India Photo Tour — February 2027

7:30 AM – Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with Indian and continental options before departure

9:00 AM – Departure for Munnar
Begin your scenic drive into the Western Ghats, passing through lush countryside, spice plantations, and mountain roads

En-route Photography Stops
Pause at picturesque waterfalls and viewpoints for landscape photography and travel storytelling

1:30 PM – Lunch Break
Comfortable lunch stop offering a mix of local Kerala cuisine and continental dishes

3:30 PM – Arrival & Check-in in Munnar
Settle into your hill retreat surrounded by tea plantations and cool mountain air

5:00 PM – Tea Garden Evening Shoot
Gentle photography walk through rolling tea landscapes with opportunities for textures, patterns, and environmental storytelling

6:15 PM – Sunset Mist Session
Capture soft evening light and layered hill views as mist moves across the valleys

7:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner with regional flavours and continental choices

Overnight in Munnar

5:00 AM – Early Breakfast / Packed Breakfast
Light early breakfast at the hotel or packed breakfast boxes provided before departure.

5:30 AM – Departure for Tea Plantations
Travel to selected tea garden locations to prepare for first light.

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Sunrise Model & Local Interaction Shoot
A 4-hour model photography session within the tea plantations, providing rich portrait and storytelling opportunities.

10:30 AM – Return & Rest Time
Return to the hotel for rest, image backup, and recharge.

1:30 PM – Lunch Break
Lunch with Indian and continental options.

3:30 PM – Departure for Evening Locations
Travel to selected tea estate viewpoints and scenic hill roads.

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Golden Hour & Sunset Model Shoot
A second 3-hour model session across selected hill locations, taking advantage of golden-hour and sunset light.

8:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner with Kerala and continental selections.

Overnight in Munnar

6:15 AM – Sunrise Landscape Shoot
Early departure to a panoramic viewpoint to capture layered hills, morning mist, and soft directional light across the tea valleys.

8:30 AM – Breakfast
Return to the hotel for breakfast with Indian and continental options.

10:30 AM – Village Walk & Environmental Photography
Leisurely walk through a nearby village area offering opportunities to document daily life, textures, colours, and candid storytelling moments.

1:30 PM – Lunch & Rest Break
Relaxed lunch followed by downtime to rest, review images, and recharge.

3:30 PM – Waterfall & Nature Photography
Afternoon visit to a scenic waterfall and surrounding forest area for nature photography and creative framing.

6:30 PM – Cultural Performance Experience
Enjoy a traditional Kerala cultural program featuring classical dance or martial art demonstrations.

7:30 PM – Ayurvedic Massage Experience
Unwind with an included Ayurvedic massage session, offering relaxation and rejuvenation after active shooting days.

8:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner with Kerala specialties and continental options.

Overnight in Munnar

8:00 AM – Breakfast & Check-out
Enjoy breakfast with Indian and continental options before departing from the hills.

9:30 AM – Scenic Drive to Alleppey
Begin your journey from Munnar to Alleppey, descending through lush countryside, plantations, and village landscapes with occasional photography stops along the way.

1:30 PM – Lunch En-route
Comfortable lunch stop offering a mix of regional cuisine and continental dishes.

3:30 PM – Arrival & Check-in in Alleppey
Check in to your backwater resort / houseboat setting and take time to settle into the tranquil surroundings.

5:00 PM – Canoe & Backwater Exploration Shoot
Gentle exploration of canals and village waterways, capturing reflections, boats, coconut-lined shores, and everyday life along the backwaters.

6:00 PM – Sunset Backwater Photography
Evening session focusing on warm light, silhouettes, and peaceful water landscapes.

7:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner featuring Kerala coastal flavours alongside continental selections.

Overnight in Alleppey

5:30 AM – Early Breakfast / Packed Breakfast
Light early breakfast at the hotel or packed breakfast boxes provided before departure.

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Sunrise Model Shoot in Backwaters
A 4-hour morning model photography session across selected backwater locations, exploring boat settings, canal-side environments, and soft tropical morning light.

