Varanasi Photo Tour
Varanasi Photo Tour
4th – 7th Nov 2025
View Dates & Prices
Group Size
8 Participants
Location
Varanasi, India.
DEV DEEPAVALI PHOTO TOUR – OVERVIEW
“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”- Mark Twain.
The Dev Deepavali (“the Diwali of the Gods” or “Festival of Lights of the Gods”) is the festival of Kartik Poornima celebrated in Varanasi. It falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika (November – December) and takes place fifteen days after Diwali. The steps of all the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River are lit with more than a million earthen lamps (diyas) in honour of Ganga and its presiding goddess. The gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. The festival is also observed as Tripura Purnima Snan. The tradition of lighting the lamps on the Dev Deepawali festival day was first started at the Panchganga Ghat in 1985.
DEV DEEPAVALI PHOTO TOUR – OVERVIEW
“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”- Mark Twain.
The Dev Deepavali (“the Diwali of the Gods” or “Festival of Lights of the Gods”) is the festival of Kartik Poornima celebrated in Varanasi. It falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika (November – December) and takes place fifteen days after Diwali. The steps of all the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River are lit with more than a million earthen lamps (diyas) in honour of Ganga and its presiding goddess. The gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. The festival is also observed as Tripura Purnima Snan. The tradition of lighting the lamps on the Dev Deepawali festival day was first started at the Panchganga Ghat in 1985.
During Dev Deepawali, houses are decorated with oil lamps and coloured designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burnt at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi, and oil lamps are set afloat on the river. The main rituals performed by devotees consist of kartik snan (taking a holy bath in the Ganges during Kartika) and deepdan (offering of oil-lighted lamps) to the Ganga in the evening. The Ganga aarti is also performed in the evening.
On the auspicious occasion of “Dev Deepawali”, a Four Day Street Photography Photo Tour, has been organized.
During Dev Deepawali, houses are decorated with oil lamps and coloured designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burnt at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi, and oil lamps are set afloat on the river. The main rituals performed by devotees consist of kartik snan (taking a holy bath in the Ganges during Kartika) and deepdan (offering of oil-lighted lamps) to the Ganga in the evening. The Ganga aarti is also performed in the evening.
On the auspicious occasion of “Dev Deepawali”, a Four Day Street Photography Photo Tour, has been organized.
TOUR LIMELIGHT
- You’ll have the lifetime experience of staying four days in one of the most ancient living cities in the world.
- Special attraction – Shooting the essence and festive spirit of Dev Depawali. This is a unique opportunity for any photographer.
- The enthralling experience of capturing different kinds of rituals every day on the ghats of the Ganges.
- Street Photography – Experience the magic of Varanasi, one of the world’s best destinations for unparalleled street photography.
- A soul-enriching exploration and photographic journey in a city of spiritual significance.
- Extensive photography learning under the guidance of an accomplished mentor.
- For photographers, it is an unparalleled & unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the ancient city. The frame captures the culture, religious legacy, ancient flavour and people in natural beauty.
- This four-day Photo Tour is designed for advanced photographers as well as beginners to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to SEE the UNSEEN and create images that stand out from millions of mundane images clicked by thousands of photographers.
ITINERARY
Day X
Pre-tour briefing about the attractions of the tour, safety precautions for the equipment and photographer during the tour, travelling instructions to/from your city to Varanasi etc. These discussions can be made via WhatsApp group, e-mail, or telephone after the reservation of your spot.
Day 1
09.00 Upon arrival, participants are checked into the hotel. Introductions of participants.
13.45 Lunch
14.30 After lunch, there will be a briefing session on the city and photography and the Tour Itinerary. Then we will set out to explore the city and watch and photograph the glorious Ganga Aarti at the main Dashashwamedh Ghat.
19.00 Tea Break
22.00 Back to Hotel
22.30 Dinner
Day 2
05.30 Out for morning Photowalk through the lanes of Varanasi. Briefing about Dev Depawali by the living history of Varanasi, Mr Narayan Dravid. Some photographs of the festival, Do’s & Don’ts within streets of Varanasi.
09.00 Return to the hotel for breakfast and rest for a while.
13.45 Lunch
14.30 Out for Photowalk – Shooting the famous Dev Deepavali on various Ghats.
21.30 Back to hotel
22.00 Dinner
Day 3
09.00 Back to Hotel and Breakfast.
13.45 Lunch
16.00 Out for Photowalk – Exclusive shoot at Manikarnika Ghat
20.00 Back to the hotel
20.30 Review of photographs taken on previous days’ shoot
22.00 Dinner
Day 4
05.30 Shooting sunrise and various Ghat activities from the boat
08.30 Breakfast
11.30 Certificate Distribution.
12.00 Lunch and the tour comes to an end. Check out at 12 Noon
12:30 winding up the session.
