Iceland: Shoot your own saga

By Srinivas Krishnan

The great Nordic stories and tales set in that magical realm called Iceland are alive even today. The sagas are epics of great battles and journeys, larger-than-life heroes and heroines and reflections of human nature and condition.

The landscape in which these sagas typically unfolded is strange, bizarre and eerie even by today’s standards. God seems to have taken a break from creation and let nature do its own thing in Iceland. It’s a place that’s highly unusual from what we are used to. No wonder the sagas developed here; it’s a mysterious land where you’ll find it difficult to separate reality from illusion.

Wouldn’t it be great then, to capture it all with your own camera and make an Icelandic saga of your own?

Picture perfect

Iceland is a geographical wonderland. Built on basaltic rock, Iceland is also geologically young. And you know how temperamental youngsters can be! It is a geologically active hotspot, with not just volcanoes, but glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, ice caves, lagoons and black-sand beaches. Then, of course, are the magnificent Northern Lights These unique characteristics give Iceland its otherworldly, surreal look that makes it a great setting for futuristic or mythological movies as well as makes it the hottest destination for photographers.

Imagine:

• Shooting water from a cavern behind the 63-meter drop of the mighty Seljalandfoss waterfalls
• Attempting to capture the double rainbow created by the spray of the Skogafoss waterfalls on sunny days
• Doing justice to the black sand and imposing basalt columns of Reynisfjara beach
• Visiting the mind-blowing Vatnajokull National Park with Europe’s largest glacier at its core and getting mesmerized by the Aurora high above.


• Trying to shoot serene ice crystals that wash up on the black sands at the edge of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon
• Getting dumbstruck and forgetting to take pictures inside of the incredible ice caves that tunnel deep into the Vatnajokull glacier
• Contemplating the rift between the two continental plates at Thingvellir National Park, capturing the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and observing the turbulent geothermal area that gave us the word ‘geyser’

In fact, you don’t have to imagine it anymore. Plan on a Winter Photography Workshop Tour of Iceland with The Wanderers and you can actually do it…

Photo finish

What’s special about the Winter Photography Workshop Tour of Iceland with The Wanderers? Well, let’s say once you do it, you will never get behind the lens of a camera and not think of Iceland.

• The tour is led by award-winning professional landscape photographers who will impart their skills to sharpen yours
• It can accommodate all levels of photography skills – whether you are the point-and-shoot type or think you are the next Ansel Adams
• Travel aboard custom-built four-wheel drive vehicles that are safe and comfortable
• Be part of a small group of not more than 14 participants, to give you individual attention
• Travel to – and of course shoot professional quality photographs of – some of the most stunning landscapes on God’s own Earth, including some remote parts of south Iceland
• Stay in comfortable and the best hotels in the individual locations

Don’t dream of it. Go on our Iceland Photography Tour and come back with beautiful memories stored in precious pixels…

Call us or mail The Wanderers today to know more about how you can create your own Icelandic pictorial saga!

Call Farah: 9820904765

Email: askus@thewanderers.co.in

Check out our package: Iceland: Winter Photography Workshop

An Insider’s View on Bhutan

By Koustav Sarkar  


Bhutan
, The Land of the Thunder Dragon 

Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. The  country’s landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north. Bhutanese  are environmental friendly and mainly focus on preserving their natural resources and rich culture. Bhutan ranks first in economic freedom, peace and is the least corrupted country in the world.  

Q] Activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss? 

 There is so much to do when you’re in Bhutan, like archery, river rafting, hiking, but soaking yourself in a traditional Hot Stone bath is something one must experience when in Bhutan. 

 Q] One thing you must pack when travelling to Bhutan?

 You definitely want to pack good walking shoes and warm clothes, as you will be using them a lot.

Q] Something that one must buy when they are in Bhutan?

Bhutan is known for its unique, rich hand-woven textiles and interesting painting styles. So one should definitely  buy Bhutanese handicraft, gold and sliver jewellery, handmade wooden bowls, Buddhist paintings and sculptures.  You can buy them at Thimphu, Paro and  Phuntsheoling which are some of the major shopping centres in Bhutan. 

Q] Which are the best places to capture memories when in Bhutan?

Some great picture spots are Tigers nest, Paro dzong and Punakha Suspension Bridge. Don’t forget to take amazing panoramic pictures at Buddha’s point, BBS tower, Dochula and Chelela. 

Q] Any place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan, this place offers a 360-degree views of the Himalayas making every sunset and sunrise a surreal experience.

Q] The best place to try authentic local food?

Some of the best places to try authentic Bhutanese cuisine are The Folk Heritage Museum restaurant, Babesa Village restaurant and The Bhutanese which are all located in Thimphu.

Q] Which are the local delicacies which one must try when in Bhutan?

 Ema datshi and Ara are famous Bhutanese curries which one must try. The local wine and beer here are good too.

Q] Which is the best time to visit Bhutan?

October to December is the best time to visit Bhutan.

Q] Any local festivals that a travellers must come visit?

  Thimphu Tshechu is the biggest and the most vibrant festival which every traveller must visit when in Bhutan.

Q] Can you describe Bhutan in one sentence

 Bhutan is vibrant and filled with culture.