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A fiore india theyyam ceremony 8 PEOPLE MAXIMUM


South India, The Theyyam Festival

7,900 US$ Full: Click for Next Date

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

We begin in Mumbai, where the energy of the Old City offers compelling street photography. From there, we travel south to Kannur for three days and the Theyyam Festival, an ancient ritual where performers, adorned in elaborate red, white, and gold costumes, transform into deities. Their faces, painted in vivid hues, take on an otherworldly presence as they enact mesmerizing dances, embodying spirits and divine beings.

Illuminated by flickering firelight, these all-night performances cast dramatic shadows, heightening the intensity of the ritual. The rhythmic drumbeats and chants create an immersive atmosphere, offering incredible portrait and action photography opportunities. Every detail, from intricate face paint to towering headdresses, tells a story of faith, mythology, and artistic devotion.

Next, we capture the grandeur of the Kerala Elephant Festival in Thrissur, where majestic, bejeweled elephants parade through the streets, led by drummers and dancers. The festival’s rich pageantry makes it a dream for photographers.

In Cochin, we explore the historic Jewish Quarter, Dutch Palace, and Vasco da Gama Church before photographing the famed Chinese fishing nets at sunrise.

We gain exclusive and private access to a Kathakali performance, an opportunity few ever experience. Renting the entire theater, we capture not only the dramatic spectacle but also the intimate transformation of the performers. From the precise application of vivid makeup to the donning of elaborate costumes, we witness the sacred metamorphosis before they take the stage. This behind-the-scenes access offers a rare photographic and cultural experience, bringing us closer to the soul of Kathakali.

Finally, a private Kerala backwaters cruise offers intimate portraits of daily life, from fishermen to vibrant riverside markets.

EXPLORE NOMAD'S INDIA

photo tour to india in theyyam

HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

- Our three-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.

 

- Private Photographic sessions at the Kalamandalam School of Dance.

 

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

 

- Our days 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 the theatre 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.

 

- Our daily life in Benares, staying beside the Ganges, in close contact with the people of our ghat: pilgrims, barbers, flower salesmen, boatmen, Holy Men, and the occasional tourist. (*)

 

- Exclusive private photographic sessions with Sadhus and Holy Men in unique, sacred locations throughout Varanasi. (*)

 

 

(*) 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.

We begin 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. Their faces, painted in vivid hues, take on an otherworldly presence as they enact mesmerizing dances, embodying spirits and divine beings.

Theyyam is an ancient ritualistic art form from Kerala, rooted in Dravidian traditions that predate classical Hinduism. The word Theyyam comes from “Deyvam” (meaning God) and “Aattam” (meaning dance), making Theyyattam the Dance of the Gods. It is a form of living worship, where the performer does not merely represent the deity but is believed to embody the divine presence during the ritual.

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.

This trip was my third with Harry, after two in India, and a true testament to his ability and to the opportunities he exposes us to is that I am planning trips number four and five only 10 days after my return from Ethiopia.

The trip to Ethiopia was a dream come true. It felt as though I had been dropped right into the pages of National Geographic Magazine, which I read as a child, and which instilled a thirst for travel to Africa.

Harry ‘s organization and guidance leave nothing to chance. He uses wonderful people on the ground to drive, guide, and make each experience seamless. The festivals and amazing opportunities, remote and wonderful locations are trademarks of his trips.

Harry is a genuine character, with a wonderful sense of humour, an eye for the magic in photographic situations, and a natural teacher’s ability to explain how to make use of light,
line and composition in our shots.

Thank you Harry for an unforgettable experience.

Ynda Greenberg (Toronto, Ontario)



ITINERARY

 

Day 1. Feb 11 - MUMBAI

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

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

Day 2. February 12 - 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.

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

Day 3. February 13 - 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.

Overnight in the Hotel.

 

 

Day 4. February 14 - 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.

Overnight in the Hotel.

 


Day 5. February 15 - 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.

Overnight in the Hotel.



Day 6. February 16 - THRISSUR- KALAMANADALAM DANCE SCHOOL - COCHIN

After breakfast we will head out to see the Kalamandalam School of Dance for a scheduled photo shoot.
The school was founded by the famous poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon. It has become an important and universally known name in India, renowned for preserving cultural heritage. It is a residential school, and though the structure itself is not overly ornate, the performances inside the simple classrooms are astounding. We will have a guided tour of the classes and time to interact and photograph some of the dancer students and teachers.

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.

Overnight in the Hotel.

