Photography tours, group tours or customized itineraries.
Hampi was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, which flourished from the 14th to the 16th century. The empire was known for its wealth, power, and patronage of art and culture. However, it was eventually conquered and destroyed, leaving behind a remarkable archaeological site that showcases the grandeur of a bygone era.
Hampi is a captivating destination that combines history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Exploring the ruins, soaking in the atmosphere, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage make a visit to Hampi a memorable experience for any traveler.
Best time to Visit:
Throughout the year
Recommended min. duration:
3/4 days
Attractions:
Group of Monuments
Daroji Bear Sanctuary
Landscapes
Activities:
Hiking
Photography
Nearest Airport:
Bengaluru/Hubli
Cost: Starting INR 41,000 /- + GST
Skipper: Neeta Shankar
Cost: Starting INR 41,000 /- + GST
Skipper: Neeta Shankar
There are three different ways to explore Hampi. Depending on the kind of traveler you are, we welcome you to choose your preferred Hampi tour packages.
Our team of ace photographers will guide you on a exciting Hampi Photography Tour to ensure you come back with not only great travel memories but also some stunning photographs.
Exploring the world with like-minded nature-lovers is surely an exciting human experience. Our fixed departure Hampi Group Tour Packages are a safe and fun way to travel for individuals or families alike.
For families and individuals who want a tailor-made holiday to suit their personal needs, we invite you to explore our vast array of packages.
‘Hampi’ is the anglicized version of the Kannada name ‘Hampe’ for a place that stands on the banks of the river Tungabhadra as a hauntingly striking testimony to the extravagance for which the Vijayanagara dominion, of which Hampi was the capital, was famed between the 14th and 16th Centuries.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi will reveal itself as a glorious commemoration of man’s ability to make history that can linger until its significance is revered and preserved.
Here, history, mythology, spirituality, art and architecture come together to make you wonder how a place can bear witness to both glorious and ruinous times, and the facets of men of war and peace, all inhabiting the same Earth, even as the confluence of the rivers Tunga and Bhadra adds an element of natural beauty to the dramatic setting.
This Tour will take you to the throbbing veins of a city in which ancientness lingers at every turn of the road and leaves you amazed with its remnants of splendorous days.
Serving as a base to explore the history that sprawls across acres is a hotel which will ensconce you in modern comforts.
Glorious temples, statues, palaces and other architetural marvels – some intact and some ruined.
In Hampi, almost everything you see right before your eyes can be captured as poems-in-pixels.
Evocative pictures can be made of the temples, the half-destroyed idols of deathless deities, the sacred pushkaranis, the magnificent mantapas, the hills, and the bird’s-eye view of the city from their zeniths.
As the city stupefies you with myriad colours evoking a multitude of emotions, the explorer and the photographer in you might start quibbling over what to behold in sheer surrender and what to capture into a frame through a camera lens.
But perhaps you will want to begin making memories by politely accepting the immense presence of the Virupaksha Temple through the lens of your camera. The temple houses the patron deity of the then Vijayanagara rulers.
The Hampi Bazaar, or the Virupaksha Bazaar, is the street that is located in front of the Virupaksha Temple, and goes all the way to the Matanga Hill. You will see a series of pavilions that were once a part of the prosperous Vijayanagara market, some of which are two-storied and known to have been the abodes of the nobles as well.
The Vittala Temple complex is where you will find the renowned and the ever-mysterious musical pillars. Also, you will be awed by the grandeur of the stone chariot, currently the symbol of Karnataka Tourism, which can be found in this temple complex.
The holy waters of pushkaranis have been diligently reflecting the eastern side of the famous Krishna Temple. While this remains tranquil and still, you can see the varying reflections of the changing hues of the sky overhead.
When a fierce avatar of the otherwise calmingly depicted deity, Vishnu, is sculpted massively enough to overwhelm you with its sheer size and arty assurance, how can you not make a pictorial memory for yourself? We are talking about the Lakshmi Narasimha statue, one of Hampi’s vandalised wonders.
Arguably the most charming form of a deity is Lord Ganesha, worshipped as Vighnaharta or the remover of obstacles. One of the statues of Ganesha in Hampi, called Kadalekalu Ganesha, has been given a belly that resembles the Bengal gram (kadalekalu in Kannada). And at the southern foothill of the Hemakuta Hill sits the monolithic Ganesha statue that is called Sasivekalu (mustard seed in Kannada) Ganesha.
