The Western Ghats and Konkan Coastline Landscape Photography Tour promises an enchanting exploration of India's southwestern treasures.
With lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered peaks, the Western Ghats offer a diverse range of landscapes that are a delight for photographers.
Moving towards the Konkan Coastline, photographers are greeted by pristine beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and ancient forts perched on rocky cliffs. The interplay of land and sea creates a dynamic backdrop for capturing dramatic seascapes and vibrant coastal life.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour provides photographers with the opportunity to not only capture stunning images but also to immerse themselves in the rich culture and natural wonders of the Western Ghats and Konkan Coastline. It's a journey that promises to inspire creativity and leave photographers with memories to cherish forever.
Do check out the images of our previous tour conducted in this region
Landscape Photography Partner for the Tour
NILAKKHYA DUTTA
Nilakkhya is a published Landscape Photographer of India from Delhi and has been in the photography arena for the last 11 years. He is associated with Nikon India and to talk of some of his accomplishments, he has been published on all major platforms of photography including some of the top photography magazines of India. Above all he has been leading Landscape and Astro Photography Workshops for 3 years now and holds a rich experience in teaching the concepts to the participants. For his complete set of works-
Highlights of our Tour
Group size of minimum 4 participants and maximum 8 participants mentored by one landscape photographer depending upon participation on first come first serve basis.
An extensive 3N/4D well planned out trip to ensure we cover every nook and corner identified for photography of Western Ghats by not rushing through and hence don't leave out any opportunity to photograph its beauty.
Participants experiencing latest High End Nikon cameras and Lenses as Nikon is our Equipment Partner.
Working on the concept of Travel, Share and Learn on Landscape Photography with Nilakkhya Dutta who has an experience of Landscape Photography and showcasing the beauty of a place in the most purest form. Nilakkhya is a published photographer across different platforms and magazines around the globe.
Participants getting a chance of their image prints to be exhibited and auctioned through the NGO wing of thEscape. The proceeds of the same, some part being given to the artist and rest being used up for upliftment of education of the children and youth in remote regions of India.
Post Processing on Field every evening after the photography sessions and after coming back from the tour if needed, online sessions too. In this regard, we would also like to mention that we will make the participants click their own images with the outlook they like and would not encourage them to imitate or copy the frames taken by more experienced photographers of the group or the Photography Partner( Nilakkhya as he would also be capturing his frames during the tour after making sure that all the participants are getting their images) as we believe the style of photography and Art grows of an individual with their own eye.
We give the trip ex-Pune with transfer of participants in ONE comfortable Tempo Traveler throughout Western Ghats . Pune is connected with rest of India with flights and roads.
Accommodation throughout the tour will be on twin sharing basis in comfortable hotels.
All meals, i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Tea and Dinner starting from Lunch on Day 1 at Pune to Lunch on Day 4 at Pune.
Service of an experienced professional Tour Leader.
All required permits to travel on this route.
Facility of First Aid kits.
Above all, we will ensure Covid Protocols by following any protocol of state of Maharashtra at the time of the tour.
Detailed Itinerary Day Wise
22nd Aug - Day -1 (Thursday) - Start from Pune at 6AM from a common meeting point in a Tempo Traveler. Pass through Tamhini Ghats and reach Diveyagarh. Overnight in Resort.
23rd August - Day -2 (Friday) - Spend entire day photographing around Diveyagarh on the sea beaches. Overnight in Hotel
24th August - Day -3 (Saturday) - Drive from Diveyagarh to nearby place photographing the beaches. Overnight in a Hotel.
25th August - Day -4 (Sunday) - Drive to Pune through Verandah Ghats and drop at Pune common meeting point by 5PM. Tour ends.
Package Cost
Rs. 26,000 per person
(Ex-Pune Twin sharing in Hotels)
Prices quoted above are exclusive of GST of 5%.
Single Supplement - ON REQUEST
Inclusions
All accommodations throughout the tour on twin sharing basis in a deluxe properties.
All transfers in One Tempo Traveler.
All Meals from Pune to Pune, i.e. breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner from Breakfast on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 4.
Services of an experienced tour leader for whole tour.
First Aid kit .
Permits for the whole tour.
Experience of Nikon High End Camera Gears for taking pictures.
Photography Assistance for day time Landscapes and Night Astro scape on all days with image critique.
