"The experiences are unforgettable. Catherine is extraordinary for her teaching abilities as well as her care for each of us. The hotels and places we visited and photographed are so memorable that they have a place in my sweetest dreams, and the in-depth exposure to this magical region and its beautiful, fascinating people from a broad range of economic and social levels makes this workshop experience richer than I ever could have imagined."

EXPERIENCES MAY INCLUDE

  • Visiting the colorful and important Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, with a sensational guide who knows so much about religion, ritual, and symbolism

  • Photographing the "lost palaces" of Chettinad, learning about their history and architecture, and spending time with the people who live in these palaces.

  • Immersing ourselves with the women of a basket-weaving community in a charming village. You can see their gorgeous baskets here.

  • Visiting a fascinating death rituals temple at dawn, a very moving (and photo-friendly) outdoor temple on the Kaveri River.

  • Photographing the ancient way of painting natural-dye Kalamkari fabrics in a quiet village of artisans

  • An insider's visit to the Utopian community of Auroville, where we may have the opportunity to meditate in the futuristic Matrimandir, meet Auroville's progressive "makers", learn about the intriguing architecture, visit a beautiful paper factory, and chat with Aurovillians about what it means to live in "Utopia".

OUR HOTELS

The comfy Taj Club House in Chennai

Famous for its delicious food and splendid charm, The Bangala in Chettinad

In Kumbakonam the peaceful countryside hotel Mantra

In the heart of the historic French Quarter, a colonial retreat with character, Palais de Mahe in Pondicherry