AGRA

The city of Agra is a must-visit destination when traveling to India. This is due to its many magnificent buildings from the Mughal era, most notably the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, both of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a mausoleum commissioned by the ruler Shah Jahan as a testament of love for his wife. Built in marble, the construction took over 22 years to complete, resulting in a monument that, even 400 years later, is still regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In addition to its stunning design and perfect symmetry, the Taj Mahal is also renowned for its elegant domes.

Agra Fort is a historic monument built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It is known as “the Red Fort” because it is constructed from a distinctive red sandstone. The fort spans a circumference of approximately three kilometers, and within its walls you will find some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is located approximately 55 kilometers from Agra and is a 29 km² bird reserve that hosts thousands of birds, especially during the winter months. The park features a unique mosaic of habitats including wetlands, forests, scrubland, and grasslands, supporting an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal life.

The park is home to over 350 bird species, including 42 species of raptors and nine species of owls, making it one of the richest birding destinations in the world. In addition, the park is home to 34 species of mammals, 22 species of reptiles, as well as amphibians, fish, butterflies, numerous dragonflies, and more than 30 species of spiders.

JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 2, 2027

Throughout the journey, Roger will be available at all times to provide individual photography tips and advice. We will also work with image editing, discuss composition in depth, and review and evaluate each other’s images. In addition, Roger will give inspiring lectures designed to spark new ideas and creative approaches to your photography.

FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO ARRIVE A DAY EARLIER 

We recommend arriving one day earlier (January 26) in Delhi in case of any flight delays and to give yourself time to relax after the long journey. We have therefore arranged an additional program as outlined below.

Arrival in Delhi during the day. Transfer to and check-in at the five-star Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity. The following day, a guided city tour of Delhi will be arranged. During the tour, you will discover both New Delhi—with India Gate, the Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace—as well as Old Delhi.

In Old Delhi, we will explore the vibrant market area of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw (cycle taxi), navigating the narrow lanes where it feels as though you are riding straight through the shops. The tour concludes with a walk through the bustling spice market, alive with color, scents, and local life. This is a city tour where the photographic opportunities are endless.

The price for this additional night can be found further down under the pricing section and can be booked in connection with arranging your flight.

MAIN TOUR  JAN 27 – FEB 2 

DAY 1, (JAN 27) – WELCOME TO INDIA
We gather in Delhi in the morning, where you will be met by Roger Brendhagen and our nature guide who will accompany us throughout the entire journey. Our first stop is the city of Agra, where we check in at the first-class Hotel Grand Mercure. After a shared lunch, we visit the legendary Agra Fort in the afternoon before it is time for the highlight of the day—the Taj Mahal. In the beautiful evening light, we will photograph and experience this magnificent monument from the outside at close range. As the sun slowly sets on the horizon, the marble that covers the building shifts in different colors. Witnessing this is truly a memory for a lifetime. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner together. (L, D)

DAY 2, (JAN 28) – AGRA TO KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, you will have the opportunity to photograph the Taj Mahal in the soft morning light from the inside—a truly fantastic chance to see this magnificent monument shift in color at sunrise. Afterward, we return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out before continuing toward the main destination of our journey, Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, which over the coming days will provide us with countless exceptional photographic opportunities.

Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel, Birders Inn, located right at the entrance to the bird sanctuary. After lunch, while enjoying the many wonderful flavors of Indian cuisine, Roger will share key insights and tips for our first session in one of the world’s finest birding paradises. Once we have collected our camera equipment, our local cycle guides will be waiting outside the hotel to take us into Keoladeo National Park.

The park covers just over 29 square kilometers and consists of shallow wetlands and lush woodland areas teeming with life. With more than 350 bird species—from colorful bee-eaters to majestic storks and birds of prey—it offers outstanding photographic opportunities. In addition to the rich birdlife, the park is also home to sambar deer, nilgai antelope, wild boar, and several species of snakes. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 – 6, (JAN 29 – FEB 1) – KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK
During these days, we explore the beautiful surroundings of Keoladeo and truly immerse ourselves in developing our bird photography under the guidance of one of Sweden’s foremost bird photographers. We move through this birding paradise together with our experienced and knowledgeable cycle guides, and after some time along the long road that stretches through the wetlands, the landscape opens up into a stunning marsh environment where photographic opportunities increase the deeper we venture into the park.

