Immerse yourself in India’s vibrant heritage on this expertly curated photographic tour through Rajasthan and Varanasi. From the indigo alleys of Jodhpur and the regal palaces of Jaipur to the sacred ghats of the Ganges, each day offers rare access, styled portrait sessions, and golden-hour landscapes. With beautiful accommodations, private guides, and thoughtfully arranged shoots, this journey blends cultural depth with creative inspiration—perfect for travelers seeking unforgettable images and authentic encounters.
Day 1
Arrive in New Delhi, where you’ll be greeted at Indira Gandhi International Airport and escorted to the Novotel Hotel in Aerocity. Settle in and join us in a private meeting room for an introductory photography session to kick off your journey.
Day 2
This morning, we fly from New Delhi to Rajasthan’s famed Blue City, Jodhpur. Upon arrival, private transfers will take you to your hotel for check-in and a chance to refresh. After a leisurely lunch, we’ll venture into the lively Clock Tower district—an energetic maze of narrow alleys, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Here, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to capture the rhythm of local life through your lens, from vibrant textiles and bustling vendors to the unique charm of Jodhpur’s streets.
Day 3
We begin the day with a magical sunrise at the beautifully preserved Joori Stepwell, accompanied by a model in traditional attire. The soft morning light and the stepwell’s intricate stonework provide a striking setting for a styled photography session. From here, we wander through the narrow lanes of Jodhpur’s Blue City—famed for its indigo-painted houses and rich textures—capturing evocative portraits and candid street scenes with the help of local models. After breakfast and a short rest at the hotel, we continue to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Perched high above the city, this architectural masterpiece offers panoramic views, opulent interiors, and fascinating details—perfect for both sweeping landscapes and close-up shots. Following lunch at a local restaurant or back at the hotel, you’ll have time to relax or explore Jodhpur at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we return to Mehrangarh Fort to photograph its golden sandstone glowing in the warm light of sunset—an unforgettable finale to the day’s visual journey.
Day 4
We’ll begin the day with an early departure from the hotel, heading to the scenic Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park at the base of Mehrangarh Fort. Arriving before sunrise, we’ll set up at a designated viewpoint to capture the first light as it illuminates the rugged landscape and the fort’s majestic silhouette—an extraordinary opportunity for atmospheric landscape photography.
Please note: Rao Jodha Park opens at 8 am in October. Early entry will depend on special permission approvals.
After the photo session, we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out. From there, our journey continues by road to Jaipur. The drive takes approximately six to seven hours and is the most practical and efficient way to travel between Jodhpur and Jaipur, given the limited and often inconvenient flight options. While flight schedules may evolve closer to the tour dates, we’ll travel by road to ensure maximum reliability and comfort. A stop for lunch will be made along the way at a quality local restaurant.
Upon arrival in Jaipur—the regal capital of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City—we’ll check in at the hotel (time permitting) and have a brief moment to freshen up. Shortly after, we’ll head out for a sunset photo session at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). The delicate honeycomb façade, glowing in the golden hour light, provides stunning compositions and intricate architectural details that perfectly capture the grandeur of Jaipur.
We’ll conclude the evening with dinner back at the hotel, where we can relax and unwind after a full day of travel and photography highlights.
Day 5
This full day in Jaipur is dedicated to capturing the city’s architectural splendor and vibrant cultural aesthetics through thoughtfully styled photo sessions. The day begins at sunrise with exclusive early access to Amber Fort—one of Rajasthan’s most iconic hilltop forts. With minimal foot traffic and the soft light of dawn, guests will have the unique opportunity to photograph the majestic courtyards, intricate carvings, and sweeping vistas, accompanied by a model dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire. Following the session at Amber Fort, the group will make its way to the vibrant and much- photographed Patrika Gate. Breakfast will be served en route or upon arrival, depending on the timing. At Patrika Gate, a second model in a contrasting costume will be available to provide variety in styling and composition, allowing guests to explore creative portraiture framed by the gate’s richly painted archways and colorful murals. Later in the morning, the group will proceed to the City Palace, an opulent complex still partially occupied by Jaipur’s royal family. Highlights include courtyards adorned with intricate artwork and the famed Blue Room—an exquisitely decorated chamber rarely accessible to the general public, offering an exceptional backdrop for both wide shots and detail-focused photography. Afterward, the group will pause for lunch at a selected local restaurant known for its regional flavors and warm hospitality. As the day draws to a close, the group will gather at Jal Mahal, the striking water palace set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Positioned along the lakefront at sunset, guests can photograph the palace as it glows in the golden light, reflecting serenely off the water—a picturesque finale to a visually rich day in Jaipur.