A note about this itinerary: Many factors can cause this itinerary to change.
For this reason, we have allowed a few days on either side of the tour.
DATE
4th to 7th November 2025
PRICE
Please note that costs are subject to change as not all of our partner properties have released their rates. Should we need to revise costs, we will endeavor to keep fees and dates as close as possible to the original.
| Date [4th-7th November 2025] | Indian Participants | Foreign Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Double Occupancy | Rs 39000 | 900 USD |
| Single Occupancy | Rs 49000 | 1200 USD |
*Limited seats on a first come first serve basis.
**Please read all details on this page and Detailed Terms and Conditions, disclaimer/undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
Understand mythology to connect with your subject
As Mark Twain once very famously remarked, ‘Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.’ This statement holds true for this quaintly charming land, which indeed takes pride in a history that dates back 3000 years.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die in Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. The Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die in Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and has been accorded the highest position among other ghats by the holy scriptures in Hinduism. It is believed that if a person is cremated here, they immediately attain moksha (salvation). According to mythology, Goddess Adi Shakti, or Goddess Sati, jumped into the fire and immolated herself; Lord Shiva carried her burning body to the Himalayas. There, he was immersed in unending sorrow. Lord Vishnu, moved by his plight, sent forth his Divine Chakra (one of his weapons) which cut Goddess Adi Shakti’s body into 51 pieces. Each of the places where her pieces fell on Earth was declared a Shakti Peeth. Because her earrings fell at Manikarnika Ghat, it was established as a Shakti Peeth and named Manikarnika since Manikarna in Sanskrit means earrings.
The city has been a centre of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. The Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi; it expands to the mighty river that we know. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of the Hindu renaissance.
Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, and Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously.
Gallery
MEET YOUR MENTOR
Apratim Saha
Apratim Saha is the ideal mentor for the Varanasi Photo Tour, having successfully led numerous tours in Varanasi for the last 12 years years. With extensive experience in organizing workshops and photo tours, he is well-connected with many local people and sadhus, allowing him to guide you to the core of the ritual. Moreover, his in-depth knowledge of people photography enhances the overall tour experience.
Internationally renowned photographer Apratim Saha has been living his dream of travelling to various countries for his photographic assignments and workshops for the past three decades. Apratim is a contributing photographer for National Geographic, Getty Images and Stocksy United. He is a Canon Brand Ambassador and the Global Brand Ambassador and Mentor for Datacolor, Nisi, Godox, Vanguard, Dxo and Blackrapid.
He has over 38 years of experience, from traditional film to digital photography. He is a commercial photographer specializing in people photography, portraiture, lifestyle & editorial clients. Read More…
MEET YOUR MENTOR
Apratim Saha
Apratim Saha is the ideal mentor for the Varanasi Photo Tour, having successfully led numerous tours in Varanasi for the last 12 years years. With extensive experience in organizing workshops and photo tours, he is well-connected with many local people and sadhus, allowing him to guide you to the core of the ritual. Moreover, his in-depth knowledge of people photography enhances the overall tour experience. Internationally renowned photographer Apratim Saha has been living his dream of travelling to various countries for his photographic assignments and workshops for the past three decades. Apratim is a contributing photographer for National Geographic, Getty Images and Stocksy United. He is a Canon Brand Ambassador and the Global Brand Ambassador and Mentor for Datacolor, Nisi, Godox, Vanguard, Dxo and Blackrapid. He has over 38 years of experience, from traditional film to digital photography. He is a commercial photographer specializing in people photography, portraiture, lifestyle & editorial clients. Read More…
FAQs
Can I join this trip as a non-photographer?
Absolutely! If your significant other wants you there by their side, or if you simply want to join without a camera, you’re more than welcome. This photo tour is designed to be an immersive experience for everyone and we have hosted many non-photographers on previous photo tours.
During my previous trips to Varanasi, I spent many hours just spending time with local people on the Ghats and walking alongside them rather than shooting photographs. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of things to occupy your time as a non-photographer.
What kind of things should I bring?
This is not an especially cold-weather trip so you don’t have to bring warm clothing. But in the early mornings, it will be slightly cold. So it’s better to bring light warm clothes like a windcheater.
This is a suggested packing list to make your trip a fulfilling and comfortable experience.
- Backpack or suitcase
- Comfortable light boots for walking
- Sunglasses
- Suncare cream
- Wet tissues
- Insurance confirmation copy
- Emergency contact number
- Carry your essential and basic medicines for headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc.
- Extra battery for the camera
- Adequate storage media
- Windcheater
Suggested Equipment
You should bring cameras, a laptop (for editing in free time), and extra batteries for the camera these kinds of things instantly spring to mind. Once you confirm your booking with a 50% deposit, we will send you all the information you need to fully prepare yourself for this epic journey.