Making participants understand the settings of the camera for capturing the scape.
Post processing session to participant during the Tour.
Exclusions
Travel to Pune and return travel from Pune to your location.
In transit stay and meals during the travel from your location to Pune and Pune to your location.
Night Stay Hotel of 21st Aug if you wish to reach on 21st Aug and leave Night Stay Hotel of 25th Aug if you wish to leave on 26th Aug
Dinner on Day 4.
Any kind of Meal skip cost as planned for the tour. For eg. for photography or travel need, the lunch or breakfast is served late, then if any participant chooses to consume food from any outlet or restaurant, the cost of that is not included.
Expenses of personal nature including tips, laundry or similar.
Expenses of any kind of food or beverage bought by the participants during transit from one place to another.
Mineral Water Bottles. (We discourage the use of Plastic Water Bottles during the tour. Participants should carry their own water bottles preferably insulated and refill it for use).
Expenses of extra food or beverages both soft and hard ordered.
Any cost arising out for Medical emergency of any participant.
Any cost arising out if there is an increase in the number of days due to unforeseen civil unrest, weather disruption or anything beyond our control.
FAQ's
1. What are the terms of Payment and Booking Procedure?
Booking Amount - Rs. 10,000 +5% GST(Rs. 500) = Rs. 10,500 at the Time of Confirmation.
Final Payment - Rs. 16,000 +5% GST(Rs. 800) = Rs. 16,800 30 days before the Departure Day, i.e. by 22nd July, 2024.
All Prices quoted above are Inclusive of 5 % GST and are subject to change if at all the GST percentage changes by any Govt order. Invoice will be generated and given for each payment made by the participants.
For Booking through Razorpay Payment Gateway, please do write to us and you will be provided with a payment link. Gateway charges apply - 2% of Transaction Fee and 18% GST on that 2% amount.
2. What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
If cancelled 45 days prior to Departure, ie. on or before 7th July, 2024- 50% Refund of Advance Amount.
If cancelled between 45 days prior to departure date and 30 days prior to Departure, i.e. b/w 7th July, 2024 and 22nd July, 2024 - No Refund of Advance Amount.
If cancelled between 30 days prior to departure and Departure Date, i.e. between 22nd July, 2024 and 22nd August, 2024 - No Refund of Full Amount of Trip (considering the final payment is paid by 22nd July, 2024 )
For people not paying the final payment by 22nd July, 2024 and cancel their participation between 22nd July, 2024 and 22nd August, 2024- No Refund of Advance Amount.
Any cancellation of Trip from the organiser side due to surge in Covid cases or a Lockdown imposed or any participant testing positive in RTPCR with due diligence, FULL REFUND WILL BE GIVEN of the Advance Amount or Full Payment made by the participants. Nothing will be held upon on our side. Though participants may wish to keep that amount with us as a deposit for the next trip planned by thEscape.
Increased cost per participant if minimum 4 number of participants don't enrol or Full Refund of the amount of the tour deposited if cancellation happens from organisers side because of less number of enrolments than 4 members.
Cancellation from the organiser side due to ANY reason (less number of participants/ reasons beyond control/any other reason) , NO Refund of the loss of flight charges booked by the participants. For the same reason, we recommend the participants to book the flights with zero cancellations. (If someone wants to book the flights after being double sure whether the tour is happening or not, can connect with thEscape on a cut off date 30 days before the commencement of the tour.)
GST component of the payments made will not be refunded in any of the above scenario.
Any refund to be made from our side if it may arise will be done after one month of completion of the tour. i.e., by 25th September, 2024.
3. What are the precautions to be kept in mind as monsoons of beaches are hot and temperature goes to 40 degrees or beyond?
First of all, monsoons on a beach side especially to pursue Landscape Photography are for participants who are interested only in Photography. On the temperature part, yes it may go upto 40 degrees or beyond , and thus a strong mindset and determination will be required to carry out photography activities . Keeping hydrated and wearing a proper attire would be a must. Moreover because of both weather and other reasons, if there is a case that we change the itinerary or skip a place keeping in mind the well being of the participants and their physical and mental health, the decision of the tour leader would be final here and the team has to adhere to the decision whatever made. No Refund would be made in that case. Rest we will undertake this tour with a strong mind and a passionate heart and I'm sure the team will come out with flying colors and some great content of Landscape Photography of Western Ghats and Konkan Coast.