Subjects are everywhere, and among the species we photograph are the majestic Indian ibis, the Sarus Crane, Oriental darters, and owls. At this time of year, some of India’s most spectacular birds—according to Roger—are nesting here. The trees are filled with life, and activity is intense as chicks of storks, herons, and many other species are constantly being fed. Disputes frequently arise between birds as colonies of multiple species coexist in close proximity, increasing our chances of capturing unique and dynamic action shots. Gazing out over the wetlands while waiting for the perfect photographic moment is both peaceful and thrilling—and it is essential to always have your camera ready, as the next opportunity can appear at any time.

If water levels allow, we will head out by boat on a couple of mornings in the still early light. We glide slowly through the morning mist into the wetlands, where entirely new perspectives and photographic opportunities await. Throughout all our photography sessions, Roger will be available for personal guidance. We will also make shared photo stops in the field, where Roger will inspire you with hands-on demonstrations, showing how he approaches composition and image-making.

When we are not out photographing, we will dedicate significant time to image editing and shared image reviews with constructive critique. On the final evening, Roger will select “Image of the Trip,” which will automatically advance to the final of Zoom Photo Tours’ competition “Image of the Year 2027.” (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (FEB 2) – DEPARTURE
After a final morning session in the park, we return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we travel back to Delhi for onward departure to Sweden on your own. (B, L)

EXTENSION PROGRAM – INDIA’S TIGERS

For those who wish to continue experiencing India, we also offer an extension to Ranthambhore National Park with the opportunity to see and photograph tigers in the wild. You can find more information about this further down the page.

ROGER BRENDHAGEN • Wildlife photographer 

Roger Brendhagen has been a professional nature photographer for more than twenty years and, with over 300 travel days per year, the entire world is his workplace. He is affiliated with Nikon and has been a Nikon Ambassador for eighteen years. Roger is Chairman of Norske Naturfotografer (NN), a member of the Norwegian Nature Film Association, and has collaborated with Zoom Photo Tours for ten years.

His images and features have been published in several European newspapers and magazines, and he has also worked with television channels such as the BBC, contributing material to the series Wild Scandinavia.

In recent years, he has held several exhibitions featuring subjects ranging from Antarctica to Svalbard. In March 2020, he released his first book alongside a major solo exhibition with images from Antarctica. In autumn 2024, he published two books together with Ole Mathismoen: The Bear – The Strongest in the Land and The Wolf – The Smartest in the Forest. In 2025, he will release four additional books: The Moose – King of the Forest, as well as three children’s books – Baby Animals, Small Animals, and Big Animals.

Roger leads photography workshops in destinations including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Svalbard, Canada, and throughout the Nordic countries

For those who would like to take the opportunity to experience India’s famous tigers in connection with the main tour, we are pleased to offer this exciting and memorable extension program.

Extend your journey in India and photograph the majestic tiger in one of the country’s finest and most beautiful national parks. Over the course of several days, we explore Ranthambhore National Park, where in stunning surroundings we have the opportunity to photograph everything from tigers and leopards to wild dogs and a variety of deer species.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Six safaris in Ranthambhore National Park.

• Excellent chances to photograph tigers and leopards.

• Ranthambhore’s beautiful and rugged landscapes.

• Rich wildlife including gaur, wild dogs, wild boar, and much more..

RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
Ranthambhore National Park features a spectacular landscape filled with rocky highland plateaus, lakes, and rivers, creating a truly atmospheric setting throughout the park. At its heart lie the ruins of the 16th-century Ranthambhore Fort, providing a dramatic backdrop when tigers pass by.

Ranthambhore is one of the original “Project Tiger” reserves and offers some of the very best opportunities to see and photograph tigers in India.

ITINERARY :

DAY 1 (FEB 2) – ARRIVAL IN RANTHAMBORE – SAFARI
Early in the morning, we leave Bharatpur and drive approximately four hours to Ranthambore. In the afternoon, we arrive and check in at our first-class lodge. After a late lunch, it is time for our first safari.

Filled with anticipation, we pass through the gates of Ranthambore National Park, where we are welcomed by a lush and rugged landscape offering new photographic opportunities around every bend. Perhaps we stop to photograph a troop of langurs leaping from branch to branch, making the treetops tremble—or, if we are lucky, we may encounter a pack of wild dogs running along the road just a few meters in front of us.

