Varanasi is the India you imagine. One of the most colorful places on earth.

Varanasi is the India you imagine. One of the most colorful and fascinating places on earth, with surprises around every corner. Pilgrims come to the ghats (steps) lining the River Ganges to wash away sins in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones. It’s a particularly auspicious place to die since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Most visitors agree Varanasi is magical – but not for the faint-hearted. Our 5-day Varanasi Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure is filled with sights of traditions and culture that enfold the living and dead. Intimate rituals of life and death take place in public, and the sights, sounds and smells on the ghats – not to mention almost constant attention from touts – can be intense. Still, the so-called “City of Light” may turn out to be your favorite stop on our adventure. Walking the ghats and alleyways or watching the sunrise from a boat will be unforgettable.

Varanasi, also known as Benares (Banāras or Kashi), is on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India, 790 km (490 mi) southeast of Delhi. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, Ravidassia religion and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favorite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city in ancient times was known as Kashi or “Shiv ki Nagri”.

NOTE: Varanasi can be a stand-alone photo adventure, but it is meant to be combined with several of our India adventures including Rajasthan’s Golden Triangle, the Pushkar Camel Fair, Kolkata and more. In addition, a private or semi-private Varanasi experience can be added to any of our group photo adventures.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable about how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. We cannot think of a better country to express your creativity than India.

Varanasi, also known as Benares (Banāras or Kashi), is on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India, 790 km (490 mi) southeast of Delhi. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, Ravidassia religion and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favorite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city in ancient times was known as Kashi or “Shiv ki Nagri”.

NOTE: Varanasi can be a stand-alone photo adventure, but it is meant to be combined with several of our India adventures including Rajasthan’s Golden Triangle, the Pushkar Camel Fair, Kolkata and more. In addition, a private or semi-private Varanasi experience can be added to any of our group photo adventures.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable about how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. We cannot think of a better country to express your creativity than India.

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.