The Holy Rivers

The “Holy Rivers” Photography Expedition is a journey connecting the holy Ganges and Narmada Rivers in central India. During this 14 day expedition we visit the holy ghats (temples) in the cities of Varanasi and Jabalpur on the central Indian planes, before travelling by train up to the lush green mountain town of Pachmarhi with its breath taking viewpoints and refreshing waterfalls.

Besides Varanasi these destinations are not visited by many tourists. This guarantees an adventurous journey far from the beaten path, filled with authentic photography moments.

The journey starts in the city of Varanasi on the borders of the famous Ganges River. This is a holy city for Hindus and has almost 100 ghats along the river’s shore providing a unique background for the religious ceremonies and other daily activities that take place along the river. As India can possibly be overwhelming in the beginning you will have a few days to acclimatize first. You can relax along the shores of the Ganges, enjoy a boat trip over the river or take a long walk past the many ghats.

In Varanasi you will also meet the FairMail teenagers, the FairMail office and learn more about how FairMail works. During the first photography exercise you can start to get to know each other while working together.

After three days in Varanasi, you travel by train with the entire group from the central plains to Pachmarhi hill station in the Satpura mountain range. On the way to Pachmarhi we will stop for two days in Jabalpur. This city is located next to another holy river, the Narmada River. We will take time to see the impressive cascades, the surrounding ghats and enjoy the marble rocks on a boat ride over the river.

After that we will take five days to explore the beautiful natural environment of the Pachmarhi hill station. On walking distance or a short drive away we will find many beautiful viewpoints, refreshing waterfalls, caves, temples and rock paintings. During our day hikes we will be able to practice nature photography and do photography exercises together in this inspiring surrounding. After 7 days we take the train back to Varanasi. During the last day we will have time to visit the houses of the teenager’s families to share experiences of our unforgettable journey with the parents who will be very happy to see their children back safe and sound.

Read the full trip discription here (pdf)

Questions? Just ask us!

Interested? Book your trip here

Included:

- Dutch & English speaking guide (founder of FairMail)

- Hindi translator (national manager FairMail India)

- All overnight stays in a shared room in hotels (sometimes in shared beds unless you book a single room).

- All meals with the group, except the free days in Varanasi.

- Transport during basic program

- Entrance fees during basic program

- Train station or Airport pickup in Varanasi

- Dinner meeting with all the FairMail teenagers in Varanasi.

- Project contribution (€ 185,00)

 

Not Included:

- Flight to India

- Transport by train or airplane to Varanasi before and after the 16 day trip

- Any (taxi) transport besides the basic program

- Food en drinks besides the 3 daily meals during the part of the trip with the teenagers.

- Photography equipment

- Tips

- Optional tours around Varanasi

- Your accommodation before and after the 16 day trip