SOUL OF INDIA PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION - November 2027

Jaipur • Jodhpur • Varanasi

4th November – 15th November 2027 - 12 Days 

An immersive photography journey through Rajasthan and Varanasi during one of the most visually rich times of the year, culminating with the celebration of Dev Diwali in the spiritual heart of India. Designed for photographers who wish to experience India beyond the surface, this expedition combines documentary storytelling, portrait photography, cultural immersion, heritage stays, and carefully curated photography

 

DAY 1 - ARRIVE JAIPUR • BAR PALLADIO
4th November 2027 

Arrive at Jaipur International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our private driver and transferred to a beautiful heritage boutique hotel in Jaipur. Surrounded by gardens, traditional architecture, and timeless Rajasthani charm, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the vibrant energy of the city. 

After time to relax and settle in, we gather together for a welcome dinner at the iconic Bar Palladio. The evening includes introductions, conversations with fellow participants, and a detailed photography briefing where we discuss the flow of the workshop, photography goals, cultural insights, and shooting approaches for the journey ahead. 

Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2 - PATRIKA GATE • JOHARI BAZZAR • GALTA JI  TEMPLE
5th November 2027 

Before sunrise, we photograph the vibrant architecture of Patrika Gate before the crowds arrive. A local sari model joins us for a styled portrait session using the soft morning light and colorful geometric surroundings. 

After lunch, we immerse ourselves in the streets of Johari Bazaar, photographing colourful trade jewellery merchants, layered street scenes and authentic local life in the city

In the late afternoon, we photograph at Galta Ji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, where a sacred atmosphere, local pilgrims, monkeys, and warm golden light create beautiful documentary moments. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

DAY 3 - PANNA MEENA KA KUND • ANOKHI • SARI’S
6th November 2027

We begin the morning at the extraordinary Panna Meena Ka Kund with arranged local models dressed in traditional attire. The symmetry and geometry of the stepwell create striking visual compositions ideal for portrait and architectural photography. 

After breakfast and lunch, in the afternoon, we visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, where we document traditional block printing artisans and handcrafted textile processes.

We visit a nearby textile warehouse where endless lengths of colourful Sari’s are hung. 
across the open warehouse grounds to dry in the afternoon light. a wonderful opportunity to explore, colour, repetition, texture and scale. women moving gracefully between the flowing fabric 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4 - HAWA MAHAL • FLOWER MARKET• AMBER FORT 
7th November 2027 

Up early this morning to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) from a special vantage point as the first morning light begins to illuminate its intricate façade. We enjoy masala chai and morning snacks while watching the shifting light and shadows move across this iconic historic building, a magical and peaceful way to begin the day before the city awakens.

We then continue to Jaipur’s vibrant flower market, where local traders arrive with baskets overflowing with marigolds and fragrant rose petals. Filled with colour, movement, and atmosphere, this is a wonderful place for documentary and storytelling photography, capturing the rhythm of morning life, human interaction, and the beauty of everyday tradition in soft morning light. Back for breakfast

In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent Amber Fort, wandering through its grand courtyards, textured walls, archways, and hidden corners while learning to observe light, detail, and composition within this historic palace setting. We stay into the late afternoon as the golden light slowly falls across the fort walls, creating a warm glow and beautiful photographic opportunities as the day softens toward sunset.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - JAIPUR TO JODHPUR
8th November 2027

After an early breakfast, we travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Jodhpur, famously known as The Blue City. Today is a longer travel day, giving us time to relax, take in the changing landscapes of Rajasthan, and experience the journey between these historic cities.

We arrive late afternoon and check into our beautiful Heritage Hotel before heading out to explore the lively Clock Tower and Sadar Bazaar area for documentary and street photography. Filled with local traders, spices, textiles, market life, and the energy of old Rajasthan, this area offers endless opportunities to observe and photograph authentic daily life.

Our hotel is located close to the bazaar, making it easy to wander through the narrow lanes, interact with local traders, and soak in the atmosphere of Jodhpur as the city begins to glow into the evening.

We finish the day by enjoying dinner together

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - JODPHUR• STEPWELL STYLE SHOOT• MEHRANGARH FORT• NAVCHOKIYA BLUE LANES
9th November 2027

The morning begins at Toorji Ka Jhalra, Jodhpur’s ancient 18th-century stepwell, for a specially curated styled photography session with local models. Surrounded by dramatic sandstone geometry, reflected light, and the timeless atmosphere of this historic location, we will work on portrait composition, storytelling, and editorial-style imagery while exploring the interplay of light, texture, and human connection within the space.

After breakfast and lunch, there will be time to rest and recharge before a relaxed afternoon.

Later in the day, we head to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, towering high above the Blue City. With sweeping panoramic views, dramatic architecture, intricate textures, and beautiful layers of history, the fort offers endless inspiration for photography and visual storytelling.