4. What to expect in terms of Logistic Support? How difficult it is going to be and is there any itinerary clause?
Being a Landscape Photography Tour, we categorise this tour as a Photography Workshop for participants and not a Leisure travel or a vacation/holiday. Please go through the following pointers which will help you to understand what to expect and the degree of difficulty of the tour-
As the focus here would be on locations, there would be travels throughout the day. Nights would be given for Astro Photography sometimes, hence sleep would become secondary in some cases. Hence it is expected that participants rest themselves at times when it is assigned for the same as a group.
Apart from factors beyond our control, we try to maintain our sleep and rising times understanding the need for catching the right light for Photography. Participants are expected to adhere to the same.
It’s a group tour where one needs to share their rooms with strangers in most cases meeting them for the first time. Participants are expected to respect the same sportingly.
Food provided will be very basic in the remote offbeat locations or depending upon the season. Majorly simple vegetarian food and non vegetarian food. The decision of the menu is kept with the travel partners as they understand the terrain and the availability of materials which can be quickly served.
Temperature might go upto 40 degrees or beyond when we travel during the day time. Participants are expected to come mentally prepared for the same and with clothes which can handle that kind of temperature.
Due to any reason, if the itinerary is changed, a place or two skipped or a place or two added for factors beyond our control like road blocks, sea disturbance etc. , participants are expected to understand the same
Please do note that participants are expected hence to keep the expectations right and understand the degree of difficulty of the tour. The tour is being undertaken only for Landscape Photography and not for any other purpose. Anyone after signing up the tour NOT adhering to the above and the rules of the tour and creating a negative environment for other partcipants or the group leader or for that matter the local support system will get a warning on the same and expelled out of the tour without any refund of the fee. Please join this tour with a strong and open mindset and go out with flying colors of Landscape and Landscape Photography.
5. What are the rules and the protocols to be followed during the course of the tour?
While traveling, the group leaders in the Tempo Traveler will decide on the stoppages for Photography. Participants can click from their windows but when it would be required to stop and get down to capture something, it will be decided by the group leaders.
The time for taking images after getting down from the vehicle will be communicated by the group leaders as per the scene in picture. Everyone has to adhere to the timings given. If it is 10 minutes, then everyone should be back in the vehicle in 10 minutes, if more, then more. But be rest assured that ample time will be given to the participants to capture a particular scene in view.
Everyone will have to adhere to the rising time and sleeping time communicated by the group leaders and the participants have to wake up on their own. If someone misses the time, then that person would miss out on the photography opportunity and the group leaders won't be responsible for the same. Since it’s a photography tour, it’s extremely important to catch the right light for the images, both for sunrise and sunset.
While we are photographing at a particular place, no one will come in each other’s frame. If someone wants to capture the exact scene as being captured by the counterpart, it is advised to everyone to allow the first person to complete the shot and then give the chance to second person.
No quarrels during the tour amongst the participants. If anyone faces any issue with any other person, be it for photography or otherwise, one should raise it first to us and we resolve it.
For the logistics, all the participants are advised to follow the regular protocol of calling the hotel helpdesk for any need or the Travel Partner during the tour for the same. If at all, they don’t respond or the problem doesn’t work out, then you can come to us and we will provide the resolution.
Strictly no littering during the tour of plastic bottles, wrappers or any other material. Do carry it back to hotels or a proper disposing place and dispose off properly.
All the participants need to carefully handle their camera equipment, be it the camera, lenses, tripods, memory cards etc. All of you would be responsible for your own belongings. If anyone damages the products given by Nikon India, then that person bears the cost of it.
Every day during the evening chitchat session, we will come to each participant and review their images clicked. It is requested to take the feedback from us in a sporting way and improve upon that.
Participants who want to consume alcohol during the evening chitchat sessions can have it in quantity best suited to their bodies without going overboard. All are requested to carry it from their respective airports as it’s not available readily in all places of Western Ghats.
Moreover one needs to keep in mind that the travels and stay would be a little offbeat and tough in nature with photography being the primary motive. So there would be instances where the meal timings along with some other facilities will take time and will not be as per schedule though the travel partners will put up their best show to be on time. Participants need to understand here the same and any negativity in the group or talks about the same during the tour will not be taken in a positive spirit and will imply necessary action as it would disturb the positive flow of the photography spirit and will imbibe unnecessary hurdles in creation of images.