Day 6
We begin our final morning in Rajasthan with a visit to Panna Meena ka Kund, a beautifully preserved 16th-century stepwell in the heart of Jaipur. Its striking geometric staircases and precise symmetry create an extraordinary setting for a styled photo session, featuring three models in traditional village attire—capturing the spirit of rural Rajasthan against this architectural gem. After the shoot, we return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast before checking out and heading to the airport for our flight to Varanasi—one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and the spiritual heart of India. Depending on our arrival time, we may enjoy a first glimpse of the iconic ghats along the Ganges River. If schedules align, we’ll aim to photograph the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony; however, this remains flexible to ensure the best possible experience given flight timings.
Day 7
The day begins with a peaceful sunrise cruise along the Ganges River on a private boat, offering a unique perspective to photograph morning rituals along the ghats. As dawn breaks, the riverfront comes alive with spiritual activity—prayers, offerings, and bathing rites—providing compelling scenes of daily devotion. After the river session, we will meet and photograph two Aghoris, ascetics known for their distinctive appearance and practices. Their participation is subject to their availability, as they live nomadic lives and may choose not to be photographed. Flexibility will be key, and we may need to adjust our plans accordingly. Following this, we return to the hotel for breakfast and a period of rest. In the afternoon, we explore the narrow alleys of Varanasi’s old city on foot, capturing vibrant street scenes, local life, and architectural details unique to this ancient urban landscape. As evening sets in, we visit Dasashwamedh Ghat to photograph the Ganga Aarti—a powerful ritual of synchronized chants, flames, and incense that offers a striking visual and cultural experience. Our team will ensure you are well-positioned to document this iconic ceremony.
Day 8
We greet the day at sunrise on the banks of the Ganges, capturing portraits of two sadhus—ascetic holy men in traditional attire—set against the serene glow of early morning light. This intimate session offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual heart of Varanasi. From there, we travel to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Amid its peaceful gardens and sacred ruins, we’ll photograph monks in their daily rituals, complemented by a guided introduction to the site’s rich history. After lunch and a short rest, we return to the riverside for another portrait session, this time with models styled to reflect the city’s spiritual and cultural essence, bathed in the soft warmth of the afternoon light. In the evening, we gather at the hotel for a photo review and creative discussion. If we were unable to photograph the Ganga Aarti on our first night, this evening will serve as our opportunity to experience and document the powerful ceremony—flames, chants, and devotion filling the air along the river’s edge.
Day 9
Our final morning begins with a specially arranged sunrise photo session featuring dancer models in vibrant traditional attire. Set against a backdrop of your choice—whether the tranquil riverbanks, ornate temple courtyards, or another culturally rich setting—this shoot captures graceful movement in the soft glow of dawn, providing a memorable finale to your photographic journey. After the session, we return to the hotel for breakfast and final preparations. Following check-out, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Delhi, bringing our adventure to a close. You’ll depart with a portfolio of striking images and lasting memories of India’s beauty, culture, and spirit.
Price: 6900 USD
Included in the price:
- Accomodation in nice hotels
- All meals as mentioned above
- All transfers as per the itinerary using a Air conditioned Van or Toyota SUV
- All models as described above
- Domestic Flights with 15 kg check-in baggage allowance: Delhi to Jodhpur, Jaipur to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi
- Entry Tickets to all monuments mentioned in the itinerary
- Photography guide
- Accompanying English Speaking Local Guide
- Packaged Mineral Water during the tours and transfers
Not included in the price:
– Airfare international
– Visas (if applicable)
– Single supplement
What to bring
Gear:
– camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– 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 70-200 mm.
- drone is recommended
Wear:
– Casual clothes for dinners and lunches and photography workshops
– Summer clothes
– Light jacket for morning photography (15-20 C)
Guide – Andy Marty
Born in Australia, Andy Marty moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2009 and now calls Dubai home. His passion for photography grew from a deep love of travel, inspiring him to capture and share the beauty of the world’s diverse cultures — from India’s vibrant bazaars to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and the iconic skyline of New York City.
Over time, Andy has developed a versatile photographic style encompassing cityscapes, wildlife, portraits, and time-lapse work. His imagery has been featured in campaigns for renowned international brands such as Audi, Fairmont Group, One&Only, Visit Rwanda, and flydubai. For Andy, photography is about storytelling — transporting viewers to extraordinary places through his lens.
Dedicated to education and community, he shares his expertise through private sessions, Nikon workshops, and photo tours with Iceland Photo Tours and Daniel Kordan Photography. Despite the digital age, Andy remains a firm believer that a great photograph deserves to be printed, framed, and appreciated every day.