We then continue into the famous blue lanes of Navchokiya, photographing weathered textures, authentic homes, and specially arranged child models moving naturally through the narrow alleyways. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture the spirit, colour, and rhythm of old Jodhpur through intimate documentary-style imagery.
We return to our Heritage Hotel for dinner together.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - MANDORE GARDENS• PANCHKUND CHHATRIYAN
10th November 2027

The morning begins at Mandore Gardens, known for its dramatic cenotaphs, intricate carvings, peaceful gardens, and historic architecture. This atmospheric location offers wonderful opportunities to photograph texture, symmetry, detail, and the quiet beauty of Rajasthan’s architectural heritage in the soft morning light.

Lunch Break
In the afternoon, we arrive at Panchkund Chhatriyan for a specially arranged photography session during the warm golden hour light. Here, a model dressed in a flowing sari with beautifully detailed henna hands will move gracefully through the sandstone architecture, creating elegant editorial-style imagery within this timeless historic setting. The combination of soft movement, warm tones, and ancient textures creates a beautiful space for creative portraiture and storytelling.

We return to our Heritage Hotel for our evening meal together

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 -  FLIGHT TO VARANASI - SPIRITUAL HEART OF INDIA
11th November 2027 

Today we fly to Varanasi,  one of the oldest living cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India

Arriving in the afternoon, we check into our Heritage Hotel beside the Ghats, allowing immediate access to the sacred atmosphere of the River Ganges and the timeless rhythm of the city. Temple bells, incense, pilgrims, wandering cows, and narrow alleyways immediately draw us into the soul of Varanasi.

As evening falls, we walk to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a fire devotion, chanting, prayer, and ritual unfolding along the riverfront. Flames rise into the night sky as mantras echo across the Ganges, offering our first immersion into this ancient city.

Return to the hotel for dinner

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 9 - SACRED RITUALS • CREMATION GHATS - STORYTELLING
12th November 2027

Early morning, we make our way to a vantage point overlooking the sacred cremation Ghats of Varanasi, smoke rising into the dawn light, rituals continuing beside the river, and the presence that Varanasi is known for. A confronting yet profound experience offering insight into the cycle of life, death, and devotion that exists openly within this sacred city.

From here, we climb the stone steps from the Ghats into the awakening streets above, wandering through flower markets, chai wallahs, lassi sellers, temples, pilgrims, and moments of daily life unfolding around us. This morning is dedicated to documentary storytelling, observation, and photographing the raw atmosphere of Varanasi.

Breakfast and lunch at the hotel.

In the afternoon, we meet with a Sadhu within the old quarters of the city, photographing soulful portraits through weathered doorways and natural light.

Dinner together

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - SUNRISE ON THE GANGES • SADHU’S AND BLUE BOY
13th November 2027

Before sunrise, we begin with a peaceful boat ride across to the other side of the Ganges, accompanied by Sadhus. This morning is focused on photographing the Sadhus upon the boat, their presence, prayer, mala beads, expressions, movement, and quiet moments as the golden light rises across the river.

Returning to the hotel for breakfast and lunch, we then continue deeper into old Varanasi.

In the afternoon light, we explore narrow alleyways, ancient temples, textured walls, and intimate corners rich with atmosphere and storytelling. We photograph the traditional “Blue Boy” dressed as Lord Shiva against old temple doors and weathered backdrops, holding the spirit of old India.

As sunset approaches, we return to the river for a gentle boat ride along the Ganges, photographing the changing light across the Ghats as evening prayers begin to unfold. Dinner together.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - MORNING AARTI - DEV DEEPAWALI
14th November 2027

Today, we experience the extraordinary energy of Dev Deepawali, one of the most sacred celebrations in Varanasi.

We begin early during blue hour, walking quietly along the Ghats as the city awakens beside the Ganges. Bathing rituals, prayer, smoke, bells, devotion, and the first morning light create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Breakfast and lunch at the hotel.

As afternoon light softens, we return to the Ghats to document the unfolding devotion, colour, sacred energy, and preparation for the evening celebrations. Thousands of diya lamps begin appearing along the riverfront as Varanasi slowly transforms into a river of light.

As night falls, the city becomes illuminated,  floating diya lamps upon the Ganges, chanting, ceremonies, fireworks, and celebrations stretching across the riverfront. We remain immersed in the atmosphere until the final fireworks fade into the night sky.

Return for dinner, reflecting on the extraordinary energy of Dev Deepawali.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - FINAL MORNING WALK & FAREWELL BREAKFAST
15th November 2027

On our final morning in Varanasi, we rise early for one last experience of this ancient city, making our way to a high vantage point overlooking the maze of temples, rooftops, Ghats, and the flowing River Ganges beneath the golden dawn light.

Below us, the city slowly awakens, with morning prayer, drifting smoke, temple bells, and the rhythm of Varanasi continuing as it has for centuries. A final opportunity to photograph and absorb this remarkable place.

We then return to our Heritage Hotel to gather for a farewell breakfast, reflecting on the journey, the photographs created, and the shared experiences across Rajasthan and Varanasi.

Airport transfers will then be arranged for onward departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast