Photography group tour holi – 16 days
16 days | 22 February to 10 March 2026 | € 2998
Holi photography tour India: Discover the magic of holi
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and rich culture of India on our unique 15-day Holi photography tour of Uttar Pradesh India. Capture the essence of Lathmar Holi and Masan Holi, admire iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Bara Imambara, and learn from local experts about Indian customs and street photography. Create unforgettable memories during this unique journey!
€ 2998 per person based on a group size of 8 people
Highlights of the trip
Magical celebration
16 days of mysterious and colorful Holi celebration in this special Holi photo tour, visiting 7 cities.
Street photography
Get to know Indian customs and the ins and outs of Indian street photography during the presentation of our expert street photographer.
Exceptional photo opportunities
Great photo opportunities in Barsana, Nandgaon, Varanasi during Holi festivities.
Old Delhi
Visit Old Delhi with Asia’s largest spice market and explore the narrow alleys of Delhi and Chandni Chowk.
The Taj Mahal at sunrise
Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise, where love meets marble majesty.
Lucknow
Visit Bara Imambara, a beautiful architectural wonder in Lucknow.
Divine Colours: Capture the spiritual essence in Barsana, Nandgaon and Varanasi!
Join us on an unforgettable journey as we capture the vibrant essence of Lathmar Holi and Masan Holi and immerse ourselves in the riot of colors and cultural fervor. From the playful traditions of Barsana to the spirited celebrations of Varanasi, every snapshot will be a masterpiece in motion.
But our adventure doesn’t stop there. We also frame the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, where the marble monument whispers stories of love and legacy. And in Lucknow, the city of the Nawabs, we capture the regal charm of historic palaces and bustling markets, preserving moments that echo with the rhythms of times gone by.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or an aspiring enthusiast, this trip promises to be a feast for the senses and a wealth of unforgettable memories. Don’t miss your chance to capture the magic of Holi and the splendor of India’s cultural gems. Book your spot now and let your lens paint the story of your life!
From 22 February to 10 March 2026
Price 2998 euros per person based on a group size of 8 people
From 22 February to 10 March 2026
Price 2998 euros per person based on a group size of 8 people
Travel schedule
Today you start your adventure with a (often evening) flight from your home airport to New Delhi, the vibrant capital of India.
Upon arrival at the airport you will be picked up by one of our English speaking drivers who will take you to your 3* hotel/guesthouse for a short rest.
Meet Ashraful, our professional photographer who will travel with you for the next 2 weeks and teach you all the ins and outs of Indian street and portrait photography.
Ashraful will pay attention to the cultural differences, and also guide the students who experience a barrier when photographing, addressing portraits.
In the late afternoon/evening you will explore Old Delhi and the largest wholesale spice market in Asia called Khari Baoli. You will explore the narrow lanes of Delhi and Chandni Chowk. We also stop at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built by Shah Jahan, with an impressive courtyard and beautiful domes.
Today we will visit some sights in Delhi such as the Humayun’s Tomb. A precursor to the Taj Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is an example of Mughal architecture. We also visit Lodhi gardens, a beautiful garden with historic tombs and monuments from the Lodhi dynasty, ideal for a quiet walk and nature photography.
In the evening we visit India gate. A war memorial reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, located in the heart of New Delhi.
This morning you will leave very early to reach Barsana on time and to witness the traditional Laddu Holi, where temples and streets are filled with laddus (sweet balls) thrown to the devotees by priests and residents. This ritual symbolizes spreading happiness and abundance.
Capture the colorful spectacle as locals dance, sing and drench each other with vibrant colors of gulal (colored powder).
We explore the narrow alleys and rooftops to find unique vantage points to capture spontaneous moments and lively interactions.
We spend the night in Barsana or Nandgaon to be close to the heat of the festivities in the villages and not to waste time driving back and forth.
Dinner at the simple and neat guesthouse in Barsana / Nandgaon.
