Kolkata – Varanasi Photography Workshop
Join my Kolkata–Varanasi Photography Expedition to capture the soul of two timeless cities through your lens. Discover vibrant streets, spiritual ghats, and hands-on guidance to elevate your photography skills.
General Information
- Dates: December 10th – December 18th, 2026
- Physical difficulty: Moderate
- Price: $ 5200 per person
- Deposit payment: 50% of $ 5200 to be paid upon booking (to hold your seat), 90 days prior to departure, and the remaining 50% will have to be paid
- Only single occupancy available
- Group size: Min 4, max 6
- The above price is inclusive of VAT
- Make sure to read the [Terms & Conditions] before booking
Only 4 spots left
Arrival in Kolkata (December 10th 2026)
Your journey starts in the lively city of Kolkata. Upon arrival, our warm team will greet you and assist with your hotel transfer. Take a moment to relax, get comfortable, and ease into the trip. An exciting and colourful nine days await ahead.
Welcome Dinner
Later in the evening, we’ll come together for a warm welcome dinner—an opportunity to connect, share stories, and enjoy a delightful meal. You’ll also get a chance to talk about your photography journey, helping us guide and support you throughout the workshop.
Day-1
Morning Session: Street Walk & Metal Market
Photo walks through the old colonial streets of Kolkata, which present immense opportunities to utilise the first light of the morning, framing activities on the roadside. We will also explore the Metal Market, building the light does magic morning rituals enjoyed by workers of the building.
Evening Session: Kumaatuli Neighbourhood
Visit Potter’s Lane, popularly known as Kumaartoli, to capture the blend of art and spirituality. We will also visit the nearby streets showcasing the Bengali neighbourhood’s beauty and small paper and textile factories in the neighbourhood.
Day-2
Morning Session: Shooting Session with Wrestlers
You will have the unique opportunity to photograph traditional wrestlers (pehelwans) who practice on the banks of the Ganges with the iconic backdrop of the Howrah Bridge. These wrestlers, following the age-old Indian kushti tradition, train in open-air akharas (wrestling pits), offering a rare and powerful visual experience to be captured through the lens.
Evening Session: Koley Market Neighbourhood and Sealdah Train Station
You will explore Koley Market, a bustling wholesale vegetable market filled with vibrant colours and nonstop activity, perfect for street photography. From there, we head to Sealdah Train Station, one of India’s busiest railway hubs, and capture the dynamic flow of commuters, arriving trains, and moments of stillness amidst the rush.
Day-3
Morning Session: Flower market & Other side of River
Photography session at the very Famous Flower market of Kolkata on the bank of the Hooghly River. During this session, we will have the opportunity to take the best pictures of the Howrah Bridge.
Evening Session: Yellow Taxi Ride
You will embark on a 4-hour ride in Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxi, following a pre-designed route through the city’s vibrant streets. This journey offers a unique opportunity to photograph the city’s charm from inside the taxi, capturing intimate moments of daily life framed by the taxi’s vintage windows, as well as dynamic street scenes from a moving perspective.
Day-4
Transit to Varanasi:
On this day, we will take a flight to Varanasi, which will be around an hour long, to continue our tour. Depending on the flight schedule, there may be an opportunity for a photo review and editing session in Kolkata. Upon arrival in Varanasi, we will settle in and prepare to explore this ancient and spiritual city.
Day-5
Morning Session: Blue Hour Aarti & Morning Ghat Walk
You will witness the mesmerising Blue Hour Aarti, a serene and spiritual experience as Varanasi’s ghats come alive with the glow of lamps and chanting of hymns. This early morning ritual, set against the soft hues of dawn, offers stunning photography opportunities. Following the Aarti, we will take a morning walk along the ghats, capturing the city’s soulful essence—devotees performing rituals, sadhus meditating, and the tranquil reflections of the rising sun over the Ganges.
Evening Session: Back Alleys of Varanasi
You will explore the narrow, winding alleys of Varanasi, where the true essence of the city unfolds. These labyrinth-like lanes are filled with centuries-old temples, hidden shrines, local markets, and daily life scenes that offer endless photography opportunities. From chai vendors and wandering sadhus to intricate doorways and vibrant street art, the back alleys reveal a side of Varanasi that is both timeless and captivating.
Day-6
Morning Session: Sunrise on Boat & Wrestlers
Guests will start the day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, capturing the magical first light reflecting off the historic ghats. As the city awakens, we will witness morning rituals, devotees taking holy dips, and the misty golden glow over the river—an unforgettable photography experience. After the boat ride, we head to Tulsi Ghat, where traditional wrestlers (pehelwans) train in ancient akharas.
Post Breakfast Session: Visit to Brickfields on the Outskirts of Varanasi
You will visit the brickfields on the outskirts of Varanasi, where labourers work amidst towering stacks of freshly made bricks. This visit offers a glimpse into the raw, industrious side of rural life, with striking visuals of workers shaping, carrying, and firing bricks in traditional kilns. The earthy tones, dust-filled air, and play of light and shadows create compelling photography opportunities, capturing both the toil and resilience of these workers.
Day-7
Morning Session: Babas on Boat Shoot and Other Side of River
You will have a unique opportunity to photograph sadhus (babas) on a boat, capturing their mystic aura as they drift along the sacred Ganges. The serene river, early morning light, and the spiritual presence of these ascetics create a surreal and cinematic setting. After the shoot, we will cross over to the other side of the river, a quieter and less-explored area offering a stark contrast to the bustling ghats. Here, vast sandbanks, makeshift camps, and solitary figures in meditation provide a minimalistic yet powerful backdrop for storytelling photography.
Evening Session: Ganga Evening Aarti
As the journey nears its end, guests will witness the Ganga Evening Aarti, a grand and spiritually uplifting ceremony where priests perform synchronised rituals with fire lamps, chants, and ringing bells. The glowing diyas, rhythmic prayers, and the river’s reflections create an unforgettable spectacle and stunning photography opportunities.
Important Information
Inclusions
• 8 nights of accommodation in carefully selected 5* hotels, with single occupancy.
• Domestic flight between Kolkata and Varanasi included.
• All on-ground transportation, including a private mini-bus for city travel.
• All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
• Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
• All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
• A dedicated local guide and fixer for the entire journey.
• Airport pick up and drop off.
• Editing workshops with Jord, covering advanced post-processing techniques.
• Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
• Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.
Exclusions
• International flights to and from India
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, additional drinks, or activities outside the itinerary)
VISA Information
• Most travellers will need a tourist visa to enter India. Many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be easily applied for online before arrival.
• If you’re unsure about your visa requirements, please check the official guidelines or reach out. We’re happy to assist.
• For more information on visas, [click here].
FAQs
Do I need to know photography before joining?
Not at all. This workshop is designed for everyone—whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or already have years of experience. A mixed group makes the journey richer, as we learn, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. If you’re new, I’ll help you understand the essentials of handling your camera.
What equipment should I carry?
Once you’ve secured your booking, we’ll share a detailed checklist of suggested gear. But remember—any camera will do. What matters is how you see and capture the world. We’ll also provide personal advice based on your level, whether you’re starting out or shooting professionally.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Please review our [Terms & Conditions] for cancellation policies.
Will I get help with travel requirements?
Of course! Before the trip, you’ll receive a full briefing with clear instructions on the documents and preparations needed for smooth and hassle-free travel.
Testimonials
