Sri Lanka & South India Photo Tour Workshop
Oh my feet haven’t really touched the ground since returning from India. It was such a fantastic trip and I am still on a high. I so appreciated having been on another Luminous Journeys trip where everything was well organised and all I needed to do was focus on photography." - Rosalyn Johnson, New Zealand
South India and Sri Lanka are not just famously exotic places to experience -- they offer very different photographic narratives. We're the only company pairing them because we understood the contrast: together they create a richer journey than either alone, and their proximity makes it natural and easy. South India showcases ornate temples, ritual dancers, and tropical waterways. Sri Lanka offers Buddhist festivals, elephant sanctuaries, stilt fishermen, and misty tea plantations. This traveling workshop captures the best of both photographic worlds in 15-days of seamless travel.
South India: Stunning Hindu Temples, Tropical Backwaters & Sacred Dance
The first week immerses you in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You'll photograph Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against dawn light in Kochi, navigate backwaters by high-quality traditional houseboat, and have inside access to shoot the intricate rituals of very colorful Kathakali and Theyyam dancers, who will perform privately just for us. In Madurai and Trichy, ancient temples reveal soaring architecture and devotional ceremonies -- each a masterclass in composition and cultural depth. The temple complexes here are among India's most visually stunning, with layered gopurams, intricate carvings, and light that shifts throughout the day.
Sri Lanka: Buddhist Festival, Elephant Reserves, Unique Coastal Life, Tea Hill Plantations
The second week shifts dramatically to Sri Lanka's lush hills, sacred sites, and Indian Ocean coastline. At the Navam Full Moon Poya you'll photograph saffron robed Buddhist monks in ceremony at a forest monastery, with chiaroscuro light angling through the trees. Thousands of white clad pilgrims add to the unforgettable scene. You'll also explore the awesome Dambulla Cave Temple, and photograph the Koggala stilt fishermen at golden hour. A visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, plus a more private sanctuary, offer intimate moments with mahouts and elephants. Seemingly endless tea plantations, toddy tappers and a private shoot with drummers and dancers round out the week. The easy one-hour flight from South India to Sri Lanka is the only inter-country transfer.
Pacing & World Class Leadership
David Lazar, a renowned travel photographer and workshop leader, and Vikas Kumar, a master guide and logistics expert, lead the group with fun and flexibility built in -- allowing you to linger when light and access align. You'll work with both professional and cultural subjects, gaining technical mastery while building genuine connections with the people and places you photograph.
No long, rickety bus rides -- we use late model air-conditioned vans and/or mini-buses with plenty of space for your gear and your legs! This is photography on your terms, across two exotic worlds in one truly luminous journey.
“I signed up for the Luminous Journey’s India Tour with great expectations and they were exceeded at every level. The destinations were amazing, the photographic opportunities beyond belief, the leadership and guidance by David Lazar tremendous and the help and assistance of the local guide, Vikas Kumar, made the whole trip seamless. I would definitely travel with Luminous again". –Peter Hickson, Australia
Locations – Kochi, Alleppey, Madurai, Trichy, Negombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Koggala, Pinnawala
Arrival and Departure Cities - Kochi, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka. Connect direct to Kochi from numerous international hubs, including Bangkok and Singapore. If returning to the UK from Colombo, there are direct non-stop flights to London
Hotels – 4/5 star all well located; 1 night beautiful Kerala houseboat, 1 night heritage homestay
Tour Type – India photo tour workshop, 4 participant minimum, 10 maximum.
Skill Level – Suitable for ALL skill levels, novice to advanced. Relative beginners will never feel left behind on an LJ trip
Physical Difficulty – Moderate. Just be in reasonable walking shape
Transportation – Air-conditioned van/mini-bus (new and comfortable with plenty of space); One hour International Flight from Trichy to Colombo
What’s Included?
Highlights
Private Theyyam and Kathakali Dancer Shoot
Tropical Kerala Houseboat - Overnight Photo Cruise
Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi at Golden Hour
Sri Lankan Stilt Fishermen at Sunrise & Sunset
Full Moon Poya Festival - Saffron Monks & White Clad Pilgrims
Stunning Temples at Madurai and Trichy
Elephant Reserves of Pinnawala, Large & Intimate
Breathtaking Tea Hill Plantations
The Wonderful People of South India & Sri Lanka!
