In present times when social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have taken over our lives by being the doors and windows to our professional as well as personal life, traveling has become almost synonymous with photography. Even if you aren't a social media influencer, which is very rare to find these days, photographs of the places we visit do take us back in time where we can relive those moments.
Simply put, photography has made time travel possible and our incredible India is in no way short of breathtaking views and landscapes. Check out these 10 top cities that you should put on your bucket list.
1. Varanasi
Varanasi or Kashi (the city of life) brimming with colors across spectrum never ceases to fascinate travel photographers. What intrigues us is how this oldest city of India becomes a living, breathing canvas for the concept of 'Circle of Life' & 'Moksha' as the burning ghat glows with burning pyres continuing through the night. Although the plain sight of hundreds of bodies burning is a lot to take in, a few camera enthusiasts visit the crematorium to capture the experience of how distant they feel from death or the departed. Varanasi, with its 80 river ghats along the river Ganga, provides a spiritual and vintage charm to the city, thereby giving you some splendid shots there.
Image Courtesy: Hot gossips
Photogenic Attractions: Manikarna Ghat
Best Time to Photograph: July-March
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the land of magnificent forts and picturesque sand dunes, is one of the prime destinations for any travel photographer. The vibrant colors, rustic folk music and busy shopping streets across the state can bring out the shutterbug in anyone. Rajasthan is replete with click-worthy places ranging from beautiful palaces of 'The City of Lakes'- Udaipur to the forts of 'The Pink City'-Jaipur, from the bustling markets of 'The Blue City'-Jodhpur to the desert safaris of 'The Golden City'-Jaisalmer.
Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
Photogenic Attractions: Amer Fort (Jaipur), Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur), Thar Desert (Jaisalmer)
Best Time to Photograph: October-February
3. Old Delhi
If people and streets in action/motion tucked away somewhere in the fast-paced capital of India-Delhi, allows you to calm down and takes you back in the older, slower times, then Old Delhi or Purani Dilli is not-to-missed for street photography. The perfect time to capture the old charm and slowness is early in the morning around 7:30-8:00 AM when you can see people placidly sitting back and sipping on their cutting chai while looking strangely and absolutely confused at you and your camera lens.
Image Courtesy: Man vs globe
Photogenic Attractions: Panoramic view of Old Delhi from the topmost floor of Khari Baoli (Asia's biggest spice market)
Best Time to Photograph: October-March
4. Leh & Ladakh
Leh & Ladakh, situated amidst the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges in the scenic state of Jammu and Kashmir, are two of the most spectacular places in the world where scores of tourists from across the globe throng annually. Emblems of pure paradisiacal beauty, Leh & Ladakh are all about awe-inspiring landscapes, picturesque green oasis, scintillating monasteries and quaint hamlets. What gives this region an edge over all others in India is a wholesome sensational landscape with snow-clad mountains, crystal clear skies, the inspiring silence of the monks at Buddhist monasteries which make for stunning scenery.
Image Courtesy: Papa on board
Photogenic Attractions: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Lake
Best Time to Photograph: July-September
5. Khajuraho - Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho, a group of ancient Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples, is a must-visit for those with a keen interest in art, history, and heritage. The intricate hand has done carvings on the many temples, monuments, and forts standing tall since ages are sure to take your breath away! It's very well-known and has always been in news for its erotic Kamasutra carvings and stunning sculptures considered to be the finest temple art in the world.
Image Courtesy: Indi trip
Photogenic Attractions: Western Group of temples
Best Time to Photograph: September-March
6. Hampi
This UNESCO World Heritage Site turns out to be a charmer for those photographers who revel in ruins. It harbors a collage of rocks, boulders, and bits of old monuments which never fails to fascinate us. Known as the 'city of ruins', Hampi is a small village in the northern part of Karnataka. Hampi is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Karnataka. Located near Hospet, Hampi is easily accessible by regular tourist buses from the major cities and towns of Karnataka.
Image Courtesy: Breakin golds
Photogenic Attractions: Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hanuman Temple, Queen's Bath
Best Time to Photograph: October-March
7. Golden Temple - Amritsar
Floating in the middle of the water tank, Golden temple situated in Amritsar offers a spectacular view. The reflection of its gold surface in the waters of the river Sarovar is a sight that deserves to be captured. It does not take long to become immersed in the vibrating spirit of Consciousness at the temple compound. The sewadars emanate selfless service, thus making every interaction a meeting with God. Hundreds of men, women, and children go about the many chores of cleaning, cooking and caring with a delightful merry energy. Every meal served, every drop of water poured, every marble slab cleaned, it is all a manifestation of God’s love which can be photographed really well.
Image Courtesy: News by tes app
Photogenic Attractions: Golden Temple
Best Time to Photograph: November-March
8. Caves of Maharashtra
If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones and an ardent ancient architecture and culture fan, the next time you plan a visit to Maharashtra be sure to visit the caves. One can never get bored of clicking the artistic and archaic beauty of the historic caves in Maharashtra which are renowned in the whole world and speak the glory of the eras gone by.
Image Courtesy: Cpree cenvis
Photogenic Attractions: Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves
Best Time to Photograph: June-March
9. Kerala
Kerela, famously known as God's Own Country, is one of the most photogenic places in India. It enraptures you with some dreamy and heavenly scenic views of its backwaters, forts, beaches, palm trees and churches. Apart from its picturesque scenery, Kerala is also known for its rich wildlife and elaborate temples. A vacation in Kerala will unfold a world bestowed with nature’s magic in front of your eyes. Plan your holiday to Kerala and have a wonderful time exploring the scenic beauty in Kerala with your loved ones.
Image Courtesy: Thrillophilia
Photogenic Attractions: Fort Kochi (in Cochin), Munnar and Alleppey
Best Time to Photograph: June-August
10. Kolkata
To experience and capture the Tonga looking hand-drawn rickshaw pullers, slow-paced trams and beautiful old architecture from the British Raj era, head to Kolkata or Calcutta, the capital of West Bengal. “Calcutta is beautiful. Wherever you place a camera, you get a vision” said the popular writer and director – Pradeep Sarkar, and the man couldn’t have been more right. The second biggest city in the country looks like a fantasy town that came to life straight out of a brilliant novel. The old-colonial era buildings in the former British capital add a certain charm to the city that makes it an absolute treat to a beholder’s eyes. No wonder the busy city is praised by many as the intellectual, cultural, and artistic capital of the country!
Image Courtesy: Goibibo
Photogenic Attractions: Esplanade, Park Street, Howrah Bridge, Kalighat Temple
Best Time to Photograph: November to February
Are you someone who loves to click a lot of pictures and photography? Are you fed up with places with a few picturesque destinations? Then the above list of picture perfect places have unique spots for you to enjoy clicking.