Today we spend the day in Barsana to capture the unique and traditional Lathmar Holi where women from Barsana playfully hit men from Nandgaon with sticks.
Breakfast and dinner in guesthouse.
Today, Latmar Holi takes place in Nandgaon, where the women from Nandgaon are now playfully hitting the men from Barsana with sticks.
Today you will also have plenty of time to take in the colorful streets of the attractive village and visit the temple where people jovially daub each other with the colored powder.
Breakfast and dinner in guesthouse.
This morning we drive towards Mathura where we will take a street walk and take a boat trip to capture the Ghats from the water. During sunset we take another walk along the Ghats of Mathura.
Overnight stay at hotel in Mathura.
Early in the morning we leave for Lucknow where we arrive early in the afternoon.
We explore the lively streets of the Chowk market. Capture candid portraits of locals going about their daily lives, vibrant street scenes and colorful storefronts. Pay particular attention to the intricate embroidery and craftsmanship of Lucknow’s famous Chikan work.
We will go to Bara Imambara, a magnificent architectural marvel. Capture the intricate details of the design of the building and the surrounding gardens. We will also visit Rumi Darwaza, a historic gateway in Lucknow. Experiment with different angles to capture the symmetry and grandeur of this iconic structure (Depending on the time).
Please note: Masan Holi Manikarnika Ghat (exact times/days to be confirmed once in Varanasi)
Early in the morning we set sail for Varanasi and experience it
Masan Holi which refers to a unique and lesser known variation of the traditional Holi festival celebrated in Varanasi. Masan Holi is characterized by a distinctive ritual involving the use of ash or “Masan” along with colored powders.
During Masan Holi, the festivities usually begin with the burning of a pyre made of wood and cow dung cakes, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. While the fire is burning, participants collect the ashes and mix them with water to form a thick paste. This paste is then applied to the participants’ faces and bodies, creating a unique black color.
After applying the ash paste, colored powders are also used to playfully smear each other’s faces and clothes, similar to traditional Holi celebrations. However, the addition of the ash paste gives Masan Holi its distinctive black color, making it stand out from other Holi celebrations.
Depending on the time: We gather in the street where Masan Holi takes place. Capture people and characters from different perspectives.
Please note that this day can be quite hectic. In between we can take a short break and take a walk around the ghats where you will also have the chance to capture portraits and activities.
Overnight stay in a hotel right on the Ganges.
Just before sunrise we take a boat trip on the Ganges and capture life on the river.
After breakfast we return to the streets and alleys to capture street life.
Late afternoon: Head to the ghats to capture the famous Ganga Arti of Varanasi.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
Today we attend Holi, the festival of colors also known as the festival of love;
Holi stands for; Victory of good over evil, welcoming spring, forgiveness and reconciliation, unity and togetherness, creativity and expression.
It symbolizes a time of joy, connection and renewal, when people come together to celebrate, forgive and embrace the good in the world.
In the afternoon we take a moment of rest and have a photo discussion/review session.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
Today we have a long drive back to Agra. We will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
Start the day with a mesmerizing sunrise view of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments. Arrive early to capture the changing colors of the sky against the pristine white marble mausoleum. After visiting the Taj Mahal we return to the hotel for breakfast.
At the end of the afternoon we will take you to a special place for a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
Just before sunrise we drive to the historic Agra Fort to capture the most beautiful light and shadow effects in the fort. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers excellent opportunities for architectural and historical photography. Capture the intricate details of Mughal architecture and the panoramic view of the Yamuna River from the walls of the fort.
In the afternoon we walk through the streets of Agra to capture some of the street life in India.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.
This morning we set sail for Delhi where you will be dropped off at the airport for your return flight.
Included in the price
Not included in the price
Estimation of the daily budget for the things not included (meals, tours, tips) per person.
Meals
Tours
Visa
Tips
For a successful photography trip, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
Other photographic journeys in India
Pushkar fair 18 days photography group tour
18 days | € 2795 per person
Photography group tour Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
11 days | € 1555 per person