The Elephant Stable, which was built to house the royal elephants of Krishnadevaraya’s army, will enthral you, and you can also photograph the neighbouring building where the mahouts of the time were known to live.
The Achyutaraya Temple, which houses a form of Vishnu called Tiruvengalanatha, stands as the most sophisticated epitome of the Vijayanagara style of architecture, with one of the market streets in front of it. The temple is usually less crowded due to its location away from the other well-known tourist attractions, offering you a priceless opportunity for photography.
In the secular category of historical structures in Hampi is the Lotus Mahal, also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, whose geometrical perfection is astounding. The structural style deviates from the rest of the monuments, and although its exact purpose is unknown, the Lotus Mahal is believed to have been a socialising place for women in the royal family.
Hampi is speckled with iconic structures and numerous temples that will take you back in time. And to help you make the most of the photo opportunities, Skipper will walk with you at every step. Join her in rediscovering the riverside ruins of Hampi, and carry back the stories hidden between the stones in the pixels of your photographs.
It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.
Of course! Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!
However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
Please note: The Tour begins in Hampi at lunchtime, and ends in Hampi after breakfast. Transport between Bengaluru and Hampi will be arranged in shared cabs at extra cost.
We will drive from Bengaluru and arrive at the lodge in Hampi for check-in and lunch, after which we get to know one another better and receive a brief orientation from the Skipper about the region we are about to explore and what to expect over the following days.
We will then see and photograph the renowned statues of Lakshmi Narasimha and Badavi Linga, followed by the Krishna Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha, and Kadalekalu Ganesha.
The next stop is the sunset point at the Hemakuta Hill. After beholding the sunset in all its exquisiteness, we will go back to the hotel and enjoy a ChaayaaChitra session from the Skipper, before having a scrumptious supper and calling it a night.
Making a very early start in the morning, we will explore the hill and the temples present in the vicinity, and get back to the hotel for breakfast. Following this, another enjoyable and educative session, ChitraTantra, will help you incorporate into your photography by having your photos reviewed by the Skipper, before you pamper your taste buds with a delicious lunch.
After a hearty meal, we will set out to visit the magnificent Vittala temple and the gorgeous Kalyani, and then go to the Purandhara Mantapa, just in time for sunset.
In the morning, we will visit the famous Virupaksha temple and explore its surroundings, before returning to the hotel for breakfast and enjoying another interactive session called Charchaaloka.
After lunch, we will watch and photograph Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Pushkarini, Lotus Mahal, Elephant stables, Hazara Rama Temple, and Underground Shiva Temple, after which you will return to the hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Depending on the weather conditions, we will witness yet another splendid sunrise from atop the Matanga Hill or the Anjanadri Hill. Having had a nice time in the hills, we will go back to the hotel for breakfast and leave for Bengaluru.
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.
Anybody interested in travel, heritage and archaeological photography, and is above the age of 18 (unless accompanied by an adult) can participate in this Tour. There are no eligibility criteria.
Most certainly! Although the Tour has been optimized for photography, non-photographers are equally welcome as the Tour offers a wealth of opportunities to understand and appreciate the bygone times and the celebrated history of the Vijayanagara kingdom, of which Hampi was the capital.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away! However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join a Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
While we will use motorized transport to get to the premises from the hotel and back, most or all of the photography will be done on foot. For this reason, at least a minimum fitness level is required.
Considering the nature of the subjects and shooting conditions expected on this Tour, lenses in the range of 10 mm to 200 mm are suitable. We also recommend the ultra-wide angle and wide angle lenses to maximise photo opportunities. Circular polarising and graduated neutral density filters are highly recommended. Tripods are not allowed inside temple premises, so we suggest that you don’t carry them to where the ruins are.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.
If you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer. What’s better, you enjoy a 10% discount on all equipment hired for our Photo Tours!
Please note: The Tour commences at Nairobi on Day 1 at around 06:30 a.m., and ends after breakfast on Day 7. On day 1 you may either take a flight that reaches Nairobi in time for the start the same morning, or fly in the previous day and stay overnight in Nairobi (in which case, the cost of accommodation will be additional). Please also note that flight costs are not included in the Tour fee
Checking out from our Nairobi hotel after an early breakfast, we pick up the participants arriving this morning (if any) and make our way to the heart of the Migration action, the legendary Masai Mara, which we reach by afternoon.
After lunch close to the entrance of the Mara, we start our first game drive en route to our first destination around the lodge area.
