Varanasi Photography Tour

Itinerary

Tuesday, March 22

Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India, any time of day. Our VIP welcome team will greet and help expedite you through customs and immigration. Transfer provided to the five-star Leela Palace Hotel. Feel a little “Royal” at the Capital’s only Modern Palace hotel. Always a great way to start a trip!

Wednesday, March 23 (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning we’ll transfer to Delhi airport for our flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi is known to the devout as Kashi and said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. It’s one of the oldest living cities in the world and also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2,000 years.

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to Brijrama Palace. Get settled in at one of Varanasi’s oldest landmarks; guests here will feel akin to royalty. Brijrama Palace is perched on the Darbanga Ghaat on the Ganges, a perfect location to soak up the spiritual traditions of the holy city and explore the fascinating history, culture, and narrow, bustling alleyways.

We’ll start the evening with a visit to the Ganges for a glittering Aarti prayer ceremony, an important ceremony of the Hindu faith. Calmed by this uplifting spiritual ritual, we’ll take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets to observe and photograph the diversity and unique life of the city and also visit a flower market nearby. To finish the day, we’ll take a sunset cruise on the Ganges and absorb the sights and sounds of the striking religious rituals occurring in every direction.

We’ll gather for a group welcome dinner tonight. Overnight Brijrama Palace

Thursday, March 24 (B, L, D)

The subah, or morning, is for Varanasi! We’ll be ready at dawn for an amazing boat journey on the Ganges. As the sun rises, we’ll see those who flock to the riverside for morning worship and learn the captivating history of the ghats.

As the sun rises in the sky, we’ll partake in a walking tour through the mystical landscape of sacred temples and holy ponds near Assi ghat, the southernmost embankment of the holy Ganges. Walk in the footsteps of 16th-century poet and mystic pandit Goswami Tulsidas, translator of the sacred Ramanyana text. Learn about the history and special culture of Varanasi while visiting the Southern temple established by Tulsidas. The walk ends with a special darshan, meaning ‘taking sight’ of a hidden sun temple behind his home.

Overnight Brijrama Palace

Friday, March 25 (B)

Breakfast at the hotel before we depart Brijrama Palace for our transfer to Varanasi Airport and flight back to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi late afternoon and check into the Andaz Delhi (Hyatt).

Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Andaz Delhi (Hyatt)

Saturday, March 26 (B)

Fly home today, or continue on with Natural Exposures for the 2022 India Tiger Photo Safari.

Note: Our first visit to Varanasi was in January 2020. Over the last few years, the Prime Minister of India has cleaned up the Ganges River. We were unsure of what to expect on this trip and can honestly say it was a highlight of our time in India. Accommodations were boutique, historic, clean, and in the best location for morning activity on the Ganges. Locals were beyond friendly, inviting and not pushy. We were able to blend into the environment to authentically experience this holy city. We felt very comfortable and loved our guides. The food was very good throughout the trip with a variety of dishes, not all curry! The private boat rides along the Ganges were great for photography. Loved the flower markets. So much to experience and take in for such a short amount of time but was perfect.