Welcome to the enchanting port city of Kochi! Meet your fellow photographers and leaders David and Vikas at the hotel at 3:30 pm for a relaxed orientation and tour meeting. This afternoon ferry across the backwaters to the famous Chinese Fishing Nets. Enjoy a peaceful, tourist-free spot as the golden sunset silhouettes these ancient structures. Return by ferry and dive straight into a delicious South Indian welcome dinner.
Sunrise cruise through the serene Kerala backwaters. Capture fishermen at work in magical morning light, along with kingfishers, eagles, cormorants, and egrets. After breakfast, stroll through the historic Mattancherry and Jew Town districts, photographing colorful spice markets and beautiful Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture. In the late afternoon, enjoy a private two-hour action portrait session with Kathakali and fiery Theyyam dancers in their elaborate costumery. Stunning!
Start the day to photograph the Chinese Fishing Nets in new light, including an organized session with a local fisherman and his boat. More fishermen will be casting nets from a nearby beach, where your shutter timing will be put to the test! Return to the hotel breakfast and checkout before the drive to Alleppey, known for its beautiful houseboats, one of which is all ours! Board and settle in to your private stateroom as we glide the palm fringed backwaters. Enjoy lunch on board, followed by a late-afternoon and sunset shoot in ethereal green rice paddy fields with local villagers.
Wake to a peaceful sunrise shoot from the shore, capturing early morning life on the backwaters. A breakfast to remember on the houseboat before returning to the pier and transferring to a charming Keralan-style homestay set in lush gardens. Late afternoon take a photo walk through the friendly village. The water’s edge often finds a fisherman or two casting nets, and we will be there to capture them in the empyrean light of sunset.
Free shoot village life at sunrise, or sleep in a wee bit if you prefer! Breakfast and early checkout before we hit the 7-hour road to Madurai. Rest assured the journey will be fruitful, with photo stops and lunch along the way. Arrive in time for a spectacular sunset shoot outside the world-renowned Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple. Photograph its grand towers of vividly coloured gopurams, both from ground level and nearby rooftops - a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
Begin the day with a morning shoot at the historic Thirumalai Nayak Palace, where locals in traditional attire create lively scenes. After breakfast, drive two hours to Trichy. Spend the afternoon and golden hour free shooting at the magnificent Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple - the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world. Capture intricate stone carvings of deities and mythical scenes, bustling pilgrims, and vibrant street life around this Tamil-style architectural wonder.
Climb the 430 steps of the legendary Rock Fort Temple at sunrise for magnificent panoramic views. Return for breakfast and enjoy some free time to rest or edit images. After lunch, join an image review session with David. In the afternoon, photograph a private Bharatanatyam female dancer session - capturing the grace, expressive mudras, and complex footwork of this classical Tamil dance form in beautiful light.
Fly from Trichy to Colombo and transfer just 20 minutes to the more traditional beachside town of Negombo. In the afternoon and at sunset, photograph local fishermen hauling in their daily catch of prawns and fish with traditional nets on the beach, alongside colourful catamarans resting on the sand. This relaxed coastal scene offers wonderful opportunities for authentic lifestyle and silhouette photography.
Rise early for the bustling fishing market and harbor, capturing groups of colorful boats from the bridge, along with lively fish stalls along the road. After breakfast, drive to Dambulla. In the afternoon, climb the 350 steps to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple. Explore its five caves filled with ancient Buddha statues and intricate paintings. We'll use tripods and wide-angle lenses to capture the atmospheric interiors of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arrive very early at Ridi Viharaya on Navam Full Moon Poya Day. Position and catch the chiaroscuro light beaming through the forest canopy as Buddhist monks in saffron robes perform rituals and chant. Thousands of pilgrims all clad in white offer flowers and prayers, making for a spectacular, spiritual canvas. This unique cultural day provides rare, respectful access to monastic life and festival energy. Continue to Kandy (1.5 hrs) for a scenic lakeside hotel with beautiful views.
