India Photography Tour (2027)

Tour dates: 13 – 23 January 2027 (11 days)
Tour led by: Seng Mah with Atik Ahmed
Minimum 5 guests. Maximum 8 guests.
Pace: Easy to moderate.

India has always held an allure for photographers: it’s a destination synonymous with colour, history, heritage, vibrance and life!

If you have been dreaming about visiting India and are looking for a fully-escorted photography experience, then this tour is the perfect introduction to everything that makes India incredible: her people, monuments, cities, villages and beautiful culture.

Designed for photographers
This tour is designed for photographers who want to do the big-ticket images, but who also yearn for more authentic, off-the-tourist-trail photographic experiences. Hence, it includes grand moments but also more poignant moments of connection and humanity.

This India Photography tour takes you to the must-photograph icons of India: the Taj Mahal, the Palace of Winds, the Water Palace, Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort and more, all at the right time of day and in the right light for amazing captures.

But it’s more than just monuments and heritage: if you love people and portraits, street photography and candid images, then this tour will give you opportunities galore to capture the beating heart of India: her people. Whether in streets, markets or quieter villages, you will enjoy the experience of using photography to connect with people: to learn about them, be drawn into casual conversations over cups of chai, and to capture their dignity and beauty with your camera.

Unique heritage accommodation
To make this an extra-special experience for you, we have curated a series of incredible heritage residences to be our accommodation on this tour. You’ll enjoy the history and character of staying in historical havelis (mansions), palaces and forts that are still home to local Royalty. Imagine being greeted by Princes and Princesses on your arrival and staying in the salubrious surrounds of their palatial residence! Your meals have also been selected to introduce you to the flavours and delicacies of India; but if spice isn’t your thing, don’t fret, as less spicy options are always available.

Professional guiding and photography support
On this tour, you will enjoy the company and support of a professional photography teacher, and an experienced guide to all things India! This isn’t a photo tour where you are left to shoot on your own; we offer our guidance to make sure you’re capturing the best images you can, whether its pointing potential scenes out to you, or helping you with your camera settings.

You’ll be supported in your photography by me (Seng Mah). I’ve been teaching photography for 17 years, and have visited India 12 times. Each visit peels back a layer of undiscovered experiences that make me keen to share what I love about India with photographers. With my help, you’ll be armed with tips and techniques for capturing scenes, finding light, and engaging with locals so that you are optimising your photography while you’re capturing vistas, street scenes or portraits.

Our professional guide, Atik Ahmed is a firm believer that travel is more than just sightseeing — it’s about stories, people and authentic encounters. His travel philosophy is simple: travel light, respect traditions and create meaningful connections. Atik is local to Rajasthan (where most of this tour takes place) and has local contacts in many places, giving us unprecedented levels of access unavailable to others.

Being part of this fully-escorted experience means that you don’t have to second guess anything in your travel. Let Atik and I look after you, so you can focus on what you are in India for: your photography.

Join us for a mesmerising tour that will become a lifetime memory for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Welcome to India, a land of colour, spices, life and heritage

On arrival at Delhi International Airport, you’ll be met by Seng and Atik. We board our luxury coach and take the road to Agra, the home of India’s most iconic monument: The Taj Mahal. After checking into our hotel and resting, we visit the sublime Garden of the Moon, Mehtab Bagh, which lies across the Yamuna River from the Taj. This location gives us a wonderful sunset-lit view of the Taj Mahal, surrounded by lush gardens, or a thriving riverside environment where farm-workers still till and crop the land.

Day 2: The Resplendent Taj Mahal at Sunrise

One of the benefits of traveling with a guide like Atik, is that he is able to organise our entry to the iconic Taj Mahal well before sunrise, to make sure we are one of the first people on site to behold its majesty and beauty with our eyes, and to capture images of it without having crowds in the frame.

We will work through a number of superb locations from which to shoot, including the reflective pool where you can capture the Taj and its reflection. Then, you will have time to explore and capture images of the Taj Mahal at your leisure. Wander up close to the ethereal marble beauty of the monument — a tomb crafted from moon-white marble by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj is a celebration of epic and iconic architecture and you will fall in love with its beauty.

The poet, Tagore, is said to have described the Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity”.

After a late breakfast, we board our luxury coach and travel to Jaipur — the incredible “Pink City” of Rajasthan.

For sunset, we photograph the perfect beauty of the Water Palace, called Jal Mahal, and its reflections on the surface of Man Sagar Lake. Framed by surrounding hills and a painterly sky, Jal Mahal, sits as if floating, on the waters of Man Sagar. The promenade around the lake is filled with life: street food sellers, vendors and… couples in finery posing for their pre-wedding portraits.

Day 3: A Day in the Pink City

Our day in Jaipur is filled with an incredible array of photographic opportunities beginning with sunrise at Amer Fort. From the shores of Lake Maota, we watch as the blush of dawn transitions into the golden hour, lighting the magnificent walls and palaces of the fortress. Beyond just this amazing view, you will also find a number of portrait and candid opportunities for photography on the shores and short walk to the main gate of the fort.

As a special feature of this tour, we will also be enacting a scene at the Panna Meena ka Khund stepwell, where women in bright and colourful saris can be photographed descending the splendid geometry of the stepwell to fill water vessels from the reservoir below. While this practice has long been replaced by water available at community water pumps, this enactment will give you the opportunity to capture something that hearkens back in time.

We will spend time in the vivid bazaars of Jaipur, within the walls of the Pink City. You’ll find a thriving hub of activity as you meander past stalls and shops selling all manner of things, from flowers, to vegetables, to an assortment of day to day products. There’s a range of photography to be made: from street to portraits to candids and more.

Our sunset excursion takes us on the pilgrims’ trail to a temple on the outskirts of Jaipur: the Galtaji Temple (commonly called the Monkey Temple). A natural spring feeds a number of sacred water tanks (called kunds) in which pilgrims bathe on their way up to the top of the hill.

The climbing trail winds past bathing pools and shrines where you may find sadhus (holy men) meditating or praying. Monkeys abound here and they make great, comical subjects. Our climb culminates with a view overlooking the Pink City of Jaipur bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Day 4: Into the heart of Rajasthan

Before farewelling Jaipur, we visit and photograph one of the city’s most beautiful and intricate buildings: The Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where in the past, women of the Royal Family would sit and gaze at the streets below while being protected from the gazes of others by the elaborate windows of the palace. The facade of this palace resembles a fragile stone tapestry, an architectural wonder for the eyes.

Our journey continues to Bijaynagar, a small town with a historic past, and our amazing residence at its 200 year old Summer Palace. The Palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is a photographer’s dream, and a luxurious place to stay for the night.

You may be tempted the spend the rest of the day at the Summer Palace, but our itinerary features a visit to a beautiful, local village, where our photography shifts from scenes to faces… as we explore the winding streets and lanes in the afternoon. You’ll meet village elders and groups of children — all curious, excited and friendly. Shy toddlers peer out from behind doorways, while moustachioed and turbaned older men sip chai and chat in front of their homes. This village is special to Atik and he knows many of the local families, so our access to people here will be second to none.

Days 5 and 6: Jodhpur and the Blue City

We leave Jaipur for its smaller but perhaps more beautiful cousin, the city of Jodhpur. Crowned by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort perched on the crest of a rocky plateau, Jodhpur is a city that seems quintessentially Rajasthan.

It’s here that you’ll capture a gamut of subjects and scenes, including the busy markets of Sardar Square, the quiet blue-washed lanes of the neighbourhood known as Brahmapuri, entry into the Fort itself, sunset captures of the fort and the pearlescent Jaswant Thada Cenotaph, and morning at the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell, which is still used as a swimming place in the mornings (and where great captures of young men diving into the stepwell pool below await).

We will invest time in peeling back the layers of Jodhpur: street portraits, street scenes, architecture, landscapes and action.

No photography experience in Rajasthan is complete without an opportunity to capture the spinning, thrilling, high-energy performance of the gypsy dancers, and we will enjoy a private performance on the grounds of our historic palatial residence in Jodhpur, to capture the motion and colour of the dance at our own pace. Gypsy dancers historically perform only for royalty, so we will be in for a treat fit for rajas and ranis!

Day 7: South to Ranakpur

Our journey takes us to Ranakpur, a region south of Jodhpur, where we find the Rabari people in their settlements. The Rabari are herders of cattle, goat and sheep; the men are known for their large turbans (the longest turbans worn in India) which are often dyed red. The men also cultivate impressive mustaches, that make their faces and bearing incredibly photogenic. Atik knows the Rabari families here and we will be spending time with local Rabaris, getting to know their families, lifestyles and traditions, along with stunning portrait opportunities of these unique people.

Ranakpur is also the site of the grandest Jain Temple in India, a marvellously ornate white marble temple surrounded by verdant forests. The carvings that make up the walls, ceilings and roofs of the temple are a feast for your eyes (and lenses), and the cool and quiet interior presents opportunities for quiet exploration and contemplation.

Our accommodation in Ranakpur is… you guessed it: another heritage palace. This beautiful residence is set away from the main road, and surrounded by sculpted gardens and multi-level courtyards.

Day 8: Udaipur, the Pearl of Rajasthan

The Pearl of Rajasthan beckons and we take a meandering drive through forested ridges to get there. Sitting on the shores of Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s magnificence can be found in the majesty of its lakeside City Palace, its bathing ghats, temples and winding streets. Our accommodation in Udaipur is in a lake-side mansion (haveli) which offers views across the lake to the grandeur of the palace on the far shore.

We will explore the streets and lakeside promenades of Udaipur, discovering moments of life on the lake and culminating with a sunset shoot from of the city palace and the Taj Lake Palace which sits on an island in Lake Pichola.

Day 9: Udaipur markets and New Delhi

Our morning in Udaipur takes us to the region’s largest wholesale vegetable market: a busy hub of activity that gives us many opportunities for candid captures. Here you’ll find people setting up stalls, haggling, carting and carrying bushels of vegetables. The air is filled with voices and heady with the scent of herbs and fresh greens.

In the late morning, we catch our flight from Udaipur to Delhi, arriving in the afternoon in Delhi.

Day 10: Delhi, New and Old

Delhi, the capital of India, is a gem of a place for photography, and it is the last destination of this photography tour. We begin our day in Delhi photographing at Yamuna Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River. Here, people from the local community come to pray, bathe and wash in the sacred Yamuna river as the golden rays of the sun light the sky to the East. It’s a very tranquil time with light that’s perfect for photography. Small rowboats ply the waters of the Yamuna, surrounded by flocks of seagulls.

We will also visit a traditional “Akhara”, where traditional wrestlers tussle in an earthen wrestling ring called the kushti. These strongmen live and breathe their sport and practice a stringent asceticism in their devotion to wrestling. This visit is a fantastic opportunity for environmental portraiture and photojournalistic storytelling.

In the afternoon, we visit Humayun’s Tomb, one of the most stunning and impressive architectural achievements from India’s storied past. Explore the grounds of Humayun’s tomb before entering the main building where you’ll see the interplay of sunlight coming in through the dome of the building. This is where you can find opportunities to photograph figures as they step across archways and latticed windows, or views of the magnificent mausoleum from the surrounding gardens.

Day 11: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi and farewells

Our final day in Delhi begins with a morning visit to Jama Masjid, the most iconic mosque in India. The Masjid dates back to the 17th century and impresses with its soaring architecture. The grounds of the mosque features a reflective pool and arched gateways that provide wonderful opportunities for framing and capturing images of people within the environment.

After the mosque, we wrap up our tour with a street walk around the streets of Old Delhi near the mosque, where you’ll find a range of scenes unfolding before you — from street barbers, to tuktuk drivers preparing for the day, street food stalls and more.

We return to our accommodation in Delhi for a late breakfast, followed by departure for our onward journey home or elsewhere.

Your Accommodation

A highlight and feature of this tour is the carefully selected residences in which we will be staying. Many of these are historical mansions and palaces, renovated to provide full services and creature comforts while still maintaining their original charm and character. Our guests have always loved staying in them and we believe that they add a fresh and wonderful dimension to your travel in India. These palaces have fewer rooms, beautiful grounds and you always feel as if you’re staying in a special, boutique place. The residences do come at a higher price point than conventional package-tourist hotels, and this is reflected in the pricing of the tour. We believe that that the unique and special nature of these residences make this well worthwhile.

The Tour Cuisine

India is the land of spices, and of cuisine that is layered, textured and fused with history, tradition and flavour. Indian cuisine reflects the influences of the country’s history, and is often made of the freshest ingredients sourced daily from morning markets. You’ll enjoy dishes that include a variety of dahl (from the tempered dahl tadka to the creamy scrumptiousness of dhal makhni), fresh vegetables including okra, brinjal (aubergine), cauliflower, peas and more, curries and gravies that tingle tastebuds and meat dishes that encompass chicken and goat/lamb prepared in rich and fragrant gravy and sauces. Atik takes particular pride in making sure that guests enjoy every meal, and less-spicy options, including Western-based dishes, is available for guests who prefer less spicy/rich food.

Testimonials

Paula Jackson

I have just completed the India photography tour with Seng and Venture Photography Tours.  Our small group made a very up close and personal trip into beautiful Rajasthan and it’s warm, generous and soulful people.  I loved the rural, village parts of the tour which made the trip so intimate and authentic.  The photography opportunities were endless and meaningful.  We were looked after so well by Seng and his Rajasthan counterpart Atik that we didn’t have to lift a finger regarding the logistics.  The accommodation choices were a cultural and historical (and comfort) delight, with several 2 night stays allowing time to settle in and even relax during the day and enjoy our surroundings.  The food, sumptuous and delightful including several al fresco dining experiences in historical palaces with even the Prince and Princesses greeting us warmly.  An unforgettable experience.

Brad Donaldson

I’ve participated in several Venture Photography weekends and tours over the last few years and the Tour was by far the most exciting, rewarding and in many ways, quite transformative photographic/travel/life experience I’ve ever had. The places we visited were mind blowing and the photographic opportunities we were treated to were endless and amazing. At times I was way out of my comfort zone (photographically as well as geographically speaking!), but the ever patient and ever brilliant Seng Mah was always there to help and guide me. Our accommodation throughout was top class, the coach was very comfy and the food was sensational! The tour has earnt a 10/10 from me. Highly recommended!  

Tammy Gibbs
India had always been on my travel list but I felt a bit intimidated about the thought of organising a trip there myself. So when the tour came up with Venture Photography, I jumped at the chance to go. Having previously done a tour with Seng to New Zealand, I knew it would be well-organised and that we would be visiting great locations at the right time of day to get the most out of the experience and our photography. I wasn’t wrong, the tour was amazing! Seng warned us that India would be a sensory overload and he was right – the colours, the sights, the people, the sounds, the smells. So much to take in and so much to love. It was great to visit some of the iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal and Amer Fort but it was the meandering down the laneways and spending time with locals that I loved the most. Meeting interesting people, seeing interesting things and being able to experience India away from the touristy spots. I mostly shoot underwater and wildlife so this trip took me way out of my comfort zone and straight into the world of street and travel photography.

Kerry Faulkner
I’m a journo and scepticism is in my DNA. So when people told me their trip to India changed their lives, I was cynical. It turns out I shouldn’t have been. I went with Seng Mah in 2019 and can tell you there is something about India that makes you feel you’ve made a wonderful, warm new friend who reaches out and embraces you and makes you feel loved and honoured. The tour is thoroughly researched. Seng taps into the intimate knowledge of the locals, through them finding the best spots for the best pictures, well away from the tourist haunts.

Tebani Slade
I can tell you this was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The photography opportunities were fantastic. Everything was organised perfectly, the food, the culture and the friendships made are still very vivid in my mind. I will never forget this trip and it has given me such a longing to go back to India. So if you’re thinking of taking a photo trip to India or any where else then Venture Photography is the company to book with.

Tour Price

• AUD$9995 with single occupancy.
• A twin-share price is available if you are attending this tour with a life partner who is also a participating photographer and will be twin sharing the room with you. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this.
• If you are a frequent traveller with our tours (having completed 3 or more multi-day tours with us), please contact us for a discount on this tour.

Tour Inclusions

• 10 nights accommodation hotels and heritage/boutique hotels on single occupancy (a double occupancy is available if you are joining this tour with a life partner or spouse who is also a photographer).
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the tour.
• Arrival and departure airport transfers (assuming arrival on Day 1 and Departure on Day 11 of the tour). Transfers for arrivals before or after these dates will be at the guest’s own cost.
• Land travel in an air-conditioned luxury coach.
• Bottled water and snacks during transfers to destinations within the tour itinerary.
• Water, tea and coffee with meals during the tour.
• Services of local English-speaking guide (Atik) and photography guidance (Seng).
• Entry fees to monuments (single entry), including photography fee (this fee covers one camera only per guest; if you are bringing a second camera, you’ll need to cover the fee for the second camera).
• Economy air fare from Udaipur to Delhi on Day 9. Note that domestic flights in India imposes a 15kg maximum weight for check-in luggage (you can pay for additional weight).

Tour Exclusions

• Flights to and from New Delhi (tour start and end).
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and evacuation insurance. All participants are required to take comprehensive travel insurance for this tour. You will need to show proof of travel insurance as a condition of participating in this tour.
• Entry visa to India.
• Gratuities.
• Photographic equipment. You will need to bring/supply your own cameras, lenses, tripods, batteries, filters, memory cards and so on.
• Insurance for your photographic equipment while on tour.
• Soft drinks, juices and alcoholic drinks.
• All personal expenses and fees, including laundry, wi-fi, medication, incidental meals and snacks.
• Any transport and fees outside of the tour itinerary.

Book your Place

A deposit of AUD$2000 will secure your place on this tour. Deposits are due on reservation, with the balance paid by 10 October 2026. Note that deposits are fully refunded if the tour is cancelled due to not attaining minimum numbers.

For details of the Terms and Conditions of our tours, including cancellation charges, please read our Photography Tours Terms and Conditions.

To join this tour or contact us with your questions, please use the form below or email seng [at] venturephotography.com.au or telephone +61 417 604 614.