 



Day 7. February 17 - 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.


Overnight in the Hotel

 

 

Day 8. February 18 - 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.

Overnight in the Houseboat

 

 

Day 9. February 19 - COCHIN – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES and/or VARANASI EXTENSION DEPARTURES

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

International Flight departures.  Local Flights for Varanasi for those taking the optional extension.

 



EXTENSIONS

Varanasi (19 Feb 2026)


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.

 

            I’ve been traveling through India for over 40 years, and despite my countless visits, it remains one of the most unpredictable—and rewarding—destinations for a photographer. For the past 14 years, I have always ended my journeys with a few days in Varanasi, drawn back by its energy, its stories, and its endless photographic possibilities. 

 

This is where I captured the photograph that earned me first place —before my disqualification— in the 2012 National Geographic World Photo Contest in the "Places" category. (The last National Geographic World Photo contest took place in 2014.)  You can see some of the images of Varanasi here.

 

I often think I’ve seen it all, but India always proves me wrong.


We stay in a very special and seldom-known ghat, away from the usual tourist crowds. Here, in a charming boutique hotel overlooking the river, we find a peaceful retreat amidst the city's intensity. The location offers a deeper, more authentic connection to Varanasi, allowing us to witness daily rituals and life unfolding naturally, without the distractions of mass tourism.

 

We also step away from the usual routes, visiting off-the-beaten-path areas, hidden private houses, and even a couple of old palaces, places that few travelers get to see. To create truly unique images, we organize a private day of photography sessions in special locations, where we work with holy men and sadhus, capturing their striking presence, elaborate attire, and deep spiritual intensity in a way that feels intimate and meaningful.

 

 

 

Day 1. Feb 19 - COCHIN-VARANASI

Late morning flight and, on arrival, after getting to our hotel we will start..

 

 

Days       2,3,4 - VARANASI

 

Varanasi is unlike any other place on Earth. It is not just a city; it is an experience, a sensory overload, a place where time seems to stand still yet moves in endless cycles of life, death, and rebirth. For a photographer, it is an ever-changing tableau of rituals, devotion, and human emotion, where every street, every ghat, and every moment presents a new story waiting to be captured.

 

It’s late for Varanasi—seven o’clock in the morning—and, at first glance, everything of photographic interest seems to have nearly vanished. The blue and golden light has disappeared. I remain by the ghats, camera in hand, photographing people as they immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the Ganges.

 

Our days in Varanasi begin before dawn, at the very first light, when the city is still half-asleep, and only the riverbanks stir with quiet devotion. We make our way to the ghats, where priests and worshippers gather for the morning Aarti, an offering to the sacred Ganges. Flames flicker in the pre-dawn darkness as chants echo through the air, and floral offerings, lit with tiny flames, float gently downstream. The contrast of fire and water, light and shadow, devotion and routine creates an atmosphere unlike any other—a scene that is both mystical and deeply human.

 

As the sun rises, the ghats come to life. Fishermen cast their nets, washerwomen slap wet clothes against stone steps, and children splash in the river. Families perform rituals for their ancestors, Brahmins offer shaves and blessings, and cows lazily wander between groups of pilgrims. Stray dogs nap in the warm morning sun, while chai vendors set up their stalls. Each ghat has its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own faithful devotees.

 

Later in the day, we cross the river to the quieter, lesser-visited side of Varanasi. Here, we find peace and a different perspective of the city—a panoramic view of the ghats, the distant hum of rituals, and the silhouette of temples against the sky. This side of the river offers a moment of calm, away from the intensity of the city.

 

As evening approaches, we prepare for the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony, where massive oil lamps are lifted in synchronized movements, chants fill the air, and hundreds gather in devotion. We take a boat onto the river to capture the event from a different angle—the glowing lamps reflecting off the water, the smoke curling into the night sky, and the city of Varanasi illuminated by faith and fire.

 

Our days in Varanasi are filled with discovery, photography, and deep connection to the pulse of one of the most ancient and sacred cities in the world. Each day brings something unexpected, and each photograph tells a timeless story.

 

 

Day 5. Feb 23 - VARANASI AIRPORT

Early morning flight. International departures.

 

 

 

 



Prices per person
9-10 Participants 7,900 US$


Supplements
SIngle Room Supplement 650 US$
Single Room Varanasi Optional Extension 350 US$


Extensions
Varanasi 3,900 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.

 

 

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 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 Varanasi. (We will book the flight on your behalf)
- 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