Colorful and Vibrant India
A 7-day photography journey through Kolkata and Varanasi with legendary photographer Steve McCurry, his first India workshop in over 25 years.
- Destination
- Kolkata & Varanasi, India
- Country
- India
- Starts
- 07.10.27 - 13.10.27
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Group size
- 8-15 participants
- Guide
- Steve McCurry
- Price
- from $10,450 USD (per person, double room; single supplement $750)
Guided by Steve McCurry, participants explore the vibrant streets of Kolkata and the sacred spirit of Varanasi, capturing bustling markets, lively railway stations, and rituals along the Ganges. The tour includes the grand finale of Durga Puja, the Ganga Aarti ceremony, and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Each day combines guided photo sessions with practical assignments, feedback, and image editing alongside a photographer repeatedly named the best in the world.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1 (Oct 7) – Arrival in Kolkata. Check-in at the 5-star Lalit Great Eastern Hotel, introduction with Steve McCurry, and first photo walk through Esplanade, Bara Bazaar, Howrah & Sealdah railway stations, ending at Howrah Bridge for sunset shots. Welcome dinner. Day 2-3 (Oct 8-9) – Colorful Kolkata. Mornings at Mallick Ghat Flower Market and Maidan; visits to Kumartuli's idol-makers, College Street's bookshops, and the bustling Hatibagan and New Market. Daily photo assignments and feedback from Steve McCurry. Day 4 (Oct 10) – Kolkata to Varanasi. Final street photography in Kolkata, then flight to Varanasi and check-in at Hotel Hindusthan International. Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the riverbank. Day 5-6 (Oct 11-12) – Street life in Varanasi. Exploring the 84 ghats including Manikarnika Ghat, documenting the Vijayadashami procession and immersion of Durga Puja idols, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Varanasi Railway Station, and the nightly Ganga Aarti. Day 7 (Oct 13) – Final morning photography session, then transfer to the airport for departure.
Included
Kolkata-Varanasi flight, all ground transportation, shared double-room accommodation, all listed meals, boat tour on the Ganges, participation and lectures by Steve McCurry, image editing/critique sessions, Swedish tour leader, English-speaking local guide, tips (except main guide), hotel taxes.
Not included
International flights to Kolkata and from Varanasi, single room supplement ($750), travel insurance, India visa fee, gratuities for the main guide ($15/day), personal expenses.