With minds full of impressions and memory cards full of images from our first safari, we return to the lodge where dinner awaits. (B, L, D)

DAY 2–3 (FEB 3–4) – SAFARIS IN RANTHAMBORE
During these two days, we explore the wildlife-rich surroundings of Ranthambore National Park. In the cool morning air, we move through the dense vegetation, watching the sun rise between the trees. In the hilly terrain, we carefully scan the steep slopes—if we are lucky, we may spot a leopard warming itself in the soft morning sunlight.

After returning from the morning safari, there is time to relax by the pool before lunch, prior to heading out on the afternoon safari. From our open jeeps, we must remain alert to every sound and movement among the trees. Suddenly, an alarm call echoes from within the forest. With growing anticipation, we follow the sound as it comes closer and closer—and as if from nowhere, a tiger slowly emerges, walking straight toward us. Just a few meters in front of our jeeps, it crosses the road and, as swiftly and silently as it appeared, disappears back into the teak forest. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 (FEB 5) – MORNING SAFARI & DEPARTURE
After a final morning safari filled with excellent photographic opportunities, we leave Ranthambore and travel back to Delhi for onward travel arrangements on your own. (B)

PRICE – MAIN TOUR 

Pris per person: USD 4 400



Price includes:

• Transportation according to the attached program.

• Bottled water provided during all bus transfers.

• Accommodation in shared double rooms at the selected first-class hotels.

• Meals according to the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

• Photography activities according to the program.

• Entrance fee to the Taj Mahal.

• Entrance fees to Keoladeo National Park.

• Access to a private rickshaw in Keoladeo National Park.

• Boat rides in Keoladeo National Park (subject to water levels).

• Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the entire journey.

• Lectures and image editing sessions led by Roger Brendhagen.

• An experienced English-speaking nature guide throughout the trip.

• Gratuities included, except for the accompanying nature guide.

• Travel documents and practical travel information prior to departure.

• Hotel and other local taxes.

Priset inkluderar ej:

• Flights to and from Delhi.

• Single room supplement: USD 800.

• Beverages, except those specified under “Price Includes.”

• Visa costs for India.

• Gratuity of USD 15 per day for the accompanying nature guide.

• Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals, etc.

• Cancellation protection/travel insurance. For more information, please see our website under “Other.”

PRICE – TIGRER EXTENSION 

Price per person: USD 2 400 (min three persons)



Price includes:

• Bus transfers according to the attached program.

• Bottled water provided during all transfers.

• Accommodation in shared double rooms at a first-class lodge.

• Meals according to the program.

• Six safaris in Ranthambhore National Park.

• Park entrance fees.

• An experienced English-speaking nature guide.

• All gratuities included, except for the nature guide.

• Hotel and other local taxes.

Price do not include:

• Single room supplement: SEK 3,600.

• Gratuity for the local guide: approximately USD 15 per day.

• Beverages, except those specified under “Price Includes.”.

PRICE – ADDITIONAL NIGHT 26/1

Shared double room: USD 440.

Single room supplement: USD 190.

Price includes:

• Meet & greet at the airport.

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

• One night at Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity*****.

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Dinner buffet at the hotel.

• City tour of Delhi with a local guide.

• Entrance fees.

• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.

• Gratuity for the local guide.

• Hotel and other local taxes and fees.

TRANSPORTATION 

Flights to and from Delhi are arranged independently. You should not arrive in Delhi later than 07:00 on January 27 and should not book your return flight earlier than 22:00 on February 2.

If you would like assistance with booking international flights, please indicate this when completing your reservation on the booking page, contact us by phone at +46 709 180 90 99, or email us at info@zoomphototours.com.

FACTS

Target Group: Photographers interested in developing their skills in bird photography.

Minimum/Maximum Participants: 8/12

Language: Norwegian/Swedish, English

Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms and conditions, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”

CAMERA EQUPIMENT

• Your digital camera.

• A telephoto lens, preferably up to 500 mm.

• A 70–200 mm lens.

• A wide-angle lens, for example 24–70 mm.

• A monopod or tripod.

• A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom installed.

• Extra batteries, chargers, etc.

BOOKING

You book your participation by clicking below. You are also welcome to call us at +46 70 180 90 99 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com.