Travel 1.5 hours for a private morning shoot with elephants and traditionally dressed mahouts in a natural setting, as well as see the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage with large herds bathing in the river. Then on to a more intimate elephant experience nearby. After lunch in Kandy town, photograph a private afternoon session with female dancers and male drummers in their radiant traditional costumes.
Spend today discovering tea plantations outside of Kandy, photographing women in bright saris hand-picking tea leaves - both candid and guided portraiture. Next up are the rolling green hills around the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya (“Little England”), before we return to Kandy with time to explore the lakeside town around dusk.
A relaxed free morning in Kandy before the 5-hour drive south to the beautiful beachside town of Koggala. Check into your beachfront hotel and head out in the afternoon for an arranged shoot with the iconic stilt fishermen perched gracefully over the waves. A peaceful environment and a trip highlight to be sure!
Day 14 : 24 February – Koggala to Negombo
Rise early for a sunrise opportunity with the stilt fishermen (or take free time on the beach just outside your hotel room). After breakfast, join a second image review and editing session with David. After lunch we drive 2.5 hours back to Negombo. Late afternoon we visit the Toddy Tappers of Negombo - the traditional skill of climbing towering coconut palms to “tap” their sap so sweet. Great silhouette opportunities at golden hour. With these images safely tucked away, we wrap the evening with your Farewell Dinner to Remember!
Day 15 : 25 February – Departure
Transfer to Colombo Airport for your international flight. If returning to the UK you can fly non-stop. Safe travels, and thank you for joining Luminous Journeys on this photographic adventure through South India and Sri Lanka. See you next time!
* A fully detailed final schedule and 30-page information kit concerning traveling for photography in India and Sri Lanka will be sent to all registered participants approximately 100 days prior to tour start date.
** Image review is available on an ongoing basis by request. For those interested, David will offer Photoshop/Lightroom instruction sessions as time allows.
What’s Included in the Price of your Sri Lanka & India Photo Tour?
Included:
Photographer fees and top English speaking guide
All accommodation
Flight from India to Sri Lanka, airport & ground transport
All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 15 breakfast
Ample bottle water and refresh towels throughout
All entrance, zone and camera fees
Local model and monastery donations
Excluded:
International airfare
Personal purchases & adult beverages
Trip cancellation or medical insurance
Medical expenses
Gratuities for guides, drivers and porters
India and Sri Lanka visa fees (as applicable)
Getting Cultural
More Knowledge – Better Pictures
Stilt Fishermen of Koggala
Perched gracefully on slender wooden stilts rising from the shallow turquoise waters, the Stilt Fishermen of Koggala create one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and photogenic scenes. This unique tradition, born after World War II when fishermen adapted to crowded shores and scarce resources, involves balancing on a narrow crossbar while patiently casting lines into the sea without disturbing the water below.
Along the southern coast near Koggala, these skilled locals transform into striking silhouettes against golden sunrises and fiery sunsets. The shadow cast by their elevated position allows small fish to approach undisturbed - a clever, time-honoured technique passed down through generations.
Koggala offers many opportunities to capture dramatic compositions: lone figures against the vast Indian Ocean, soft morning light, or vibrant evening hues reflecting on gentle waves. Whether documenting cultural heritage or chasing that perfect silhouette, the stilt fishermen of Koggala deliver timeless, luminous images that define the soul of Sri Lanka’s coastline.
Chinese Fishing Nets
Standing like ancient sentinels along the Fort Kochi waterfront, the Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala) are one of India’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. Introduced to Kerala’s shores between the 14th and 15th centuries by Chinese explorers such as Admiral Zheng He, these massive cantilevered structures blend southern Chinese ingenuity with local teak, bamboo, and stone counterweights.
Each enormous net is operated by a team of fishermen who rhythmically lower and raise the hammock-like traps using a system of ropes and pivots, harvesting the bounty of the Arabian Sea with a method unchanged for over 500 years.
For photographers, the Chinese fishing nets offer endless dramatic possibilities: striking silhouettes against red sunsets, golden morning light washing over the wooden frames, or the elegant geometry of the nets reflected in the calm waters. Whether capturing the coordinated dance of the fishermen or the timeless interplay of tradition and sea, Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets deliver culturally rich images that define the soul of Kerala’s historic coastline.