The transitory herds may be seen very close to the lodge and sometimes a little further away but there is no chance of missing them. Feeling our way around, we will understand the current state of the Migration.
After the drive, we check in to exclusive and cosy tents at the first camp of the Tour, the lodge. Once fresh, we exchange notes about our initial observations and experiences, and hear insights from the Skipper about his strategy for the rest of the Tour ahead before dining and retreating to our rooms to tuck in for the night.
The lodge is a lovely property located stunningly, right near the Talek River, which is one of the two rivers (the other being the Mara River itself) which the migratory herds cross. Ergo, this property has been deliberately and carefully chosen to give us quick and easy access to all the action.
We spend the whole day looking for crossings as well as predator and other action, while the Skipper takes a call on returning to the lodge for lunch based on the prevailing situation.
In the evening the Skipper will bring you a photography session to help brush up on your basics and make sure you’re equipped to do justice to the opportunities coming up, before you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.
Having explored the Talek River side, it’s now time to proceed to the celebrated Mara Triangle area and look for action around the Mara River, so after a morning drive around the Talek, we cross over to the Triangle and check in to the delightful lodge.
After lunch we enjoy an introductory ride in the area before returning to the lodge for another interactive session, we call ChitraTantra, before supper and sleep.
We enjoy the next three days in the very heart of the Migration around Serena and the Mara River, leveraging the Skipper’s rich experience to get to the right places and make memorable, meaningful images to capture the scale and wonder of the dramas unfolding before us.
Every morning we start at 06:30 a.m. after an early breakfast and hope to catch action in the quintessentially spectacular savannah light and after the post-lunch afternoon safari, return after sunset to unwind.
In the evenings, the Skipper will continue to bring the fabulously entertaining and educative interactive sessions, including a third kind of session we call CharchaaLoka, where valuable photography advice including shooting techniques, camera settings and post-processing tips; fascinating natural history insights; image critique; post-processing tips, and some riveting and funny anecdotes will be imparted!
After having spent a hopefully eventful time photographing the Migration in the Mara, we check out after breakfast and return to Nairobi by lunch, whence we take the departing flights for our abodes, where a wealth of images will be processed and many captivating stories told to our families.
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.
Yes; vaccination against polio and yellow fever is mandatory in many countries including India. Please talk to us for advice on how to get one.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.
Since participants of this Tour travel from various destinations in India and abroad, the Tour commences at Nairobi at around 06:30 a.m. You may take a flight that reaches Nairobi before that time the same morning, or fly in the previous day and stay overnight in Nairobi . Please also note that flight costs are not included in the Tour fee.
May 2024 – Please arrive on 22 May 2024 any time. (Hotel Night is included)
Please note: This is not a photography tour and we would have 6 People in a LandCruiser. If you wish to join our Photography Tour with only 3 People in a LandCruiser guided by our ace photographers please consider the Photo Tour.
Our fleet of safari vehicles carrying our Skipper and the park guides will pick participants who have landed in the morning from the Nairobi Airport, and participants who have arrived a day earlier from their hotels, at around 06:30 a.m. Once everybody is on board, we undertake a four-hour drive to Amboseli National Park. A mutual introduction session and a brief by the skipper to set basic expectations for the tour will be followed by lunch.
After lunch will ensue our first safari of the tour – recipe for a memorable moment for any first-time Africa visitor and something that, even after all these visits, gets the skipper’s adrenaline pumping. Driving through the park will acquaint you with the African landscape and give you but a glimpse of the exciting time ahead.
An entire memorable day will be spent out in the picturesque expanses of Amboseli, where views of elephants with the magnificent Kilimanjaro in the backdrop have been specially designed by nature to enthrall. Apart from the pachyderms, we are likely to photograph ostriches, hyaenas, lions, cheetahs and a whole lot of attractive wildlife.
In the evening, the skipper will deliver a ChaayaaChitra session before a satiating supper and shuteye call a closure to the eventful day.
After breakfast, we depart for Nakuru. Arriving just before lunch, we embrace our home for the next two days overlooking the beautiful Lake Nakuru. Following a scrumptious lunch, we embark on the afternoon safari, seeking the chief spectacle of the flamingo congregation and over 400 other species of birds found here.
In the evening we enjoy a tribal dance and celebration before an appetizing supper, and retire for the day.
Setting off after breakfast, we spend as much time in the park as we can in order to sight the plentiful wildlife of Nakuru. The early morning drive will be followed by lunch and an evening safari.
