Embark on a Journey Through Timeless India
Step into a photographer’s paradise with our expertly curated photo tour across Rajasthan and Varanasi, two of India’s most iconic and visually stunning regions. This journey is designed to immerse you in the vibrant cultures, majestic architecture, and spiritual traditions of India while honing your photography skills.
From the vibrant Blue City of Jodhpur to the royal splendor of Jaipur and the serene waters of Udaipur, you’ll capture the essence of Rajasthan’s regal heritage. Then, experience the profound spirituality of Varanasi, India’s oldest living city, where life and death unfold along the sacred Ganges River.
Guided by professional insights, you’ll not only witness breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures but also learn to transform your observations into compelling photographic stories. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or an enthusiast eager to elevate your craft, this tour promises unforgettable moments and extraordinary images.
Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to discover the heart of India—through your lens.
Day 1, March 24 – Arrival in Delhi
The journey begins in Delhi, India’s sprawling capital, a city that showcases a fascinating blend of ancient and modern worlds. Upon arrival at the Delhi Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Delhi’s history dates back centuries, with remnants of the Mughal Empire coexisting with bustling markets and colonial-era landmarks. In the evening, enjoy a warm orientation session and a delicious welcome dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and discuss the photography opportunities that await.
Day 2
Delhi to Udaipur, Drive to Narlai
After breakfast, fly to Udaipur, often referred to as the “City of Lakes.” This picturesque city is a treasure trove of Rajasthani culture, with its tranquil lakes, ornate palaces, and narrow streets bustling with life. From Udaipur, a scenic three-hour drive will take you to Narlai, a small village nestled in the Aravalli Hills. Known for its rustic charm and timeless beauty, Narlai is home to the Rabari tribe, semi-nomadic pastoralists who are known for their colorful attire and deep connection to their livestock. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the village to engage with the locals and capture their daily lives. Photography Tip: Use a 50mm or 85mm lens for intimate portraits of the Rabari people, and try shooting during golden hour for soft, warm light.
Day 3
Rabari Tribe and Drive to Jodhpur
Begin your day with an immersive photography session featuring the Rabari tribe, whose striking traditional attire and expressive faces make for incredible portraiture. Their rich cultural heritage, steeped in folklore and tradition, offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. After breakfast, embark on a three-hour drive to Jodhpur. Along the way, keep your camera ready to capture the scenic countryside, dotted with women in vibrant saris, camel caravans, and rustic villages. On arrival in Jodhpur, check into your hotel before heading out to explore the city streets. The “Blue City,” named for the vivid indigo-painted houses in its old town, offers endless opportunities for street photography. Conclude the day with a sunset shoot from a rooftop restaurant, where you can frame the iconic Mehrangarh Fort against a dramatic sky. Photography Tip: Use leading lines and repetitive patterns to emphasize the symmetry of Jodhpur’s blue streets.
Day 4
Jodhpur Exploration
Start your day with a serene shoot at a historic stepwell, an architectural marvel built to conserve water in arid Rajasthan. From there, delve into the bustling Clock Tower Market, capturing its kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and energy. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Blue City, each corner offering new compositions of light, shadow, and color. Spend the afternoon exploring Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s largest forts, which looms majestically over the city. Its intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards are a testament to Jodhpur’s regal past. As the day winds down, revisit the Clock Tower Market for evening street photography, focusing on the interplay of light from streetlamps and market stalls. Photography Tip: Play with perspective—shoot from low angles to emphasize the scale of the fort and use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of its interiors.
Day 5
Drive from Jodhpur to Jaipur
Begin with a sunrise shoot at a scenic viewpoint in Jodhpur, where the morning light bathes the city in a golden hue. After breakfast, embark on a drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and the heart of its cultural heritage. Known as the “Pink City” for the terracotta hue of its historic buildings, Jaipur is a bustling metropolis steeped in royal history. In the evening, head to the Tattoo Café for a sunset view of Hawa Mahal, an intricate palace with 953 windows designed to allow royal women to observe street life without being seen. Photography Tip: Use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to capture the Hawa Mahal in soft twilight, highlighting its delicate latticework.
Day 6
Exploring Jaipur
Begin your Jaipur exploration with a sunrise shoot at Amber Fort, a stunning blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture perched on a hilltop. Wander through its grand courtyards and intricate mirror-work halls. Next, visit City Palace, a sprawling complex of gardens, courtyards, and museums, where you can capture the essence of Jaipur’s royal legacy. Participate in a post-processing workshop to refine your photography skills. Later, immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Bapu Bazaar, where artisans sell textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. End the day with an evening shoot at Jal Mahal, a palace seemingly floating on Man Sagar Lake. Photography Tip: Use reflections creatively at Jal Mahal and experiment with long exposures to smooth out the water’s surface.