10:30 AM – Return & Rest Time
Return to the hotel for relaxation, image backup, and downtime.

1:30 PM – Lunch Break
Lunch with Indian and continental options.

3:30 PM – Departure for Evening Locations
Travel to curated backwater viewpoints and village surroundings.

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Golden Hour & Sunset Model Shoot
A second 3-hour model session in the backwaters, taking advantage of golden-hour tones, reflections, and serene tropical landscapes.

8:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner with Kerala coastal cuisine and continental selections.

Overnight in Alleppey

6:15 AM – Sunrise Backwater Photography
Early morning session capturing fishermen, boats, reflections, and the calm rhythm of life along the canals.

8:30 AM – Breakfast
Return to the hotel for breakfast with Indian and continental options.

10:30 AM – Village Walk & Lifestyle Photography
Guided walk through nearby backwater villages offering opportunities to photograph daily life, textures, local crafts, and environmental portraits.

1:30 PM – Lunch & Rest Break
Relaxed lunch followed by free time to rest, review images, and recharge.

3:30 PM – Canal & Paddy Field Exploration
Afternoon exploration of surrounding canals and paddy landscapes, focusing on storytelling frames and environmental compositions.

5:45 PM – Sunset Reflection Session
Evening photography session capturing warm light, silhouettes, and tranquil water reflections.

7:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner with regional Kerala dishes and continental selections.

Overnight in Alleppey

8:00 AM – Breakfast & Check-out
Enjoy breakfast with Indian and continental options before departing Alleppey.

9:30 AM – Drive to Kochi
Comfortable transfer to Kochi through coastal Kerala landscapes.

12:30 PM – Arrival & Check-in
Check in to your hotel in Fort Kochi and take time to settle in.

1:30 PM – Lunch Break
Lunch at a local restaurant offering Kerala cuisine and continental dishes.

3:30 PM – Fort Kochi Heritage Walk
Guided photography walk through colonial streets, colourful walls, cafés, and historic lanes, ideal for street and texture photography.

5:45 PM – Chinese Fishing Nets Sunset Shoot
Evening session capturing silhouettes, coastal activity, and golden light along Kochi’s iconic waterfront.

7:30 PM – Group Dinner
Dinner featuring regional flavours alongside continental selections.

Overnight in Kochi

5:30 AM – Early Breakfast / Packed Breakfast
Light early breakfast at the hotel or packed breakfast boxes provided before departure.

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Sunrise Coastal Model Shoot
Morning model photography session across selected Fort Kochi locations, including coastal viewpoints and quiet streets, making use of soft morning light and serene surroundings.

10:30 AM – Return & Rest Time
Return to the hotel for relaxation, image backup, and downtime.

1:30 PM – Lunch Break
Lunch with Indian and continental options.

3:30 PM – Departure for Evening Locations
Travel to curated coastal and heritage spots for the afternoon session.

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Golden Hour & Sunset Model Shoot
A second 4-hour indoor Fine Art figure session.

8:30 PM – Group Dinner
Farewell dinner with Kerala specialties and continental selections.

Overnight in Kochi

8:30 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with Indian and continental options.

Morning at Leisure
Free time to rest, pack, take a short walk in Fort Kochi, or revisit favourite nearby spots for personal photography.

Check-out & Airport Transfers
Private transfers arranged to Cochin International Airport (COK) according to your flight schedule.

As your South India photography journey concludes, depart with a diverse collection of images, shared experiences, and lasting creative inspiration.

Tour Concludes in Kochi

Everything you need for a seamless and inspiring South India photography experience is thoughtfully included — simply bring your camera and creative vision.

