Nagaland - Hornbill Festival Photo Tour
"Immerse in the Vibrant Essence of Nagaland: A Photo Tour Through the Enchanting Hornbill Festival Where Colors Come Alive"
The Hornbill Festival is a week-long extravaganza that brings together the different tribes of Nagaland to showcase their traditional customs, arts, crafts, dances, and music. Named after the hornbill bird, which holds immense cultural significance in Naga folklore, the festival is a celebration of the state's cultural heritage and a platform for promoting tourism.
The Hornbill Festival holds great importance for the people of Nagaland as it helps preserve and promote their unique cultural identity. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing younger generations to connect with their roots and appreciate the customs and traditions of their ancestors. During the Hornbill Festival, visitors can witness the rich cultural diversity of the Naga tribes. The tribes adorn themselves in colourful traditional attire and ornaments, reflecting their unique identity. The festival also offers a chance to delve into the fascinating folklore and mythology of the tribes.
This photography tour is definitely for you if you:
Are you a passionate photographer seeking unique and captivating subjects to capture through your lens? Look no further than the Nagaland Hornbill Festival photo tour. The Naga tribes possess a rich tapestry of traditions and folklore, each with its own unique significance. As a photographer on the photo tour, you'll have the privilege of documenting ancient rituals, traditional art forms, and intricate craftsmanship. This tour offers a rare opportunity to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland through your photographs. The Hornbill Festival is not just about photography; it also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange. Engage with the locals, immerse yourself in their traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
HIGHLIGHTS Of the Tour:
The first three days will be dedicated to the vibrant Hornbill Festival, where you'll witness captivating events and document the rich cultural heritage. For the next three days, we will delve deeper into Nagaland's tribal communities, visiting local villages and engaging with their unique traditions.
Our tour is meticulously designed to offer you the best of both worlds: the colourful festivities of the Hornbill Festival and an intimate exploration of Nagaland's tribal communities. Here are the highlights of this remarkable journey:
Itinerary for Hornbill Festival Photo Tour
Day 0
On the first day, we will gather in Dimapur after flying in from Kolkata. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate before joining your fellow travellers for a delightful dinner. During the dinner, our experienced Photo Tour Leader, Shivam, will share valuable photography tips and insights into the upcoming days. If you haven't visited Kolkata yet, we encourage you to do so and experience our three-day Photography Tour of Kolkata before joining us in Dimapur. Kolkata offers convenient flights to Dimapur airport, making it an ideal starting point for this adventure. However, you're also welcome to join us directly at the Dimapur Airport or our hotel.
Day 1 : Preparing for the Festival
On the first day of the Hornbill Festival, we will begin by getting ourselves ready for the exciting days ahead. During the day, we will gather together and prepare our shooting gears, ensuring that we have everything we need to capture the vibrant moments of this cultural extravaganza. As your guide, I will also share with you my basic style of photographing this festival, offering valuable tips on how to make the most of your time during the tour. We'll discuss composition, lighting, and techniques to help you enhance your photography skills. By evening, we will embark on a drive from the hotel to the Opening Ceremony of the Hornbill Festival, where the vibrant colours, traditional dances, and lively music will immerse us in the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland.
Day 2 : Immersing in the Festival's Events
On the second day of the Hornbill Festival, we will have the opportunity to fully experience and document the diverse range of events taking place. From traditional dances to indigenous games, from folk songs to storytelling sessions, this day will be filled with a multitude of activities that showcase the cultural vibrancy of Nagaland. Armed with our cameras, we will capture the unique moments, the intricate costumes, and the infectious energy that permeates the festival grounds. As we navigate through the bustling crowds, we'll have the chance to interact with the locals, learning about their customs and traditions firsthand. This immersive experience will provide us with a deeper understanding of the Hornbill Festival's significance and the cultural richness it represents.
Day 3 : Further Exploration of the Festival
As the Hornbill Festival continues into its third day, we will continue to document the various events and festivities. This day offers us an opportunity to capture even more captivating moments, as well as to delve deeper into the cultural expressions on display. We will immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, photographing the engaging performances, cultural exhibitions, and art displays that highlight the essence of Nagaland's tribes. Throughout the day, we will engage with the festival participants, gaining insights into their artistic pursuits and preserving the spirit of the Hornbill Festival through our lens.
Day 4 : Exploring Local Villages
From the fourth day onwards, our focus will shift towards experiencing the authentic tribal culture of Nagaland by visiting the local villages. These visits will provide us with an intimate glimpse into the lives and traditions of the indigenous communities residing in this region. We will have the opportunity to interact closely with the locals, capturing their everyday activities, traditional crafts, and rituals. By immersing ourselves in their daily lives, we can gain a profound appreciation for their cultural heritage and the challenges they face in preserving their traditions.
Day 5 : Discovering Khonoma Village and Dzukou Valley
On the fifth day, we will embark on a visit to Khonoma Village, known for its rich history and sustainable practices. This village is renowned for its efforts in promoting eco-tourism and conservation of the environment. We will have the chance to photograph the picturesque landscapes, the terraced fields, and the traditional Naga houses that dot the village. Additionally, we will explore the breathtaking Dzukou Valley, famous for its mesmerising natural beauty and enchanting flora. This day will be an opportunity to capture the serene charm of rural Nagaland and its harmonious coexistence with nature.
Day 6 : Last Village Visits and Departure
On the final day of our tour, we will visit a few more villages located near our hotel and then prepare for goodbye to this amazing tour.
Disclaimer : Please note that this itinerary is pre-planned and can be customised according to group preferences and time availability.
Tour Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in Nagaland.
- Flights from Kolkata to Nagaland (Round Trip).
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the course of the tour.
- Arrival and departure airport transfers in Nagaland (from Dimapur Airport).
- Private Car or Van during the tour.
- Photography mentoring/guidance in street, documentary and travel photography by Shivam.
- Local assistant/guide/fixer in Nagaland.
- Gratuities
Tour Exclusions
- International return flights to your home place.
- Comprehensive travel insurance. All participants are required to take comprehensive travel insurance for this tour.
- Entry visa to India (around USD$25 for a eVisa if you're an Australian).
- Photographic equipment. You will need to bring/supply your own cameras, lenses, batteries, filters, memory cards and so on. A tripod is not required for this tour.
- Insurance for your photographic equipment while on tour.
- Travel vaccinations.
- Alcoholic drinks. Please note that alcohol is not available in Varanasi.
- All personal expenses and fees, including laundry, medication, incidental meals and snacks, minibar etc.
- Any transport and fees outside of the tour itinerary.
- An India sim card is available for AUD$25, which can be purchased on your behalf. Please advise when making a reservation if you would like to take up this option. The local sim card will allow you to connect to the Internet and make voice/video calls over IP. The card offers around 2GB of mobile data usage per day.