Indian Travel PhotographyExpedition Logistics · Est. India
Kolkata and Varanasi both grew up on the banks of the Ganga, and both reward photographers who slow down. Kolkata is a city of layers: yellow taxis and clanging trams, crumbling colonial facades, tea stalls full of conversation, and clay idol-makers shaping gods by hand. The light is soft, the streets are full of stories, and people tend to let you into their world if you take the time to ask.
Varanasi is older, quieter in some ways and louder in others. It is one of the world’s oldest living cities, where life and ritual play out in the open along the ghats. Boats drift out at sunrise, lamps are lit at dusk, and the lanes behind the river are full of silk looms, temple bells and morning chai.
Together, the two cities show you India at its most expressive, from the energy of the street to the stillness of the river. Over seven days you’ll shoot both at their best hours, with mentors beside you to help you see, frame and tell the story.
Arrival in Kolkata
Your journey begins in the lively city of Kolkata. Our team will greet you on arrival and help with your hotel transfer, so you can settle in and ease into the trip.
Evening: Join us for a welcome dinner, a chance to meet the group, share stories and talk about your photography journey so we can guide and support you throughout.
Old Streets, Metal Market and Kumartuli
Morning: Walk the old colonial streets of Kolkata and use the first light of the day to frame everyday life along the roadside. We also explore the Metal Market, where soft morning light and the daily rhythms of the workers make for atmospheric frames.
Evening: Visit Potter’s Lane (Kumartuli) to photograph the blend of art and spirituality as artisans shape clay idols by hand. We also walk the nearby streets of the Bengali neighbourhood, with its small paper and textile workshops.
Wrestlers, Koley Market and Sealdah Morning: Photograph traditional wrestlers (pehelwans) training in open-air akharas on the river bank, following the age-old kushti tradition with the Howrah Bridge as an iconic backdrop. Evening: Explore Koley Market, a bustling wholesale vegetable market full of colour and nonstop activity. Then head to Sealdah Station, one of India’s busiest railway hubs, to capture commuters, arriving trains and moments of stillness amid the rush.
Flower Market and Yellow Taxi Ride Morning: Shoot at Kolkata’s famous flower market on the bank of the Hooghly River, and cross to the other side of the river for the best views of the Howrah Bridge. Evening: Take a four-hour ride in Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis along a pre-planned route. Photograph the city’s charm through the vintage windows and capture dynamic street scenes from a moving perspective.
Fly to Varanasi Take the short flight (around an hour) to Varanasi to continue the journey. On arrival we settle in and prepare to explore this ancient and spiritual city.
Blue Hour Aarti and Back Alleys Morning: Witness the Blue Hour Aarti as Varanasi’s ghats come alive with the glow of lamps and the chanting of hymns. Then walk along the ghats, capturing devotees at their rituals, sadhus in meditation and the rising sun reflected on the Ganges. Evening: Explore the narrow, winding alleys of the old city, with centuries-old temples, hidden shrines, local markets, chai vendors, wandering sadhus, intricate doorways and vibrant street art.
Sunrise Boat Ride, Wrestlers and Brickfields Morning: Start with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, catching the first light on the historic ghats, morning rituals and devotees taking holy dips. After the boat ride, head to Tulsi Ghat, where traditional wrestlers train in ancient akharas. Post-breakfast: Visit the brickfields on the outskirts of Varanasi, where labourers shape, carry and fire bricks in traditional kilns. Earthy tones, dust-filled air and the play of light and shadow create compelling photographs of toil and resilience.
Babas on Boat, the Far Bank and Ganga Aarti Morning: Photograph sadhus (babas) on a boat as they drift along the Ganges in the early light. After the shoot, cross to the quieter far bank, where vast sandbanks, makeshift camps and solitary figures in meditation make a minimal, cinematic backdrop for storytelling. Evening: As the journey nears its end, witness the grand Ganga Evening Aarti, where priests perform synchronised rituals with fire lamps, chants and ringing bells.
Departure After breakfast, our team will take you to the airport for your onward journey.
This has been my first experience using Indian Travel Photography. They were recommended to me by friends who said they are the best, and they are. Truly professional and responsive to all my requests.
They have booked several journeys for me, always going above and beyond to secure the best value and accommodations. Every request handled with patience, kindness and expertise. A travel advisor for life.
An unforgettable photography expedition across Rajasthan. Every logistic was handled flawlessly so I could focus on shooting.
The local knowledge and access is unmatched. I got shots I could never have managed on my own.
From tigers to temples, they made every single moment count. Highly recommended.
Seamless from airport to golden hour. The best DMC I have worked with in years.
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