For People who would want to take their photographs by going a little away from the group would be at their own responsibility and any mis-happening would not be responsibility of thEscape and it's associates.
We would also discourage any visit during the tour which would be of personal nature like a visit which generally tourists make during the tour as this tour is characterized as a Landscape Photography tour.
Any skip of any destination as mentioned in the itinerary due to any factor not in our control like road block, weather etc, In such cases, we shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives, the best we can. Any extra cost arising for the same will have to be borne by the participants.
6. What is the minimum and maximum number of participants and what does happen if the minimum participants don't enroll for the tour?
The minimum participation we are looking at is of 4 people . In case the minimum number doesn't enrol, we will try to conduct the tour but with some increased cost per participant.
7. If due to an emergency, the participant wishes to leave the trip in between, is the fee refunded and arrangements made for his/her return to Pune and their Destination?
In case due to any unforeseen circumstance, a participant wishes to leave in between the trip, No Refund would be made. Moreover the cost of arranging the transport for going back to Pune and to their respective destination has to be borne by him/her.
8. What Photography Equipment are expected by the participants to carry?
The trip is characterised as a Landscape Photography tour but at the same time invites are also for people who wish to create some art in the mountains in the form of paintings or creative writing which can be published in the anthology. Camera Equipments expected from everyone -
One DSLR/Mirrorless camera along with a wide and telephoto lens
Tripod
Filters for those who want to try out Long Exposures. ND10 and Polariser.
Memory Cards
Shutter Release remote again for Long Exposures
L-bracket who want to take vertical long exposures and panos.
Though this is a comprehensive list, but not hard and fast that everyone will have to carry these. For those who want to carry out simple landscape photography of golden and blue hours and want to learn Astro can just bring in DSLR with lenses and a tripod. For long exposures, the filters are very important along with the shutter release remote.
Since it is a trip to some remote lands with uncertain electricity , we also expect that the photographers get their extra battery sets in case they run out of charge. An extension board for putting in extra chargers would also be handy if participants carry it. For keeping the batteries not running out of charge due to the cold bitter weather, participants can keep them attached to the bare body inside their clothes. For painters and writers, the expectation is that they bring their creative kits with them in the form of copies, pens, painting sheets or canvas, colors etc.
9. Can a participant bring a Non- Photographer Friend or Companion or a Non-Photographer or a Non-Artist Join?
We here invite two sets of people, one who are keen on Landscape Photography and second art adoring people. Apart from these two, if someone wants to join in the tour is welcome because we do a lot of sight seeing too in this tour but subject to the following conditions-
No reduction in Fee Cost
Photography and Art tours are slow moving as we will stop at a lot of places and spending time on creating the Art Form and the Non- Art participant is thereby expected to respect the time of the Artists and move as per their pace.
10. What is the fitness level required for this trip? Does it involve Trekking or Long Walks?
Any person visiting the beaches, especially for photography is expected to have a minimum level of fitness for carrying out day to day activities during the tour. Though our trip is a driving tour majorly and not involving full day hikes or treks, still to reach a vantage point for photography, we might have to walk to reach a particular destination, hence the participant needs to be physically fit for the same. Apart from that minimum level of fitness, it is also expected that any medication to be also taken care by him/her during the course of the trip and carry them in adequate quantities to avoid any kind of mishaps. Rest for a while if facing any issues and move forward at a pace best suited for his/her body. Participants hence are expected to bring in their medical and first aid kits. It's the participant's responsibility to notify the staff of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability that may affect his/her ability to travel on this trip.
11. What is the Age Group of travel and Can the Participants bring their kids?
Since it's an Art trip with Photography being the primary motive, it's advisable to bring in kids only when they are able to comprehend the pace of the trip and respect the precision of the artists at work. Any child below 10 years of age will not be allowed for the tour due to its artistic nature.
12. Will the organizers use the photos taken by the participants or of the participants for Promotional Purpose?
Yes, with signing of the trip, the participant will also grant thEscape the right to use some of their images taken by the participant and of the participant and art created with due credits to the artists on their Website and Social Media handles.
13. Does the organizer hold the right to cancel the participation of any member during the course of the trip and under what circumstances?
