Ok, this is last minute.. as is many of the things I do, BUT! I'm going to India for 3 weeks for my cousin's wedding. For a week I'll be in my family's village in punjab, but then I'm free to tour, and I want to visit Shimla (mountainous region), Rajastan (where many palaces are) and Goa (the beaches). Anyone been there recently and have some tips? I wasn't rich enough to get a new camera, but I did get an external drive to store photos! Thanks everyone.
PS: I am also spending 2 days in Singapore if anyone has any thoughts about that. :)
Unless you're flying it takes AGES travelling across India, even on the train, let alone in a car. We usually get a private car with driver for as many days as needed - I'm always blown away by how inexpensive this is. Of course I can't give details as my uncle in Delhi always arranges it but I'm sure your relatives will know too.
I'd suggest concentrating on one area or perhaps a couple of areas that are nearer to each other, personally.
One of my favourite places to visit is Haridwar. Totally fascinating. Have you been? And I love Jaipur too.
I'm thinking in terms of photgraphic potential and tourism interest.
First off, Id bring a camera. Probably digital.
Second, Id bring lots of memory, a lotta batteries, and whatever else you have for it.
Third, Id take lotsa pictures.
So two weeks to travel...
What method of transport are you planning on?
I loved the entire experience of Indian sleeper trains as a kid - from the frequent stops at stations where we could buy Richie Rich comics and sweet, strong chai from the station vendors to the hordes of people clinging to the roof to the green leather bunk beds that folded up against the walls during the day to the stacked tins in which the train meal was transported.
Of course, that's because it was so exotic to a kid bought up in Luton and London!
Is Haridwar anywhere near those mountainous areas you want to visit?
It really is fascinating.
I had the chance to visit Goa in Feb 2003; wasn't much into photography then. Make sure you visit Baagha beach, you find most of the tourists there. Also try to spend an evening at the nightclubs around that place; most of them are free and should make good photography venues.
it's been a while since i've been travelling in india.. but the forts and palaces in rajasthan are simply amazing for photography. Goa i'm not that sure.. there are some beautiful churches too i think. shimla i've never been to (sigh :D). you could try the taj again, maybe early in the morning.. and the agra fort has some great framing shots (i was really wishing i could be there during the framing challenge!)
For Singapore, take lots of photos of strange signs like the "no urinating" sign in elevators. and the "no chewing gum or else we throw you in prison" sign or the "no durian fruit" sign in the metro. :-)
As for India... can I come along???? :-P I've been to Nepal and I dream of going to India!
I went to Goa about three weeks ago. Great Place to take loads of photographs, it's really green there. There are fantastic people and places there. Hope you have a great time!
As Kavey has said, "get a car and driver." It is remarkably inexpensive, and with your connections in India you can undoubtedly find the best transportation available. Your driver will, if he's topnotch, act as your guide as well.
Mind you, driving requires nerves of steel, as competition for space on the unmaintained main roads is fierce and can run from camel carts and oxen to lorries sans brakes. However,this makes for super photographs.
I have just been from hampi in karnataka ... unique place in the world. Its declared as world heritage. It is a 700 yr old city built in granite.
Will take arnd 4-5 hrs from goa .. spend atleast 2 days if u like ruins, architecture and stuff.
In goa dont miss palolem beach down south .. calm blue water beach.
Some of my Goa Pics Mandrem & Arambol beach norh are also the peaceful types
3 weeks is a short time for india.
Would be gr8 if u ask this question @ indiamike.com or lonleyplanet.com
You have a very nice itinary planned - Shimla - mountains/hill stations,Rajasthan - deserts ,Goa - beaches.So why leave out a heritage place like Taj Mahal! Check out the photographers there who shoot some 'trick' photography there. It's just a few hours drive from anywhere in Punjab.Also since you will be in rural Punjab,the ready to harvest paddy/wheat/sugarcane fields will be an awesome photo op.As for Rajasthan,Udaipur is the best.
Frisca
The magazine doesn't have a website I'm afraid. It grew out of the Times newspaper's travel section (which does have a website) but the articles in the mag don't get listed on that site.
It's way too long to type it in. If I can get my scanner to work I'll have a go but no promises.
Actually speaking of newspaper travel supplements there's an absolute wealth of info under the sites of Times, Independent, Telegraph and probably others in the UK. They have excellent searchable archives.