Day 7
Jaipur to Varanasi via Delhi
The day begins with shoots at two of Jaipur’s most photogenic landmarks: Panna Meena ka Kund, an ancient stepwell with geometric staircases, and Patrika Gate, a vibrant architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate murals. Afterward, drive to Delhi for a flight to Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital. On arrival, settle into your hotel and prepare for the next day’s photographic journey. Photography Tip: Look for symmetry and repeating patterns at the stepwell to create visually striking compositions.
Day 8
Exploring Varanasi
Rise early for a boat ride along the Ganges, where the river comes alive with pilgrims performing rituals at sunrise. Photograph sadhus (holy men) whose ascetic lifestyle and colorful robes make them captivating subjects. Afterward, visit Sarnath, where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon, before an afternoon of street photography capturing the chaos and charm of Varanasi’s narrow lanes. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ceremony of fire and devotion, performed on the riverbanks. Conclude with a visit to the cremation grounds for a profound glimpse into life and death along the sacred river. Photography Tip: Use a fast lens for low-light shots of the Aarti ceremony, and respect the sanctity of cremation rituals by shooting discreetly and respectfully.
Day 9, April 1 – Varanasi to Delhi, Departure
On your final morning, arrange a dancer model shoot at the Ghats, blending traditional poses with the timeless backdrop of the river. Explore the city one last time for street photography, capturing the vibrant life of this ancient city. After breakfast, board your flight to Delhi and prepare for departure. Photography Tip: Experiment with motion blur as people bustle along the Ghats, creating dynamic and evocative images to conclude your journey.
This itinerary combines immersive cultural experiences with professional photography guidance, ensuring a journey rich in both inspiration and unforgettable images.
Price: 7200 USD per person
Single supplement 1200 USD.
Group size – 8 guests maximum
Where do we stay
4-5 star hotels
Photography Level
- Beginners and advanced photographers
- DSLR / mirrorless
Tour Include
- 7 nights’ accommodation at listed hotels or similar on double sharing basis.
• All meals included.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle during the tour. – Toyota SUV car – 2 guests + 1 tour
leaders in 1 SUV.
• English speaking Tour Guide and Tour Manager.
• Local guides and translator.
• All activities and visits are specified in the itinerary.
• Entrance fees to all the monuments mentioned as per the itinerary.
• Jaipur photo shoot permit at Stepwell and Amber fort.
• Early morning boat ride at River Ganges in Varanasi with live performance by Sitar
player (Classical Indian Music).
• Witnessing the grand prayer ceremony at River Ganges Ghat in Varanasi.
• Model Shoots as specified.
• Unlimited packaged drinking water.
• Assistance on arrival and departure transfers.
• All applicable current taxes and Government Service Tax.
Tour Exclude
- • International Airfares or connections to New Delhi.
• Early check-in or late check-out.
• Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and additional food.
• Personal extras, such as drinks, laundry, telephone, etc.
• Tips & gratuities to Porters, Waiters, Drivers, and Guides.
• Visa fees, Airport taxes, Camera/Video fees• Optional tours
• Travel Insurance
• Any other item not mentioned as included. - Single supplement 1200 USD
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We strongly recommend you to get a Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:
Greater than 90 days from the start date of the Workshop:
full refund minus $300 service fee.
75 days or more :75% refund 60 days or more: 50% refund
Less than 60 days: no refund Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
What to bring
Gear:
– DSLR or mirrorless camera with tripod and remote shutter release – 2 cameras recommended to minimise lens exchange
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 100-400 mm
– Drone is recommended
Wear:
– Waterproof and windproof jacket (light, will be around 20-35 C), strong winds
– Waterproof pants
– Warm down-jacket and thermal pants
– Casual clothes for dinners and lunches and photography workshops
Tour leaders – Daniel Kordan, Harsh Agarwal
An explorer and awarded photographer, Harsh Agarwal is best described as a down-to-earth person who can bring the best out of anything. He firmly believes that photography is an art and it’s all about finding extra-ordinary at an ordinary place.
His passion for exploring India and traveling to different places worldwide brought in him a zeal of becoming a tour guide. Extremely jolly by nature, he started his carrier as a tour guide in 2006. As a result, he is brilliantly leading tours since 2008.
Talking particularly about India, Harsh has organized and lead photography tours in Leh and Ladakh, captured all hues of Lathmar Holi in Barsana, covered Kumbh Mela, trailed behind tigers during exclusive wildlife tours, cherished Pushkar Mela, clicked lost tribes of India and much more.
An enthusiastic Nikon user, he is doing photography since 2013 and is a keen contributor to Nat Geo. His dedicated work or should it be said his astoundingly captured images along with his interviews have been published many times in Asian Photography Magazine, newspapers including The Times of India, exhibitions, etc. Besides this, his work has also made it all the way to ICCR an international webinar inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
