2 - 6 Dec | Travel with Leica: Life and Light in Kolkata with Shivam Pandey

Join a winter journey through the layered streets of Kolkata with Shivam Pandey for Travel with Leica: Life and Light in Kolkata. Designed for photographers seeking intimacy, observation, and storytelling, this 5D4N workshop explores the city’s quiet mornings, fading colonial textures, bustling markets, tramlines, and human moments shaped by winter light. Shooting alongside Shivam and his Leica M11 approach to street photography, participants will learn to slow down, anticipate emotion, and photograph with intent. More than a photo tour, this is an immersive experience into rhythm, culture, and the poetry of everyday life.

Six different photography excursions across a variety of locations in Kolkata, combined with daily image review and editing sessions designed to refine storytelling, composition, and personal visual style.

Day 1 (2 Dec, Wed)
Arrival in Kolkata before 11pm
Airport transfer to hotel
Check in at The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel

Day 2 (3 Dec, Thur)
6am - 9.30am - Old Kolkata and Flower market
9.30am - 1.30pm - Breakfast and break
1.30pm - 5.30pm - Kumartuli (Potter’s lane)

Day 3 (4 Dec, Fri)
6am - 9.30am - Maidan Grounds, Howrah Bridge
9.30am - 10.30am - Breakfast
11am - 12.30pm - Editing and Review with Shivam
1.30pm - 5.30pm - Koley Market and Koley Vegetable Market

Day 4 (5 Dec, Sat)
6am - 9.30am - Akhara (traditional wrestling) along the banks of Hooghly River
9.30am to 10.30am - Breakfast
11am - 12.30pm - Editing and Review with Shivam
2.30pm to 5.30pm - Local train in Kolkata, followed by ferry journey across Hooghly River

Day 5 (6 Dec, Sun)
Breakfast
Checkout and return

Key Activities:
- Exclusive photography session with traditional Indian wrestlers at a local Akhara.
- Documentary photography session aboard Kolkata’s iconic local trains and ferries.
- Guided photowalk through vibrant local markets and the historic colonial streets of Kolkata.
- Morning photowalk at the Maidan Grounds, capturing everyday life, sports culture, and atmospheric street scenes.

What's Included:
Accommodation with Breakfast
- Single occupancy accommodation per guest for 4 Nights in a 5-Star hotel in central Kolkata.
- Hotel Name: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel
- Check In: 2 Dec 2026
- Check Out: 6 Dec 2026

Transportation
- Individual airport pick up and drop off for all guests on arrival and departure at Kolkata Airport.
- Full-day availability of a Mini Bus (Urbania Traveller) for touring around Locations.
- Local train tickers and ferry tickets

Other Inclusions
- Gratuities for the shooting session with wrestlers
- Occasional gratuities on the streets for group photos as and when required.
- Water and snacks incurred during the workshop

What's Not Included:
Lunch and Dinner
Early check in at Hotel (prior to 13:00hours on 2 Dec)
Indian SIM card
International flights to India and return
Entry Visa to India
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Incidental tips (baksheesh) paid to our drivers, hotel staff, guide etc.
Personal expenses; laundry, medication, snacks, etc.
Any additional beverages beyond those provided during meals and activities
Any additional transport outside of expedition routes

Things To Note:
- We will have a briefing leading up to the tour to answer and confirm any enquiries you have.
- Participants would be required to bring their own cameras—any type is welcomed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that are suitable for walking and extended time outdoors. During November and December, Kolkata experiences mild winter weather with average temperatures ranging between 15°C and 22 °C.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own iPads or laptops for image review, editing sessions, and group discussions.
- We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum number of participants is not met. Should this occur, full refunds will be provided.
- Hotel accommodations are based on single occupancy rooms with a king-size bed, including daily buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change, and while we hope you can join us, if you need to adjust your participation:
- By/Before 31st July 2026: You’ll receive a 50% refund.
- After 1st August 2026: Unfortunately, no refunds can be offered.
If we must cancel the event: You will receive a full refund.

Flight Suggestion
Note: (+1) indicates arrival on the following day.
Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata direct flights are only available via Air Asia.
For Singapore Airlines it is via transit in Changi Airport.

Kuala Lumpur – Kolkata (Direct)
2 December 2026 | 20.45 – 22.20 | Air Asia AK65

Kolkata – Kuala Lumpur (Direct)
6 December 2026 | 23.05 – 05.35 (+1) | Air Asia AK64

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Kuala Lumpur – Kolkata (via Singapore)
2 December 2026 | 18.15 – 22.25 | SQ8583 / SQ516

Kolkata – Kuala Lumpur (via Singapore)
6 December 2026 | 23.40 – 08.15 (+1) | SQ517 / SQ104

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Singapore – Kolkata
2 December 2026 | 20.40 – 22.25 | SQ516

Kolkata – Singapore
6 December 2026 | 23.40 – 06.15 (+1) | SQ517