There are so many beautiful places just waiting to be photographed, from snowy mountains and huge deserts to old ruins and colorful cities. But where do you even start with all of these choices? We’ve made a list of the best places in India to take pictures for your next vacation.
This isn’t just a list of nice places; it’s your guide to getting the perfect shot that will make your followers want to go. Let’s get started!
1. The City Palace in Jaipur: The Royal Doors
There are many great places to take pictures at the City Palace in Jaipur, but the four beautiful gates in the inner courtyard are the most famous. Each gate has a different season on it and is covered in bright colors and very detailed patterns.
The Money Shot:
- A picture of a person in front of the green Leheriya Gate, which stands for spring.
- A beautiful picture that shows off the Peacock Gate’s many small details (which stand for fall).
Pro Tip: This place is very popular, so you might have to wait in a short line to get a good picture of each door. Wait; it’s worth it to get a picture without other people in it!
2. Chamba Camp, Thiksey (Ladakh): A luxurious place to stay in the mountains
The Chamba Camp in Thiksey is the best place to go for “glamping” (glamorous camping) with a view that looks like it came straight out of a magazine. The beautiful Thiksey Monastery and the Himalayan mountains are behind these luxury tents.
The Money Shot:
- A picture of your fancy tent with the beautiful Thiksey Monastery in the background.
- A picture of the beautiful mountains taken from your own outdoor seating area.
Pro Tip: This is a seasonal camp, so it’s usually open from May to October. Make your reservations well in advance because it’s a very popular and exclusive event.
3. The Backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala
The calm backwaters of Alleppey, which is also known as the “Venice of the East,” are very well-known. You have to take a ride on a traditional houseboat to see palm trees, small villages, and beautiful green scenery.
The Money Shot:
- A picture of a houseboat moving through calm waters from the deck.
- A picture of a local fisherman in his small canoe with a beautiful sunset behind him.
Pro Tip: Stay on a houseboat for the night. The views at sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful and give the best light for pictures.
4. The Tea Gardens in Munnar, Kerala
There are endless rolling hills of perfectly manicured tea plantations all over the hill station of Munnar. The tea bushes’ straight lines against the misty mountains make for a beautiful and calm scene.
The Money Shot:
- A wide shot of the green tea valleys that shows how big they are.
- A picture of you or your friends walking along the narrow paths between the tea plants.
Pro Tip: A lot of tea gardens have set places for taking pictures. To get a more unique picture, ask your driver to take you to a viewpoint that isn’t as busy.
5. Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand: A Colorful Carpet
This place looks like it came straight out of a storybook. During the monsoon season, the Valley of Flowers National Park is full of hundreds of different kinds of colorful flowers.
The Money Shot:
- A wide shot of the valley that shows how many different kinds of flowers there are and how thick they are.
- A close-up of a rare and lovely flower, like the hard-to-find Blue Poppy.
Pro Tip: The valley is only open from June to October, so keep that in mind. The best time to see the flowers in full bloom is from mid-July to mid-August.
6. The White Desert in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is the biggest salt desert in the world. In the winter, it becomes a huge, strange landscape of white salt crystals that goes on forever.
The Money Shot:
- A picture taken at sunset, when the pink and orange colors of the sky are reflected in the white sand.
- A creative shot that plays with perspective because the flat, empty landscape makes for fun photo tricks.
Pro Tip: Go during the Rann Utsav festival, which happens from November to February most years. The bright cultural events and fancy tents make for great photo opportunities.
7. Dal Lake in Kashmir: Heaven on Earth
Dal Lake in Srinagar is like a painting come to life. The calm blue water perfectly reflects the huge Himalayan mountains. The colorful shikaras (traditional boats) make it even more beautiful.
The Money Shot:
- A picture taken while riding a shikara with the beautiful mountains in the background.
- A colorful picture of the flower and vegetable market that floats in the early morning.
Pro Tip: Go in late July or August to see the lake’s famous lotus flowers in full bloom. This will make your photos even more beautiful.
8. The Blue City: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
The old city of Jodhpur is known for the thousands of houses that are painted a beautiful shade of blue. The best place to see this is from the top of the huge Mehrangarh Fort, which has a stunning view of the blue sea of houses below.
The Money Shot:
- A wide-angle picture of the blue houses from the top of Mehrangarh Fort.
- A picture of someone walking through the old city’s narrow, blue alleyways.
Pro Tip: The blue color looks best in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. The bright sun at noon can wash out the colors.
9. The Taj Mahal in Agra: The Symbol of Love
The Taj Mahal has to be number one, of course. This beautiful white marble monument is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a sign of beauty that will never go out of style. It has perfect symmetry, beautiful gardens, and a moving story behind it, making it the perfect place for any photographer.
The Money Shot:
- The classic picture taken from the front door, with the archway framing the Taj Mahal perfectly.
- A picture of the monument’s reflection in the long pools of the gardens around it.
Pro Tip: Go right at sunrise. There aren’t as many people, and the soft morning light makes the marble shine with lovely pink and orange colors.
10. The Golden Sands in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer
The Thar Desert near Jaisalmer has rolling sand dunes that are a classic desert experience. The golden sand, the beautiful sunsets, and the camel rides make for a romantic and exciting atmosphere.
The Money Shot:
- A picture of a camel caravan in front of the setting sun.
- A picture of you sitting on a sand dune in the middle of the vast, empty desert.
Pro Tip: If you want to go on a desert safari, book one that includes a night in a desert camp. This lets you take pictures of the beautiful night sky full of stars.
11. Hampi, Karnataka: The City of Ruins
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has beautiful ruins from an old empire. The landscape is out of this world, with huge boulders, crumbling temples, and bright green paddy fields. It’s one of the most unique places to take pictures in India.
The Money Shot:
- The famous Stone Chariot at the Vittala Temple complex.
- A picture of the sunset from the top of Matanga Hill, which shows a wide view of the whole landscape full of ruins.
Pro Tip: Rent a bike or scooter to see the whole area. This will help you find beautiful places and hidden temples that aren’t crowded with tourists.
12. Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim: The Frozen Wonder
Tsomgo Lake is a stunningly beautiful glacial lake that is high up in the Sikkim mountains. The deep blue water and rough mountains around it make for great photos.
The Money Shot:
- A picture of the lake in the winter, when it is completely frozen and covered in snow.
- A picture of the yaks that you can ride along the edge of the lake, which are brightly painted.
Pro Tip: The altitude is very high, so make sure you get used to it for a day in Gangtok before you go to avoid getting sick from the high altitude.
13. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: A Cultural Landscape
Ziro Valley is a lovely old town with lots of rice paddies and pine-covered hills. It is home to the Apatani tribe and has a unique mix of beautiful nature and rich local culture.
The Money Shot:
- A picture of the green rice paddies with the pine-covered hills in the background.
- A respectful picture of the old Apatani women, who are known for their traditional nose plugs and facial tattoos.
Pro Tip: The Ziro Music Festival, which usually happens in September, is the best time to go. It features great music and the beautiful scenery of the valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time of day to take pictures in India?
A. The “Golden Hour,” which is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, is the best time. The light is soft and warm, which makes everything look nice.
Q. Can you use drones at these places?
A. India has strict rules about drones. Most major tourist sites, national parks, and religious sites, like the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple, don’t allow drones. Before you fly, always check the rules in your area.
Q. What kind of camera equipment do I need to bring?
A. You can take great pictures with just a smartphone with a good camera. A wide-angle lens (for landscapes) and a prime lens (for portraits) are very useful if you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Q. What should I wear when taking pictures at religious sites?
A. It is important to dress modestly when you go to religious places like temples, mosques, and others. This means that you need to cover your legs and shoulders. You might also have to cover your head.
Q. Which of these places has the best colorful pictures?
A. Jaipur (the Pink City), Jodhpur (the Blue City), and the lively markets and festivals all over Rajasthan are great places to take pictures of a lot of colors.
Last Thoughts
India is a place that will fill both your heart and your camera’s memory card. Each of these Instagrammable spots in India has its own story and a chance to take a picture that is truly one of a kind. Don’t forget to put the camera down for a while and enjoy the moment while you’re busy getting the perfect shot.
The pictures that bring back the best memories are the best ones. To help you plan a trip full of picture-perfect moments, think about working with professionals like The Tarzan Way (TTW). Happy Clicking!