This being an excellent location to see the elusive leopard, we take our chances to spot the spotted beauty of Nakuru. Efforts will also be made to photograph white rhinos and black rhinos.
Between the rides, we meet at the picturesque Baboon Hill overlooking the lake and its flamingo formations, and discuss various topics of nature photography and the natural history of Africa. Meanwhile, here, ultra wide-angle perspectives of baboons, a fixture atop the hill, are a distinct prospect.
For participants who want to relax and take the afternoon easy, the beautiful lodge with plenty of trees and a great restaurant is a fabulous place to rest.
A rivetting session of ChitraTantra by the skipper before dinner will be a fitting, erudite way of ending the enriching day.
After breakfast, a pleasant drive across the dramatic Great Rift Valley brings you through the Narok Township, a major Maasai administrative centre, to Kenya’s most precious wildlife sanctuary, Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Masai Mara is home to the colorful Maasai tribe, who may be seen around the borders of the park, with Morans (‘warriors’) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing the matters of the day.
Wildlife viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings. By now hopefully the group will have been acquainted with the African bush, so we seek to make the most of the bounty on offer.
Staying inside the park will ensure a great experience and early access to photography hotspots, so we may catch a lion pride gearing up for a hunt or a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an Acacia tree merely a few hundred metres from the camp.
Every morning while at Masai Mara, we start our day with packed breakfast at 06:30 a.m. and venture into the bush. For participants who are agreeable to spending the entire day in the field, packed lunch boxes will be provided to keep us going the whole day, thereby maximizing wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
An occasional afternoon shower may be encountered but this will in no way mean a dampener, for the animals continue to be seen and what’s more, it will open up the prospect of making evocative images of wildlife in the rain. And when the clouds have passed, the light that illuminates the scene can serve to illustrate the meaning of the word ‘ethereal’ better than any lexicon in the world.
Meeting at specific points in the savannah, we learn and discuss various topics on photography and natural history of Africa and the Mara in general. These two days are tipped to be the highlight of the Tour with plenty of wildlife on show.
In the evenings a session of CharchaaLoka or simply a question-answer interaction will afford a wealth of learning on a diverse array of photography and natural history topics.
Maasai Village Optional Tour
While at Masai Mara, based on the group’s inclination, the Skipper will plan a visit to a local Maasai Village for a few hours in the day to learn and understand the Maasai culture, their way of life and their interesting community living. This optional Tour costs an additional USD 30 per person.
Balloon Safari Optional Tour
A ride in a hot-air balloon over the endless expanses of the savannah is an ultimate safari experience. We leave the lodge before dawn, when the sky is clear, the air brisk and the conditions perfect. As the sun rises over the Mara plains, our balloon lifts off – a bright splash of colour rising gracefully into the infinite blue. A stunning panorama unfolds below us and the balloon basket becomes our lookout post for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s magnificence. We float silently just a few hundred feet above large herds of wild animals. Upon landing, we celebrate the flight with a glass of champagne, after which the retrieval safari cruisers take us back to our driver. This optional ride costs an additional USD 450 per person.
After a scrumptious breakfast, we drive out making sure we arrive by lunchtime at an Indian restaurant in Nairobi. After lunch, we are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our home-bound flights.
The Tour ends but your love affair with African wildlife has just begun.
Participants who feel the need to stretch their Tour are welcome to stay back on the following nights, to experience two more full days at the Mara at their own pace. The schedule for the two days will remain the same while we venture to deeper areas of the Mara on the full-day game drives, maximizing our chances of bringing back stunning photographs. This extension will be charged additionally. Please express your interest in the extension while booking the Tour to know more.
With the extension having come to an end, following an early breakfast, we drive out making sure we arrive by lunchtime at an Indian restaurant in Nairobi. After lunch, we are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our home-bound flights.
All figures per person.
Payments may be made in equal monthly installments so long as the above schedule is adhered to. Please talk to us for more details.
All figures per person.
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.
The Tour commences and ends at Kabini (Karapura). Travel from or via Bengaluru and back will be by sharing participants’ private cars or shared cabs at extra actual cost. Assistance in the way of coordination and arrangements will be provided but please talk to us for additional help or special needs.
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
NO Refunds.
Due to the pandemic the travel industry is at an all time low-cashflow situation. So we wouldn’t be able to do refunds but only issue Credit Notes for any cancellation from your side or due to COVID related lockdowns and closures.
It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.
That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthusiast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hope on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!
However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