Any misbehavior or misconduct by any participant during the course of the trip like causing distress and annoyance to co-travelers, any kind of damage to property of any supplier or travel companions, any kind of sexual harassment or misconduct, the participant will be terminated from the trip without any kind of refund of the fee amount and also has to bear the cost of him/her going back home. The decision of the Group Leader will be binding here keeping the respect of the group and artists intact. At the same time, we at thEscape expect the participants to be polite to the hotel staff, drivers and trek support staff. Any kind of foul language used with them and calling out to them in a disrespectful manner will invite a warning from the group leader and repeatedly doing so will invite a termination from the tour. We also have zero tolerance towards any kind of misbehaviour after consuming alcoholic drinks. Participants consuming it for enjoyment or similar should keep in mind to be in discipline with the co-participants. Any spread of negativity in the tour will also invite a warning from the group leader and repeatedly doing so will lead to termination from the tour without any kind of refund of the fee amount and also has to bear the cost of him/her going back home.
14. What if any odd numbers come out of the Male Female Ratio while assigning twin sharing to participants ?
In that case, the best possible solution will be given by the organizer and under no circumstance, a twin sharing will be allotted to opposite sex people.
15. Is there any Mobile connectivity in the tour?
All mobile networks work on and off with Airtel and Jin being the best ones.
16. How many people would be going along with the tour participants?
Nilakkhya would be the photography partner.
17. Use of Psychotropic Substances Alcohol and Smoking during the Tour
Use of psychotropic substances(drugs) is strictly prohibited during the tour. Any one caught possessing or consuming it will be terminated from the tour immediately. Smoking is allowed and consumption of it will be allowed till the point it doesn't create any disturbance to co-participants. People not opting for Single Supplement provision, it is advised to all the participants to consume it taking his/her room mate into confidence. Alcohol is allowed and is advised to take in quantity best suited to one's body and not create any problem.
18. Are there any other Terms and Conditions which needs to be kept in mind?
It is a fundamental condition that the participants acknowledge that this is a photography tour. This requires some flexibility. The day-to-day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, we shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives, which could be decided upon mutual agreement. Any extra cost arising for the same will have to be borne by the participants.
If the participant doesn't show up at Pune on 22nd August, 2024 by 6AM max, we will assume the participant has been delayed and has cancelled the tour and will be considered as "No Show". There is no refund of any money paid in that case.
We reserve the right to revise pricing rate posted on our website, under any circumstances, or on the pressure of various external factors that are further than our control. But, we put forth effort to keep on the present rate. In case of minor increase in price of hotels or other related factors, we don’t revise the cost of the trip, which was already confirmed & booked by deposit.
We highly recommend our participants to have a medical insurance and an insurance against any unforeseen event before attending this trip or any trip for that matter.
The tour date is fixed for the itinerary and the plan we have made. No alterations wouldbe possible in this with regard to the participant's need. The itinerary has been made keeping in mind the best time for the needs of Landscape Photography.
This tour will pass through some points which are checked by authorities of Maharashtra. Participants will have to keep in mind to not take photos where is it not allowed. At the same time, the participants have to show their Govt. Issued Ids at all thecheckpoints.
Participants are requested to keep their documents handy during the trip for any kind of checking by the authorities and administration. We’re not accountable in case of anynon-compliance if the authorities ask for your document and you fail to provide it. Before commencing the trip, the participants also need to deposit the indemnity bond duly signed by them and show their Aadhar Cards to the organizer.
You understand that during the course of the trip certain events may occur, including, but not limited to, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, politicalinstability and the forces of nature. You agree to assume all risks associated with the journey to the maximum extent permitted by Indian law.
For Booking and queries, write to us "thescapebiz@gmail.com" or call on +91 9717960028 and speak to Nilakkhya and discuss on the same.
For Transfer of Advance Amount of Booking and for the Final Payments, we will share with you the Bank Account Details along with the contract and acknowledgement of the trip. Anyone wanting to go in for Razorpay Payment Gateway will be given a payment link and can pay through Debit Cards/Credit Cards/UPI/Wallets/EMI. Lets get it rolling and make it one of the most memorable trip of our lifetime with loads of images and artwork. Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Disclaimer- The photographs used here are by Nilakkhya Dutta from the last tour he did of this place.
Anyone making the payment for booking will be considered as an acceptor of the above cancellation policy and will fall under the above Terms and Conditions.