Rajasthan, Varinasi and the
Holi festival in india
12 days and 11 nights * group size 8-9
March 11th – March 21st, 2025
workshop cost $8,200 plus 2 internal flights
single supplement $1,600
** 2 spots might be open **
one of a kind varinasi
the stunning taj mahal
THE COLORFUL HOLI FESTIVAL
I’m happy to announce another captivating India photography workshop scheduled from March 10th to March 21st, 2025. India, particularly the northern region of Rajasthan, offers an unparalleled backdrop for photography, with its vibrant colors and visual delights in every direction. The sheer photogenic allure of Rajasthan is truly astonishing and I is always different and a feast for the eyes!
We will venture through with the bustling streets and colorful spice markets of Old Delhi on day one. The workshop also includes an enchanting visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, a spectacle that defies description when it comes to capturing pure magic through the lens.
We might also have the opportunity to photograph behind the Taj Mahal, along the serene river on its backside—with camels and women with cleaning their colorful Saris in the river. This is where one of my close friends resides with his family, and he will try to get permission from the government for our group to shoot behind the Taj Mahal. This is only typically allowed for a Bollywood movie but he and I will try our best to make this happen!
Our photographic adventure extends to Jaipur, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry. Here, we’ll capture the essence of the Pink City, the ethereal Floating Palace, and the majestic painted elephants against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Agra Fort. Each moment in Jaipur unfolds as a testament to the city’s unique charm, making it one of the most remarkable places for photography in all of India. This will be an unforgettable journey through the lens, where every frame tells a story of India’s captivating beauty.
One Special Country
The highlight of this workshop will be the incredibly colorful Holi Festival in Rajasthan where it is all about color. Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal, also known as the ” festival of colours” or the “festival of love”. The Holi festival involves covering everyone in colored powder and water and the images from this incredible festival are second to none!
I have been to many amazing festivals and stunning cities in my life but I have to hoenstly say that nothing I have ever witnessed compares to taking part in Holi! To me, it will be the highlight of this adventure and our last two groups were blown away by Holi! I have never experienced anything at all in my life like the one of a kind Holi Festival!
We will also fly to the religious center of the entire country. Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites.
This is beyond words in terms of photography and something you have to experience to believe. We will photograph a ton of amazing sites and faces in Varinasi including the photogenic Sadhus who pilgramage to this religious city from all over India.
The workshop cost is $8,200 and will include transportation in big air conditioned buses, a guide throughout all of Rajisthan and Varinasi, a local guide also for each city, all transfers, entrance fees to monuments, all beautiful 4 star+ & 5 star hotels and all buffet breakfasts and buffet dinners in the hotels & airport transfers in and out of New Delhi. ** This workshop is more expensive than normal as hotels were very difficult to book in two of the cities so I went with very high end hotels, which are stunning. This also raised the single supplement fee.
The single supplement fee will be approx. $1,600 for your own room. The workshop does not include: the cost for two internal flights which are not expensive (approx. $250), lunches, tips & trip insurance. We might also get lucky to photograph behind the Taj Mahal with camels and more which would be around $100 or so per person. I need special rare permission from the government, so this is a maybe.
I will be helping everyone understand the best ways to capture this amazing country and work with each person individually on their photography. My guide is very knowledgeable and one of the best in India and I pretty much have everything nailed down perfect for 2025.
If you think you want to come, please email me asap as I am sure there will be a waiting list soon. This is going to be another one of the most photogenic workshops I have ever run as India has no match anywhere on earth for photo opportunities! To see more images of India on my site here, click on this link.
Intermediate to Advanced
Nothing strenuous
Light Hiking
8-9 people
WHAT TO EXPECT
This workshop includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. The weight of a camera backpack through the dirty and dusty streets can take it’s toll on anyone. India is a very dirty country in almost every city.
CLIMATE
The climate is always hot and can be pretty humid at times but going in March is a pretty good time of the year for the good temps. The average for March in Rajasthan is usually a low of 63 degrees and a high of 92 degrees. Plan on being hot and bringing a towel to wipe away your sweat is always a good idea!
CLOTHING
Shorts are probably what you will want to wear most days with light shirts but nights can be cooler. I would also bring a few pairs of long pants and hiking shoes or tennis shoes. I like to wear good sandals such as Tevas…and you might want to bring a pair of these as they keep you cooler and cut down on bringing so many socks. A light rain jacket is a good idea too.
MONEY
The currency in India is the Rupee. The best place to exchange money is not in the airport but at money changers in the city. We will exchange money as a group on the first day but make sure you bring extra cash for tips and also a major credit card.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. U.S. passport holders must have an e-visa to enter India, which you will apply for online. I will give everyone instructions on how and when to apply for your e-visa as it is a lot of questions but is easy to apply. I love doing visas for foreign countries online!
ELECTRICITY
India uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. Plugs and sockets have either grounded / earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C). You will need a plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter. View more information about electrical standardsaround the world.
HEALTH
India is a very dirty country so you have to bring lots hand sanitizer and be careful of what you eat and what you drink. Only drink bottled water. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Hepatitis A: The CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in India, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Typhoid: You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in India. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Malaria: We usually take Malaria pills for India but talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent Malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in India.
