Banaras Photography Tours
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Banaras Photography Tours worth booking?
Banaras Photography Tours is a 3-hour experience in Varanasi, India, from $32 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (15)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $32 per person
In my nearly eight years of leading photography tours, helping to guide documentary crews, and five years of running the highest rated cultural tour in Varanasi, I have helped countless travelers and professionals explore and document the unique and mystical culture in our beautiful city. Every part of the tour can be tailored to your interests. If you wish, we can take out a boat for sunrise to capture the ghat or walk through the markets, and if you get hungry I can lead you to restaurants or street food that is safe to eat for travelers. With me, you will see a side of the city that is not usually available to travelers such as the Aghori Sadhus, traditional wrestling, and cremation ceremonies. These ceremonies are at the heart of spirituality in our city, and with my tour you will be welcomed by the local people here to photograph some of the most sacred moments of life.
What you get
About this experience
In my nearly eight years of leading photography tours, helping to guide documentary crews, and five years of running the highest rated cultural tour in Varanasi, I have helped countless travelers and professionals explore and document the unique and mystical culture in our beautiful city. Every part of the tour can be tailored to your interests. If you wish, we can take out a boat for sunrise to capture the ghat or walk through the markets, and if you get hungry I can lead you to restaurants or street food that is safe to eat for travelers. With me, you will see a side of the city that is not usually available to travelers such as the Aghori Sadhus, traditional wrestling, and cremation ceremonies. These ceremonies are at the heart of spirituality in our city, and with my tour you will be welcomed by the local people here to photograph some of the most sacred moments of life.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Assi Ghat
Early morning ceremony boatride we see pilgrimages bathing perying yoga by local Varanasi people at river side delay Activity take Walking at the nerraw lanes see great subject for nice photos
120 minutes here · Admission included
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh ghat is one of the oldest, most spectacular and important where all the pilgrimages and local people see Activity life stayle some of hindu (sadhu)monks We can ask and take photos
60 minutes here
See the cremation holy fire lear about death as life indian culture manikanika ghat the placs where all inidia people came to cremation take photos near by some better subject
1 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Vinay Singh
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Banaras Photography Tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing full day experience
Would highly recommend this tour. I opted for an all day photography tour with some street food sampling along the way. Both were good highlights. We started the day off on the river and exploring the ghats, followed by a boat ride on the river, then flower markets, more ghats, a small community (please rather donate useful supplies rather than sweets eg:pens and books) Then back to the city for the evening river prayer. The day was filled non stop. I never felt rushed with the photos and was guided in good ways to take pictures and dealing with the locals. All in all. Epic day was had.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing to explore Varanasi with me 🙏 I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the full-day photography tour, from the peaceful morning on the Ganges River to the vibrant ghats, flower markets, and the evening ceremony. It means a lot that you appreciated both the photography guidance and the local experiences along the way. Your thoughtful suggestion about donating useful supplies like pens and books is truly appreciated — it makes a real difference to the community. I’m glad you never felt rushed and could fully enjoy capturing the spirit of the city at your own pace. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope the memories (and photos!) stay with you for a lifetime. Wishing you many more amazing journeys ahead — and you are always welcome back to Varanasi!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable morning in Varanasi – for photographers and soul-seekers alike
I did the Banaras Photography Tour with Vinay and it was honestly one of the most memorable experiences of my whole India trip. From the very beginning, communication was clear and easy. Vinay picked me up on time and immediately made me feel safe and comfortable. As a photographer and someone interested in Buddhist/spiritual practice, this tour was perfect: we started at the ghats in the soft morning light, moved through small alleys and local markets, and Vinay always knew exactly where the atmosphere and light were best. What really makes this tour special is Vinay himself. He is kind, respectful and very knowledgeable about Varanasi, its culture and rituals. He has a wonderful way of connecting with local people – thanks to him, I was able to take portraits and street photos in situations where, alone, I would never have dared to lift my camera. The people we met were open and welcoming, not annoyed by the camera, which makes a huge difference. I also appreciated that Vinay doesn’t just “tick off” sights. He shares stories, answers questions with patience, and adapts the tour to your interests and pace. We had chai together, talked about life in Varanasi, spirituality, and everyday reality behind the tourist surface – it felt more like spending time with a friend than being on a standard tour. If you are into photography (from phone to pro camera) and want to see a more authentic side of Varanasi, I can highly recommend this tour. You’ll come home not only with strong images, but also with a deeper understanding of this intense, beautiful and complex city. Thank you, Vinay, for your time, your heart and this unforgettable morning. 🙏📷
