Photography Workshop & Photo Tour Destinations : Varanasi, India

Photography Workshop & Photo Tour Destinations : Varanasi, India

Refered to as 'the city of temples and learning', the holy city of Varanasi (Benaras), situated on the banks of the river Ganges in India, is one the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth.Encapsulating the essence of India's Hindu religion, Varanasi with it's endearing faith, picturesque river ghats, and a way of life unlike any other in the country, tops the list of our popular custom Photography Workshops & Photo Tours in India.

Varanasi is home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries & temples in India and perhaps the world. Droves of Hindu scholars still come here to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and contemplate on the nature of God. It is also believed by Hindus that to die in Varanasi and be cremated at the cremation ghat by the riverbanks of the Ganges here is certain to liberate them from the cycle of life and death.

One of the holiest destinations of Hindu pilgrimages, Varanasi stands at the center of the Hindu universe, offering the photographer a unique perspective to the very soul of India.

Photographic Highlights

Culture : What is culture? It is that sense of beliefs, customs and practices that give a people a sense of collective identity. In that, Varanasi epitomises India's Hindu faith & culture.

For thousands of years, devout hindus have congregated the ghats every morning to bathe in the holy river and absolve themselves of their sins. For thousands of years, priests have ceremoniously lit lamps every evening and performed elaborate rituals in worship of the holy river. For thousands of years, life in Varanasi has revolved around the river and the stone steps (ghats) that lead to it.

Witnessing and photographing the thousands of devotees, elaborate religious ceremonies and the daily going-ons at the ghats is something that no photographer will want to miss.

Markets & Temples : The narrow lanes alongside the ghats bustle with activity of all sorts. Here you'll find the ubiquitous chaiwalla (tea vendor) dishing out his milky fare in earthenware cups. Walk ahead and you'll find customers bargaining with the flower seller over the price of garlands for the temple deity. Small shops sell colorful sarees... there is an unhurried pace to life here that will give you ample opportunities to photograph a true exotic marketplace in the heart of India.

People : Varanasi is all about people photography. People bathing in the river. People contemplating the nature of God. People in the marketplace. Priests performing elaborate ceremonies...

At the end of it all, you'll be left wondering - is it the people of Varanasi that give this place its unique character? Or, is there something about Varanasi that gives people their character? The answer to this question will help you understand why we call Varanasi "the very soul of India"

We operate two kind of photographic trips to Varanasi - scheduled group photo tours / workshops / expeditions, & customized, private photo trips. Our Photo Tours & Workshops Calendar lists schedules & other information about our group photography workshops, photo tours & expeditions to Varanasi, India. If you find that your dates don't coincide with our's, or would like us to put together a custom itinerary for a photo trip to Varanasi for you, please visit the Custom Photo Tours & Workshops section of the website.