Theyyam Photography Tour Kerala

Overview

A 3 nights 4 days travel photography tour capturing the vibrant Theyyam ritual art and the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu in the cultural heart of Kerala.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Images Review

Meals

Rent Lens

Stay

About The Tour

Step into the sacred and surreal world of Theyyam, one of the oldest ritual art forms of Kerala, through this 3 nights and 4 days guided travel photography tour. Taking place in the culturally rich North Malabar region, Theyyam is a spellbinding blend of dance, drama, devotion, and divine transformation — where performers, believed to become incarnations of deities, take center stage in a riot of colors, fire, chants, and ancestral energy.

This immersive travel photography experience by DCP Expeditions is crafted for those who seek to capture not just faces but the soul of a tradition. You’ll be photographing across multiple temples and sacred groves, often late into the night and early mornings, as the Theyyam performances unfold in their most authentic form under flickering fire torches and chanting devotees.

Mentored by seasoned expert in cultural and low-light photography, this tour offers rare access, deep insights, and storytelling opportunities for photographers looking to create meaningful visual narratives. Witnessing Theyyam is not just a spectacle—it is a spiritual and photographic awakening.

Quick Information

Route:

Ex Payyanur

Start Point:

Payyanur homestay

Duration:

3 nights 4 days

End Point:

Payyanur homestay

Inclusions

3 nights and 4 days guided travel photography experience in North Kerala
Access to multiple Theyyam performances across temples and kavu (sacred groves)
Photography sessions during night rituals, fire performances & daylight makeovers
Stay on twin-sharing basis in local accommodation near performance zones
DCP Photography Mentor with expertise in documenting ritual art forms
Local guidance for performance schedules and access coordination
Cultural insights, storytelling discussions, and image review sessions

Experts

Pankaj Narshana

Panel Expert - DCP Mumbai

Pankaj Narshana is a Mumbai based full time commercial photographer.  He was interested in drawing and painting from his childhood days, he says that photography is similar to painting and drawing as these require similar levels of imagination and an eye to bring out the beauty of this world. Pankaj is a self taught photographer and his main areas of interest in this field are Travel and Street photography. This talented photographer is associated with DCP Group as a Panel Expert - Team DCP Mumbai

You can fly to Kannur airport. Contact your tour leader for further logistics coordination.

You can reach Kannur via train. Contact your tour leader for further logistics coordination.

Not recommended

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Wide angle lens
Tele / zoom lens for candids and portraits
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries.
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop.
Carrying a Tripod for the sanctuary
Carry a big towel / cloth to protect your gear from dust.
Carry a big cloth / bandanna / scarf to protect you from dust.
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.

Equipment is available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kannur

Participants have to reach Kannur by 3 p.m. Reach Payyanir homestay. Check in, get fresh and join for evening tea / snacks. We will leave to cover different Theyyam riturals in evening. We will be back to the hotel for dinner. After dinner, we will have a brief about the next day event.

Home Stay, Twin sharing AC rooms, Vegetarian Food

Day 2 and 3: Theyyam and Kalaripayattu

We will leave early morning for beaches in Kannur. Our mentor will be handholding you on technical know-hows, will help making better compositions on field and also by creating best of the photo opportunities. We will also be covering Kalaripayattu famous marshal art form from Kerela at the beach also we will be covering different Theyyam riturals on both days.

Home Stay, Twin sharing AC rooms, Vegetarian Food

Day 4: departure

We will depart after breakfast. The expedition ends here,

Field Learnings

Techniques for low-light and fire-lit photography without flash
Compositional approaches to cultural storytelling
Working with emotion, motion, and spiritual context
Ethics of photographing sacred rituals
Framing narratives in dynamic, unpredictable environments
Editing to retain cultural authenticity and storytelling depth

Package Cost

Indian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 24,999 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: INR 30,999 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 390 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 480 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for payment link.

Cost includes

Accommodation for 3 nights and 4 days.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay.
DCP photography expert's services for 4 days.
All internal transfers during the stay.
All entry fee etc.
All taxes

Cost does not include:

Travel to and from Kannur
Camera fee if any
Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Phone Calls, Tips etc.
Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary

Map

Mangalore

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% refund
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% refund
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No refund possible

FAQ's

Can I get a single room accommodation?

Yes. Please write to info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.

Design Your Custom Tour

Theyyam - Guided Travel Photography Tour, Dec 2025

₹ 24,999₹ 28,000

₹24,999₹ 28,000