photographic Opportunities

Reflections of palm trees on still canals, daily routines along the water, portraits of fishermen and families, textures of boats and nets, and the golden tones of Kerala’s backwaters at sunset.

 

Overnight in a boutique Hotel

 

 

DAY 9. MARCH 17- COCHIN – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES and/or HOLI EXTENSION DEPARTURES

We will slowly return on our boats to Allepey and from there to Cochin.

Free day. Local Flights for Delhi for those taking the optional extension.

Photographic Opportunities

Morning scenes on the canals, final images of life on the backwaters, and quiet reflections marking the end of the journey.

 

 

DAY 10. MARCH 18- COCHIN – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES  

International Flights departures.

 

 



EXTENSIONS

Holi in a Palace (17 Mar 2027)


IMPORTANT: The extension requires a minimum of four participants to proceed, ensuring both logistical feasibility and the highest quality experience. If the minimum is not met, we will explore alternatives to make the trip possible. One option is a reasonable price adjustment, which would allow us to maintain the same level of service while accommodating a smaller group. We will always communicate these options transparently, prioritizing your experience and comfort.

 

Holi, the Festival of Colors, remains one of the most fascinating and visually spectacular celebrations in India — a joyful explosion of pigments, music, and shared happiness. Yet, over the years, its growing popularity has transformed it into a massive public event, with thousands of attendants converging on the same traditional spots. The result is a festival that, while still vibrant, has become overwhelmingly crowded, physically demanding to navigate, and at times, a challenge in terms of comfort and safety.

 

For photographers and travelers seeking to experience the true spirit of Holi — its beauty, symbolism, and human connection — we have designed an exceptional itinerary that preserves the authenticity and emotion of this ancient celebration. Our journey follows the traditional essence of Holi, allowing space for genuine encounters and photographic depth, while avoiding the chaos of mass gatherings.

 

The experience culminates in a private celebration held in the residence of a Maharaja, where Holi is lived in its most refined form — a limited-attendance, exclusive event that combines royal tradition, elegance, and comfort. Here, surrounded by history, music, and color, participants can enjoy the festival’s magic as it was once celebrated by India’s noble families — intimate, joyful, and unforgettable.

 

 

Day 01 – March 17, 2027 (Wednesday): Cochin – Delhi (By flight)

 

Guests joining the post-extension program fly from Cochin to Delhi on Air India flight AI 536 (ETD 16:50 / ETA 20:15 hrs). The baggage allowance on this flight is 15 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of hand baggage. Upon arrival in Delhi, we are met and greeted by our representative and transferred to our hotel for a restful evening after the journey.

 

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Pride Plaza Aerocity – Deluxe Room, Delhi

 

 

 

Day 02 – March 18, 2027 (Thursday): Delhi – Vrindavan (By surface approx. 160 km / 3 hrs)

 

After breakfast, we drive to Vrindavan, one of India’s holiest towns, deeply woven into the legends of Lord Krishna. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and later proceed to Mathura to photograph one of India’s most culturally vibrant and spiritually resonant Holi celebrations. Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, transforms into a living canvas of color, music, and devotion during this festival. At Krishna’s Janmabhoomi Temple, we witness how Holi transcends festivity to become an act of faith — devotional songs, traditional processions, and the play of colors unite thousands in shared joy. 

We spend the afternoon photographing the various temples of Mathura where the celebrations unfold in ecstatic rhythms of sound, color, and devotion before returning to Vrindavan in the evening.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nidhivan Sarovar Portico – Deluxe Room, Vrindavan

 

Photographic Opportunities:
Temples alive with color and devotion, Holi processions at Krishna Janmabhoomi, portraits of pilgrims covered in vibrant powder, devotional musicians and drummers, the fervor of temple prayers, chaotic yet harmonious gatherings in narrow alleys, and fleeting emotional moments of reverence and joy as faith and festivity merge.

 

 

 

Day 03 – March 19, 2027 (Friday): Vrindavan – Gokul Holi – Vrindavan (By surface approx. 30 km / 1 hr each way)

 

After breakfast, we drive to the nearby village of Gokul, deeply associated with the childhood of Lord Krishna. Here, Holi is celebrated in its most intimate and traditional form, centered around Murli Dhar Ghat and local temples. The stories of Krishna’s playful pranks with Radha and the Gopis are re-enacted through vibrant rituals and joyous exchanges of color. 

We photograph the unique Chadi Mar Holi (or Chadimar Holi), where women representing the Gopis playfully strike men with thin sticks while the men defend themselves with shields, reenacting Krishna’s legendary mischief. The laughter, music, and vivid energy of Gokul make this one of the most captivating Holi celebrations in India. We return to Vrindavan in the evening.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nidhivan Sarovar Portico – Deluxe Room, Vrindavan

 

Photographic Opportunities:
Dynamic scenes of Chadi Mar Holi at Murli Dhar Ghat, candid portraits of laughing participants, clouds of color in temple courtyards, spiritual intensity in devotees’ faces, musicians playing traditional instruments, vivid saris and turbans, and intimate glimpses into village life steeped in Krishna devotion.

