Top 8 Best Destinations in India for Travel Photographers

India is a country of great diversity, in that every region and city in the tapestry of India offers something new – which is perfect if you’re a travel photographer looking to snap some stunning shots to submit to publications or post on your own page. Whether you’re trekking the lush hills of Wayanad or standing in the presence of the Taj Mahal, you’ll never run out of photo opportunities. 

Because of India’s sheer size, it can be tough to know where to start as an international traveller. We’re here to help: in this guide, we’ll take you through eight of the country’s best travel destinations for travel photographers.  

1. Wayanad

If you love snapping nature pictures, Wayanad is an absolute must-see. This rural district in Kerala contains majestic waterfalls, mysterious caves and rolling hills. Expect to constantly be on the move while you’re here: we strongly recommend that you use Photoshop online for free rather than lug a laptop around with you everywhere you go. 

While in Wayanad, make sure to capture footage of natural attractions like the Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak and Kurumbalakotta Hill. You might also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of animals like Asiatic elephants, egrets and tigers, so keep a camera on hand at all times. 

2. Agra 

When you think of India, there’s a good chance that the Taj Mahal is one of the first landmarks that comes to mind. This iconic structure is awe-inspiring, whether you’re seeing it in person or in a photograph. As a travel photographer looking to explore India, the Taj Mahal should be at the top of your list in terms of sites to visit. 

There’s also more to Agra than the Taj Mahal. Here, you’ll also be able to take some prize-winning pictures of world-famous tourist sites like the Agra Fort, the Tomb of Akbar and the Sikandra Fort. Book your trip to Agra now and prepare to capture the majesty of the local architecture on camera. 

3. The Andaman Islands 

The Andaman Islands are a group of islands located in the northeastern Indian Ocean. Because of their distance from the mainland, these islands offer incredibly unique opportunities for travel photographers. 

Many people who visit the Andaman Islands do so for snorkelling. Taking an underwater camera with you to these remote islands allows you to capture dugongs, fish, sea turtles, reef sharks and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. On land, you can also trek through vast forests and visit historical sites like Cellular Jail, where many who fought for Indian independence were imprisoned. Though the Andaman Islands are relatively small, they’re full of opportunities for photography that you won’t find anywhere else. 

4. Jodhpur 

Visually speaking, Jodhpur stands out among most other Indian cities due to its old town’s blue-hued structures, which have led to Jodhpur’s being nicknamed the ‘Blue City.’ This unusual colouration isn’t just an aesthetic feature, the blue paint also keeps the interiors of these structures cool during the hot desert summers. 

When visiting as a photographer, make sure to snap plenty of pictures of the city’s uniquely-coloured buildings, as they’re sure to stand out in collages or social media feeds. You should also set aside some time to visit Jodhpur’s other top attractions, including the Mehrangarh Fort, the Umaid Bhawan Palace and Kaylana Lake. 

5. New Delhi 

New Delhi is India’s capital, so it’s no surprise that it’s a top destination for casual tourists and photographers alike. Whether you specialise in snapping photos with a specific theme or are more of a generalist, New Delhi is sure to have something for you. For example, you can document religious sites like the Lotus Temple and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib or take your followers on a culinary trip through Chandni Chowk and its street food vendors. 

New Delhi is among the world’s busiest cities, and life here takes place at a breakneck pace. We suggest travelling light and bringing a smaller camera with you to make sure you can snap that perfect picture while on the go. 

6. Deoghar 

Deoghar is a holy city in Jharkhand and is of special significance to practising Hindus. Every year on Shravani Mela, millions of devout Hindus make the pilgrimage from a small town known as Sultanganj to the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar while carrying holy water. 

A photography trip to Deoghar gives you and your audience a unique glimpse into Hinduism, which is by far the most popular religion in India. You’ll also have the chance to take pictures of sites in Deoghar with religious and historical significance, like the Naulakha Mandir and the Baiju Temple. If you’re a photographer who wants to capture the local religion authentically, there are few better destinations than Deoghar. 

7. Hampi

For those who specialise in painting a picture of history with their photographs, Hampi is a must-visit. This city on the banks of the Tungabhadra River is home to the Hampi group of monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which contains temples that were built between the 14th and 16th centuries. 

Crucially for those seeking cultural authenticity, Hampi’s historical sites have been incredibly well-preserved while still retaining much of their original splendour. The city is also situated in a beautiful part of Karnataka, so you’ll have ample opportunity to take some stunning scenic shots in addition to all the photos of historical structures you’ll be taking. 

8. Mumbai 

No list of Indian travel destinations is complete without Mumbai, India’s largest city. As can be expected given its size, there’s a wide variety of things to see and do here. If you’re a food photographer or blogger, grab a bite in one of Mumbai’s many restaurants and food stalls and snap pictures that will make your audience’s mouths collectively water. If you’re a history buff, Mumbai can certainly compete with many of the other places on this list thanks to sites like the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple and the Global Vipassana Pagoda.

Thanks to the sheer number of people who populate Mumbai and the diversity of the city, it’s also a great place to capture snapshots of daily life. Make sure to take your camera with you wherever you go, even if you don’t have a formal photoshoot planned, because you never know when an opportunity will present itself. 

Key Takeaways

Few countries offer as much diversity in terms of nature, culture and architecture as India. As a travel photographer, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit. Wherever you decide to go first, make sure to travel light. Do the bulk of your editing online so you don’t need to bring a heavy laptop along, and use a small, portable camera. 

Once you have your equipment sorted, you’ll be ready to head to begin your Indian journey. Pack your bags, book your travel tickets and get ready to snap the picture of a lifetime.