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Visit These Places In India For The Best Photo Opportunities

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Mar 28, 2020
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 29

Dazzling colors, intricate architecture, exotic landscapes, ancient culture, you’ll find it all in India. Of course, you'll want to photograph it all, too. You could spend a lifetime traveling through the vibrant cities and rural countryside, learning about this remarkable country, capturing stunning images. Most of us, though, have only a few weeks to explore. To help plan your trip, check out these top spots where you can get gorgeous pics/video and have unforgettable cultural experiences.


Agra


A magnificent, symmetrical view of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, at sunset or sunrise. The iconic white marble mausoleum with its large dome and four slender minarets is perfectly reflected in a long, rectangular reflecting pool in the foreground. Lush green lawns line the pool, and a colorful sky with hues of pink, orange, and blue clouds provides a stunning backdrop.
Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

No trip to India would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. It’s almost a rite of passage to photograph the iconic architecture, glowing in the early morning light, reflected in the mirror-like pond. So if that's your goal, arrive early and be patient. Lots of other people are trying to get the same shot so arriving very early in the morning will help you to avoid the crowds.

Once you’ve checked that off your list, wander around and get creative. The Taj Mahal may be one of the most photographed places on Earth, but we haven’t seen it from your perspective yet. If you need some inspiration, jump onto Pinterest and Instagram and search #tajmahal.


A grand, wide-angle shot of the imposing red sandstone walls of Agra Fort in India, bathed in the warm light of sunrise or sunset. The fort features massive, textured walls with battlements, defensive towers, and an ornate arched gateway in the center, leading to a bridge. The sky above is a mix of blue and soft orange/pink clouds.
Agra Fort

Agra Fort / Jahangiri Palace While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Agra Fort. The impressive red sandstone architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers plenty of photo ops. During golden hour the natural light will work wonders for you. Check out #agrafort on Instagram to see what we’re talking about.

Jaipur


A close-up, vibrant photo captures the intricate and ornate pink facade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) in Jaipur, India. The building is characterized by its numerous small, latticed windows, balconies, and decorative domes, all adorned with golden accents. The architecture is symmetrical and grand, set against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)

Jaipur is filled with architectural wonders. So give yourself a few days to explore this fantastic city and add these spectacular locations to your photo list:

  • Patrika Gate – Marvel at the impressive artwork on the walls of the gate before snapping your Insta-worthy pics.

  • City Palace – The royal complex contains beautiful gardens, courtyards, and buildings, but the ornate gates might be the most photogenic.

  • Amber Palace/Amer Fort – The name varies, but the location is the same, and it's incredible. You'll need plenty of time to wander around and capture it all.

  • Amer Fort Viewpoint – Hike up to the watchtowers to get a different perspective and an awe-inspiring shot.

  • Nahargarh (Abode of Tigers) Fort – Located above Jaipur in the Aravali mountains. Come here for sunset.

  • Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – The crown jewel of Jaipur was built for female members of the royal family, so they could observe the city without being seen.

  • Jal Mahal (Water Palace) – Sitting in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, visitors aren’t allowed near the palace, but you can photograph it from afar.

  • Galta Ji Temple (a.k.a. Monkey Temple) – You might see a monkey or two riding on the back of a local pig.


A grand architectural photo features a symmetrical, ornate Indian palace, identified as Amber Fort, with multiple arches, domes, and intricate carvings, all in a light-colored stone. In the foreground, a beautifully manicured garden with geometric pathways, green shrubs, and several water fountains adds to the palace's grandeur. The sky above is bright blue with scattered white clouds.
Amer Fort

Searching #visitjaipur on Instagram and Pinterest will have you packing your suitcases in a hurry.

Varanasi


A scenic view of the ghats of Varanasi, India, along the Ganges River, at sunrise or sunset. A lone person in a red outfit sits in a small wooden boat in the foreground, facing away from the viewer. The riverbank is lined with numerous ancient, multi-storied buildings and temples in various earthy tones, some with intricate architectural details, all densely packed and rising from the water's edge. The sky above is a soft mix of orange, pink, and blue hues.
Varanasi

The entire city is filled with mesmerizing photo opportunities:

  • Brightly colored boats

  • Bustling ghats

  • Crowded alleyways and markets

  • Swamis

  • Street cows

  • The nightly Aarti fire ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges

  • The sacred Ganges River itself, especially at sunrise and sunset

It’s an assault on the senses and a photographer's dream. You can get inspired quickly by searching #varanasi on Instagram.

Kolkata


A close-up view captures a person's hands holding a large woven basket overflowing with vibrant orange and yellow marigold flowers, amidst an even larger pile of the same flowers. The scene appears to be at Mullik Ghat Flower Market, with hints of other baskets and market activity in the background.
Mullik Ghat Flower Market

If you find yourself in Kolkata, often considered India’s cultural capital, there are two things you must photograph (you’ll find plenty of inspiration on Instagram searching #kolkata):


  • The vintage yellow cabs

  • The daily flower market at Mallick Ghat


Kerala

A serene panoramic shot captures Alleppey's Backwaters in Kerala, India, at sunset or sunrise. Several traditional wooden houseboats (kettuvallams) are visible on the calm water, surrounded by lush green palm trees and dense foliage on the banks. The sky is filled with soft, warm hues of pink, orange, and purple clouds, reflecting gently on the water.
Alleppey's Backwaters, Kerala, India

Take a break from the busy cities and take in the lush countryside of Kerala.

  • Periyar National Park – Go on safari to spot elephants and tigers in this reserve.

  • Munnar Tea Plantations – Get gorgeous landscapes of the rolling hills filled with tea gardens.

  • Alleppey (Alappuzha) – For the complete experience and the best shots, take a journey on a houseboat through the “Venice of the East.”

Goa


A panoramic view captures the picturesque Palolem Beach in Goa, India. The long, light-colored sandy beach is lined with numerous colorful beach shacks and tall green palm trees. The clear turquoise water of the Arabian Sea gently laps the shore, with a traditional fishing boat with an outrigger moored in the foreground. People are scattered along the beach and in the water, and large rocks are visible in the lower right foreground. The sky above is bright blue with scattered white clouds.
Palolem Beach

Located on India’s west coast, Goa is where you go for a beach vacation. Here are a few of the most picturesque beaches to experience and capture with your camera:

  • Agonda Beach – Calm, clear waters and striking golden sand

  • Palolem Beach – Brightly colored coco huts that are built and re-built each year

  • Butterfly Beach – Hop on a boat from nearby Agonda Beach or Palolem Beach to experience this secluded spot.

  • Benaulim Beach – One of the best beaches in Goa for families

  • Cavelossim Beach – White sand, black lava rocks, and fewer crowds make this a perfect photo spot.

  • Beyond the Beach – If you’re interested in nature and wildlife photography, add Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to your list.

Head to Pinterest and search VisitGoa for inspiration.

Be a Responsible Photographer

Sometimes getting the shot is not the right thing to do. Please be respectful and refrain from photographing sacred sites. Signs are usually posted letting you know when it’s not ok to photograph a site.

When photographing people, especially children, always get permission first.

This article only scratches the surface of India's gorgeous spots to explore. Whether or not you're focused on photography, I can put together a fantastic itinerary catered to you and your travel style. Schedule a consultation to get started!

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