 

 

 

Day 04 – March 20, 2027 (Saturday): Vrindavan – Abhaneri – Jaipur (By surface approx. 245 km / 5 hrs)

 

After breakfast, we drive to Jaipur with a stop at Abhaneri, a village famous for its astonishing ancient stepwell — the Chand Baori. Built over 1,300 years ago, its thirteen levels of steps descend geometrically to a narrow pool of water, once serving as a vital reservoir in this arid region. Nearby, the small temple complex and surrounding mud dwellings of the Meena tribes reveal a timeless rural aesthetic. We spend time exploring and photographing the village, where houses are adorned with floral and animal motifs drawn by hand on their walls. 

After this visit, we continue to Jaipur, the resplendent Pink City, founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its palaces and streets echo tales of valor and royal refinement.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Diggi Palace – Heritage Room, Jaipur

 

Photographic Opportunities:
Ancient symmetry of Chand Baori’s architecture, reflections in the stepwell water, Meena tribal houses decorated with vivid motifs, portraits of local villagers, intimate scenes of rural Rajasthan, and the warm golden light enveloping Abhaneri’s timeless atmosphere.

 

 

 

Day 05 – March 21, 2027 (Sunday): Jaipur

 

After breakfast, we begin the day with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, the iconic “Palace of Winds,” a five-story facade with 953 latticed windows from which royal women once observed city life unseen. We then continue to the Amber Fort, rising majestically over the Aravalli Hills. Its ramparts, gateways, and mirrored halls recall the opulence of Rajput rule. We ascend by jeep to the palace and explore its courtyards and marble terraces. Later, we visit the sixteenth-century Panna Meena Ka Kund, a stepwell famed for its geometric stairways and octagonal pavilions. Locals say no one can descend and ascend using the same set of steps — a playful mystery that invites photographers to test the illusion. 

In the afternoon, we explore the “Pink City,” photographing the City Palace with its blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory built by King Jai Singh II. As the sun sets, we capture the vibrant pulse of Jaipur’s bazaars, the vegetable markets, and the devotional fervor at Radha Govinda Temple.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Diggi Palace – Heritage Room, Jaipur

 

Photographic Opportunities:
Architectural details of Hawa Mahal’s lattice windows, the grandeur of Amber Fort, geometric patterns of Panna Meena Ka Kund, artisans in local markets, temple worshipers at dusk, street vendors, the warm hues of Jaipur’s old city, and intimate human moments among the crowds.

 

 

 

Day 06 – March 22, 2027 (Monday): Jaipur – Holi Festival

 

After breakfast, we experience one of India’s most joyous and meaningful festivals — Holi — in a private celebration hosted by a noble family at Diggi Palace. Here, Holi becomes an elegant yet exuberant affair. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with traditional music played on the chung, followed by refreshments and introductions to the hosts and their guests. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, music, and anticipation as we step into the gardens to join the celebration. Organic gulal powders in shades of vermilion, saffron, and emerald are playfully thrown into the air, covering all in radiant color. 

Live cultural performances add rhythm and movement to the morning, while a sumptuous buffet lunch follows. In the afternoon, we explore and photograph the streets of Jaipur, capturing the lingering joy and color that infuse the city after the festivities.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Diggi Palace – Heritage Room, Jaipur

 

Photographic Opportunities:
Candid portraits during Holi at Diggi Palace, elegant moments among guests and musicians, bursts of color mid-air, cultural performances, traditional attire drenched in pigments, spontaneous street scenes in post-Holi Jaipur, and reflective portraits of people washed in vivid hues.

 

 

 

Day 07 – March 23, 2027 (Tuesday): Jaipur – Delhi (By surface approx. 300 km / 5 hrs) – Departure

 

After breakfast, we drive back to Delhi International Airport to board our homebound flights, carrying with us indelible memories of Holi’s colors, Rajasthan’s architecture, and the faces and stories that gave life to this journey.

 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Day use / Departure – No overnight stay

 

 

 



Prices per person
9-10 Participants 8,900 US$


Supplements
SIngle Room Supplement 950 US$
Single Room Optional Extension 550 US$


Extensions
Holi in a Palace 4,900 US$


WHAT'S INCLUDED

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  A limited quantity of single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional charge.

 

The maximum number of participants are listed under "Maximum Group" in the Price section of each individual workshop. However, we reserve the right to add by up to two , the maximum number of participants per workshop at any time.

 

We reserve the right to amend prices of unsold tours at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed tours. Under our General Terms, confirmed tour prices may rise in specific cases.

 

 

Included

 

- Workshop Leaders: Harry Fisch and/or Roberto Pazzi
- All meals, except on the first and last day. 
- Gratuities: baggage porterage, driver and assistant, housekeeping, and meals served as part of the tour. (This does not include the customary gratuity for your guide on the main itinerary and optional extension.)
- Transfers upon arrival and departure
- Private bus, large. air conditioned
- One internal flight (main trip) included
- Lodging in 4-star hotels and excellent local and boutique hotels. Luxury House-Boat
- Double room, double occupancy
- Private bath and air conditioning
- Visits and activities as specified in the itinerary


Not Included

 

- International flights
- Local Flight from Cochi to the extension starting in Delhi. (We will book the flight on your behalf, aprox 150$)
- Gratuity for guides on the main itinerary and optional extension
- Alcoholic beverages during meals
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Camera insurance
- Visa fees
- Airline taxes
- Any item or service not expressly listed as included