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for these beautiful and thoughtful words. It truly means a lot to me to read this. Spending that morning with you was a real pleasure. Your sensitivity as a photographer and your genuine interest in spirituality made the experience very special for me as well. Varanasi opens up differently when we move slowly, with respect and curiosity, and I’m grateful we could share those moments at the ghats, in the alleys, over chai, and through conversations that went beyond photography. I’m especially happy to hear that you felt comfortable and welcomed by the people we met — that trust and connection is at the heart of what I try to share through my tours. Photography is not just about light and composition here, but about relationships, patience, and presence. Thank you for seeing Varanasi with an open heart and for capturing it so thoughtfully. I wish you many more meaningful journeys and images ahead, and you will always be welcome back in Banaras. Warm regards, Vinay 🙏📷
via Tripadvisor
Photography tours - Varanasi and local village
A fantastic photography shoot with Vinay who organised a practising sadhu (holy man) and blue Lord Shiva child for a photo shoot on the Ganges. Vinay went out of his way to organise everything and ensured that the time was used effectively. We also did some photography on the backstreets of Varanasi and went to a local village to meet the people and see how they live, which is simply and happy!
via Tripadvisor
Special photography experience with welcoming locals and great insights
I had an incredible photo tour with Vinay. He took me to so many amazing spots and even brought me into his own neighborhood, where the locals were warm and welcoming and allowed me to photograph them, such a special experience. Vinay is extremely kind, knowledgeable, and clearly knows Varanasi inside and out. We even sat for coffee together, and he shared so many insights about the city and its culture. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide. There are definitely some spots you would not be able to find on your own. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Varanasi!
via Tripadvisor
The most memorable view in India
Our tour started at 3:00 PM. First, Vinay took us to Manikarnika Ghat. My child stood there, watching the cremation with a serious expression, staring intently at the people. Unfortunately, unlike when I visited this place in the past, it was not possible to walk along the river from Manikarnika Ghat to the other ghats. So we took a boat from Manikarnika Ghat. From the river, we could enjoy beautiful views of the ghats and the sunset. We got off the boat and walked along the ghats, enjoying the local scenery. Even though we arrived quite late for the evening ceremony, Vinay quickly found us a seat near the center of the boat with an unobstructed view, as if we had reserved it. Varanasi itself was much more touristy than the last time I visited. I was surprised to see that the river and roads were much cleaner than before. It was a wonderful experience to be able to wade through the river. Some of the ghats (stone steps) had been demolished and replaced with new ones. I'm a little sad that the nostalgic atmosphere is fading, but I'm grateful that Vinay was able to show my child some old-fashioned scenery. I'm glad I was able to come to India with my child. Just like when I visited India back then, Varanasi left the biggest impression on me of all the places we visited this time. Thank you very much.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $32 to $70
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Banaras Photography Tours: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Varanasi.
How much does Banaras Photography Tours cost?
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Prices start at $32 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Varanasi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Banaras Photography Tours take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Varanasi is not rushed.
Is Banaras Photography Tours worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Varanasi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Banaras Photography Tours?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Banaras Photography Tours suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Banaras Photography Tours?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Varanasi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Varanasi and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Banaras Photography Tours start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Varanasi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Varanasi?
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On Outty we rank every Varanasi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour), The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Private Guided Tour, A Journey of A lifetime. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Varanasi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Banaras Photography Tours?
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Included: Bottled water; and Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Banaras Photography Tours include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 84 listed pickup locations in and around Varanasi. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Banaras Photography Tours offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Banaras Photography Tours?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Banaras Photography Tours wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Banaras Photography Tours if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Varanasi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Banaras Photography Tours?
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Across 15 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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