Words, thoughts and invite from Neale James, presenter/producer of The Friday Photowalk. Pictures from Jason Florio with further photographs from Neale.

Having enjoyed a West African experience in 2024, in 2025 we travel to Mumbai in India for a photographic experience and adventure.

Nestled along the Arabian Sea on the western coast of India, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is described as a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. It’s a city bursting at its seams with life, energy, and diversity. The financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is a sprawling metropolis that weaves together a colonial past, vibrant present, and dreams of the future.

From the towering skyscrapers of its bustling business districts to the narrow lanes of its historic neighbourhoods, every corner of Mumbai hums with activity and stories waiting to be told with a camera.

Beyond its economic significance, Mumbai is a city of contrasts. It’s home to some of the country's richest people, most opulent mansions and luxury hotels, juxtaposed with sprawling slums that highlight the stark realities of urban life. Yet, amid this diversity and complexity, a sense of unity and resilience defines the spirit of this city with many stories.

From the iconic Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea to the vibrant street markets of Colaba and the glitz of Bollywood in the suburb of Andheri, Mumbai is a city of myriad experiences.

In this photographic adventure to Mumbai, we embark on a journey through the city's bustling streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, uncovering the essence of what makes Mumbai truly unforgettable. And then there is the great train adventure that will link us as a group to the far reaches of Mumbai and beyond into the country.

The full itinerary is being planned, and we are now accepting interest from prospective explorers via the contact form below. As you consider this wonderful adventure, here are photographs of the ’train-leg’ of our adventure from one of our photographic guides, international photojournalist Jason Florio.

JASON FLORIO’S PICTURES OF HIS MUMBAI train adventure

Mumbai's railways form the city's lifeline, pulsating with the rhythm of daily life and connecting its diverse neighbourhoods. Renowned as one of the busiest and most extensive railway networks in the world, Mumbai's local trains serve as the arteries of the city, ferrying millions of commuters each day to their destinations at all times.

The railways are the main way we will be exploring Mumbai and further out into the country.

Mumbai's railway system's backbone is the Mumbai Suburban Railway, which comprises three main lines: the Western, the Central, and the Harbour Line. These lines crisscross the city and its outskirts, linking suburban areas with the heart of Mumbai. The local trains run with remarkable frequency, ensuring that commuters have access to transportation at almost any hour of the day or night.

In addition to the suburban railway network, Mumbai is also served by long-distance trains that connect it to various parts of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Mumbai Central are the city's main terminals for these trains, offering connections to destinations across the country.

Despite facing challenges such as overcrowding during peak hours, Mumbai's railways remain the preferred mode of transport for millions of commuters due to their affordability, accessibility, and extensive reach. They embody the spirit of Mumbai.

YOUR EXPLORER GUIDES

JASON FLORIO

Award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker, Jason was based in New York for 18 years before relocating to Malta and The Gambia in 2013. He has produced images and documentaries for clients including The New York Times, National Geographic, Amnesty International and the World Bank. He focuses on under-reported stories about people living on the margins of society and human rights. His work has received a number of awards, including The Magnum Photography Award for his work on migration. Co-leading with his wife Helen Jones-Florio, Jason completed the first recorded circumnavigation of The Gambia by foot and then together again, the first recorded expedition of River Gambia from its source in Guinea-Conakry to the Atlantic Ocean, in The Gambia creating a document of the communities that live along the river. For his photography-based expedition projects, Jason was made a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society in the UK. His photo story of Mumbai features the vibrant city during the rush-hour.

NEALE JAMES

As a broadcaster, Neale started his professional career in the Canary Islands based in Lanzarote at an English and German language radio station, returning to the UK to train and present within BBC regional radio, before joining the national network, Radio 1, to host a wide series of music shows and documentaries, including television. Upon leaving the BBC, Neale continued to present programmes in the commercial radio industry including co-directing a radio training school and audio channel programme directing for commercial clients including HSBC and NatWest Bank. In 2004 he switched his full-time occupation to become a social reportage and commercial photographer initially studio based in Berkshire, UK. In 2019, Neale returned to audio launching his podcasting interests, joining forces with Fujifilm ambassador Kevin Mullins to co-present The FujiCast, and in June 2020 launched Photography Daily/The Photowalk - a programme that celebrates the ‘why’ of photography.

Photographs of Holi by Bhupesh Pal

Our tour culminates with Holi, the festival of colours, one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, as well as a time for love, laughter, and unity among people of all backgrounds.

The festivities begin the night before Holi with Holika Dahan. Bonfires are lit in communities across India to symbolize the burning of the demoness Holika, representing the victory of virtue over vice. People gather around these bonfires, sing and dance, and perform rituals to ward off evil spirits and welcome the arrival of spring.

On the day of Holi, the real fun begins with Rangwali Holi, the playing of colours. Streets and open spaces across India become a riot of colours as people of all ages come together to drench each other in coloured powders and water. Traditional songs, dance, and music add to the festive atmosphere, creating an electrifying mix of scenes to photograph, video and sound record!

PRICE AND RESERVATION OF INTEREST

What’s included: hotels and accommodation, price of all entries to historic sites, tuition and mentoring, daily breakfast and dinner, transport within the ten days including all train travel, buses and taxi.

What’s not included: air travel to and from Mumbai’s international airport, plus your transport to and from the airport at the start and end of your adventure.

Price of the adventure: £4,500