This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessory:
- One or two DSLR or Mirrorless (Full Frame or Crop Sensor) cameras. If you use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, for much of the time, when photographing devotees or sadhus, you will want to cover focal lengths of around 24-70mm or 24-105mm. A 16-35mm in full-frame camera is also a very good choice. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
- If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide angle at the other end of the zoom range.
- Protector for your lens.
- Extra battery for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and card reader
- Adequate memory card.
- A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry we’ll provide it.)
- A tripod is not required because there will be large numbers of people, you’ll not be able to put your tripod.
How fit do I need to be to join this photo tour?
Normal physical fitness will be enough to join the Varanasi Photo Tour. However, it’s important to note that the area that we’ll cover is large and you’ll need to be in good walking shape as you may need to walk up to 5 to 8 kilometres per day or even more.
What should we expect?
- It will be very crowded during Dev Diwali.
Climate
It will be pleasant and normal in the daytime with maximum temperatures of about 25°C. Nights become cooler with a minimum of 15°C. in the month of November.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
What is included in the price of this trip?
- Accommodations in Luxury AC double bedded rooms in a Hotel very close to Dashashwamedh Ghat, on a twin sharing basis. But we have the option of Single Occupancy also, please check the price.
- Two times Tea, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on all days including non-alcoholic drinks. Nonveg and Veg food will be provided.
- Expert guidance on rituals, street, portrait, daily life, architecture and cultural photography with a particular emphasis on the Dev Depawali.
- Packaged drinking water will be provided.
- Service of the photographic mentors.
What is not included?
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Your personal travel insurance
- Gifts, personal treats
- Any tips
- Laundry services
- Medical expenses
- All expenses of a personal nature
Important points to be noted
- The tour is designed from Varanasi to Varanasi.
- This Varanasi Photo Tour is conceptualised in such a way that personal attention can be given to each and every photographer and for that, the group will be restricted to 8 photographers only.
- This tour has been specifically designed for photographers. Non-photographer spouse/friend may be accommodated on the expedition but at full cost and on agreeing to stick to the schedule of the photo tour.
- While all care would be taken to stick to the schedule, unforeseen circumstances and time consistency might lead to some changes.
- Please note that costs and dates are subject to change as not all our partner properties have released their rates. Should we need to revise costs, we will endeavour to keep fees and dates as close to the original.
- Please also note that the timings of the rituals can be changed according to the present situation of the festival. The mentor will guide you throughout the festival.
Conditions
- The maximum number of participants is listed under the price section; however, we reserve the right to add up to two to the maximum number of participants for this photo tour.
- Participants will be granted the photo tour based on email confirmation on a first-come, first-served basis.
- We reserve the right to amend, increase, and correct errors in the price of tours.
- Physical Difficulty: Moderate. If you are in reasonable walking shape, you’ll be fine.
Feel free to call +91 8509333385 or WhatsApp at +918900702900 for any further assistance.
Booking
To reserve your spot 50% of the full tour amount is required to pay at the time of your booking. Balance amount to be paid 60 days before the tour. You can pay using the online payment link on our website or ask for the account details or PayPal to transfer the payment. Your reservation may be cancelled if full payment has not been received by the last date specified and communicated. Once the payment is done, please send us a copy of the bank receipt (a screenshot is also fine) of your payment details. Once we confirm your payment, we will send you the confirmation email along with the Rules and regulations of the tour, which makes you, a confirmed candidate for the photo tour.
Cancellation and Refunds
All cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable) and will become effective as of the date of the postmark (standard mail or electronic). In the unlikely event, that EXPOSURE has to cancel a tour/workshop for lack of participants, a full refund including the deposit amount will be given. Once the tour begins, there can be no refunds for anything unused, including rooms, meals, flights, tour days, events, or services. Please note the cancellation penalties described below are based on costs incurred by EXPOSURE on your behalf, including non-refundable deposits or payments by agents, hotels, airlines, etc.
In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, Exposure’s Cancellation and Refund Policy for Photo Tours / Workshops will be applicable, and you need to fully agree to be bound by them. Any refunds will be made within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same mode with which the payment was made to us.
Cancellation deductions will be as per the following policy of full fees:
- 40% cancellation of the total fee if cancelled 90 days before the start of the expedition or earlier than the expedition.
- 100% cancellation of the total fee if cancelled 59 days on or before the start of the expedition.
Please read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer / Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
Deadlines
Registration is open from 15th March 2025 to 25th October 2025 or till the seat reservations end.
Facilities at the Hotel
- Well-furnished Deluxe Rooms
- 24 hours Hot & Cold water
- Restaurant
- 24-hour Wi-Fi facilities in the entire lobby area of the hotel
- Doctor on call & taxi on the requirement
- Laundry service
TESTIMONIALS