Three dedicated model shooting days across Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi in carefully curated locations

Additional landscape, street, village, and cultural photography sessions throughout the journey

Professional models styled to complement Kerala’s natural and cultural environments

Guided street, village, and people photography walks

Access to curated indoor and outdoor shooting locations across Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi

Comfortable stays in premium boutique and selected five-star properties, including scenic backwater accommodation

Private ground transportation between cities in an air-conditioned vehicle

All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local and continental options)

Model releases for all professional model sessions

Cultural experiences including a traditional performance in Munnar

Included Ayurvedic massage and wellness experience for relaxation during the tour

All entry fees and location permits included

Refreshments and snacks during extended shoot days

Welcome kit and curated small surprises throughout the journey

Full on-ground coordination and support from arrival to departure

All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Kerala specialties alongside continental options

Refreshments and snacks provided during extended shooting days

Group dinners at carefully selected restaurants and cafés with scenic or heritage surroundings

Special culinary experiences showcasing authentic Kerala flavours and regional dishes

To capture Kerala’s landscapes, culture, and everyday life at their best, we recommend bringing:

Any camera brand — DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality compact

Lenses — Bring what you have, but ideally:

Wide-angle (14–24mm) for tea plantations, backwaters, and landscapes

Mid-range zoom (24–70mm) for street scenes, portraits, and general storytelling

Telephoto (70–200mm) for candid moments, compressed landscapes, and distant subjects

Tripod — Recommended for sunrise, sunset, reflections, and low-light situations (lightweight preferred; some locations may restrict tripod use)

Remote shutter release — Helpful for long exposures and stability

High-speed memory cards — Reliable, large-capacity cards for smooth shooting and backups

Laptop (optional) — Useful for image review, editing, and storage on the go

Portable hard drive (essential) — Daily backup is strongly recommended

Comfortable backpack — To carry camera gear, batteries, memory cards, and water during walks and shoots

Power bank — For phones and small accessories during long days

Lens cleaning kit — Important for humid and outdoor environments

Need help choosing or upgrading equipment?
We’re happy to guide you before the journey 

• Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid tropical conditions, with light layers for cooler hill mornings in Munnar

• Modest outfits recommended for temple visits and local village walks

• Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals for relaxed backwater environments

• Hat, scarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor sessions

• Universal plug adapter (India uses Type C, D, and M sockets)

• Photographers who enjoy environmental portraiture, street scenes, and cultural storytelling

• Creatives seeking immersive, meaningful visual experiences beyond typical travel photography

• Anyone looking to build a distinctive and diverse travel portfolio across landscapes, people, and culture

• Artists eager to explore both well-known highlights and quieter, atmospheric corners of South India

• Mid-February offers excellent photography conditions with comfortable weather and the driest, clearest conditions of the entire Kerala year

• February falls inside Kerala’s utsavam temple-festival season — caparisoned elephants, percussion ensembles, and colour through the streets of small towns

• Misty mornings in Munnar’s tea hills paired with glowing sunsets over Alleppey’s backwaters and Kochi’s coast

• These dates sit across UK February half term and US Presidents’ week, so most participants travel using very little annual leave

• Tripod use may be restricted at certain temples, cultural venues, and crowded public areas

• Natural light is encouraged; flash photography should be avoided during performances, rituals, and sensitive moments

• Maintain a respectful presence and blend into the environment, particularly in sacred spaces and local communities

Seamless & Comfortable Logistics

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all intercity travel across Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi

• No domestic flights required — a relaxed overland route designed for comfort and scenic transitions

• Premium boutique and selected five-star properties offering comfort, character, and scenic surroundings

• Airport transfers, internal transport, and daily logistics fully coordinated throughout the journey

• Local facilitators and on-ground team support accompanying you during key experiences and movements

• Dress modestly when visiting temples and traditional community spaces

• Always seek permission before taking close-up portraits of individuals

• Respect photography restrictions at sacred rituals, performances, and culturally sensitive areas

• Moderate fitness recommended due to walking, steps, and occasional uneven terrain

• Regular rest periods thoughtfully built into the itinerary between shooting sessions

• Hotel Wi-Fi available at accommodations; connectivity may be limited in some rural or backwater areas

• Valid passport with Indian e-Tourist Visa (apply online prior to travel)

• Travel insurance mandatory (recommended to cover both personal health and photography equipment)

• Munnar: Cool and refreshing hill climate (approx. 15–27°C / 59–81°F) with misty mornings and soft atmospheric light

• Alleppey: Warm tropical weather (approx. 24–32°C / 75–90°F) with gentle humidity and glowing sunsets over the backwaters

• Kochi: Coastal conditions with warm days, sea breeze, and vibrant golden-hour light along heritage streets and harbour areas

• An ideal season for misty hill landscapes, serene water reflections, and relaxed golden-hour photography across Kerala

Tour Price

• $4,999 USD per photographer (approx. €4,350 / £3,750) — Double occupancy

• $5,999 USD per photographer (approx. €5,200 / £4,500) — Single occupancy

• $2,499 USD (approx. €2,200 / £1,900) — Non-photographer partner (shared room, no model shoot participation)

Prices are listed in USD for international convenience. GBP / EUR equivalents will be calculated at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of booking.

Secure your spot with a 30% advance deposit(non-refundable)
Pay the balance in flexible parts based on booking date
Flights to/from India (Kochi) are not included

Yes — absolutely!

To secure your spot, you only need to pay the 30% advance deposit by the booking deadlines:

After your deposit (the remaining balance can be paid in flexible parts)

• 50% of the balance is due two months before the tour starts

• The remaining 20% is due upon arrival in India

We’re happy to help you arrange a clear payment schedule — just let us know when you apply!

No — I will not be modeling for this tour.
I will be fully dedicated as the organizer and tour leader, staying with the group at all times to ensure everything runs smoothly and that you have the best creative experience possible.

You’ll work with our selected professional models during the styled shoots.

While no vaccinations are legally required to enter India, it’s strongly recommended you check with your doctor or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

Common recommended vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A and B

• Typhoid

• Tetanus

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, etc.)

If you’re traveling from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Tip: Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your health and travel history.

Accommodation is provided on a double occupancy (shared room) basis by default.

Participants who prefer additional privacy may request single occupancy at an additional cost.

The tour includes indoor Fine Art figure sessions — undraped classical studies in the temple-sculpture tradition — as part of the official, organised programme — focused on cultural, artistic, and heritage themes in respectful, authentic settings. Outdoor figure work, glamour, and unofficial private shoots are not offered.

No — meals throughout the journey include a variety of options. While you will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic regional dishes, continental and familiar international choices are also available daily, ensuring comfort and flexibility for all participants.

If you want, you can book your own accommodation, but we do not recommend it.

Please note that all group activities, pickups, and meetings will start from the hotel we arrange — so if you stay elsewhere, you’ll need to arrive at the designated meeting point (our hotel) on time each day.

For the smoothest experience, we suggest staying with the group.
Please email us at team@nikitagordijn.com if you want to inquire about this option.

Sure! We’d be happy to help you with recommendations or local arrangements for extending your stay in India.

Please note, however, that these extra arrangements are not part of the tour package and will need to be discussed and planned separately.

Feel free to email us at team@nikitagordijn.com to discuss your extension plans.

A Creative, Cultural Photography Journey

Street, people, and cultural photography across Kerala’s most visually rich destinations — Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi

Professional model shoots thoughtfully styled to complement natural landscapes, backwaters, and coastal heritage environments

Daily sunrise and golden-hour sessions designed to maximise the best natural light conditions

Small group of maximum 6 photographers to ensure personal creative space and shooting time

A harmonious blend of tranquil nature, slow backwater life, and vibrant coastal culture

• Joining this journey is simple:
• Fill out the online application form to express your interest
• Secure your spot with a 30% Advance non-refundable deposit
• After your deposit, the remaining balance can be paid in flexible parts

• 50% of the balance is due two months before the tour starts

• The remaining 20% is due upon arrival in India

• You’ll receive full travel support, a detailed packing list, and a trip preparation guide
• Fly to Kochi — from the moment you land, we’ll handle everything else