The Best Photo Spots and Must-Visit Destinations in India

Welcome to my Complete Guide to Traveling India!
Having spent 3 weeks journeying across Northern India in March 2025 — from the bustling streets of Delhi, the vibrant Holi Festival celebrations, the historic cities of Agra, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer, to the spiritual heart of Varanasi — I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible diversity, beauty, and culture that travel in India has to offer.

This travel blog is your ultimate gateway to discovering India’s best destinations, hidden gems, top photography spots, cultural experiences, and essential travel tips for India. Here, you'll find links to my in-depth travel blogs, each packed with insights, location guides, and expert photography advice to help you plan your ultimate Indian adventure.

Having traveled through Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Varanasi, I’ve documented some of the most iconic and off-the-beaten-path locations across India — and now I’m excited to share my favorite spots, expert photography tips, and personal experiences with you.

Best Photography Locations in Agra

No trip to India is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While it’s breathtaking up close, it’s almost always packed — even at sunrise.

For the best Taj Mahal photo spot, head to the Yamuna River. A local boatman offers early morning rides, giving you a peaceful, crowd-free view. At sunrise, the golden light hits the white marble perfectly, ideal for unobstructed photos, backlit portraits, and shots of birds over the river.

Gear:
Bring a wide-angle lens (like a 16–35mm) to capture shots of you on the boat with the Taj Mahal in the background. A 24–70mm is also ideal for closer compositions and detailed shots. A tripod isn’t necessary on the boat. Drones are not allowed near the Taj Mahal.

Lighting / Time Of Day:
At sunrise, the sun lights up the front of the Taj Mahal, giving it a beautiful golden glow, often enhanced by the morning smog. You can also ask the boatman to turn the boat around for backlit portraits with the soft, hazy sun in the background — perfect for dreamy, ethereal photos.

Location:
Head to the east side of Taj Mahal and walk all the way down to the river before dawn. A local boatman is usually there just before sunrise, offering short rides. He’s often the only one operating, so arrive early to secure your spot. The river is usually empty at sunrise, making the experience both peaceful and highly photogenic. Since cars and tuk-tuks aren’t allowed along the side of the Taj Mahal, you’ll need to walk a few hundred meters — but it’s calm and quiet in the early morning.

Sunrise Boat Ride: The Best Way to Photograph the Taj Mahal

You can’t visit the Taj Mahal without stepping inside its gates — but be prepared, it gets busy fast. Even if you arrive before sunrise and are among the first in line, it’s nearly impossible to avoid people in your frame. That said, sunrise is still the best time to visit. It’s the quietest part of the day, offering your best chance for crowd-free photos and a more peaceful experience inside the complex.

Gear:
Tripods are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal complex, and large camera bags are also restricted, so you’ll need to pack light (though, oddly, we did see a few people with gimbals — take that as you will). Bring a wide-angle lens(like a 16–35mm) to frame the entire Taj Mahal in your background. A 24–70mm is also great for tighter shots and architectural details. Drones are strictly prohibited anywhere near the monument.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Morning light is soft and diffused, giving the Taj a gentle, golden glow. For unique lighting, head to the left side of the monument — the sun filters through the pillars, creating beautiful highlights and shadows.

Location:
Most visitors rush straight to the front for the classic reflection shot, which often means waiting in line and ending up with the same photo as everyone else. Instead, head to the left side of the Taj Mahal, where it’s much quieter. From here, you can capture a more creative, intimate perspective — like the light filtering between the pillars and the monument, creating a scene that feels both unique and rarely shared online.

Note:
Many of these photos required significant photoshop work to remove the crowds, especially the one taken directly in front of the Taj Mahal.

The Best Way to Photograph the Taj Mahal inside the gates

The best advice I can give when photographing India is to walk as much as possible. It's in the busy, narrow streets where you’ll discover the most unique scenes and authentic experiences. Early mornings are the most peaceful, offering the best chance to capture the real essence of Agra without the crowds.

Gear:
A 16-35mm wide-angle lens captures the hustle, while a 24-70mm is great for portraits and details. Tripods are often impractical due to crowds, but if you prefer, carry one ( we took one everywhere ). I always had my DJI Mini 3 on me at all times (except near temples). Avoid flying drones near temples, but locals may let you fly from their rooftops. Always check for drone restrictions online before flying.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Morning is peaceful for photographing the streets of Agra, but as the day progresses, the streets get busier and busier, even late into the night. There's no point in planning to capture the streets in a staged manner, as the vibe is more about passing-by moments and the natural energy of the city.

Location:
While many tourists flock to the main landmarks, the hidden gems of Agra are found by walking through its vibrant streets. Skip the popular tourist spots and venture into the local markets, narrow lanes, and residential areas. These areas give you a more authentic perspective of life in Agra. You’ll get the opportunity to capture local people, markets, architecture, and the real culture of the city.

The Best Tips for Photographing the Streets of Agra

Best Photography Locations in Jaipur

Gear:
Bring a wide-angle lens (like a 16–35mm) to capture the full scale and symmetry of the gate’s arches and vibrant colours. A 24–70mm is great for tighter details and portraits. Drones aren’t recommended here — it’s a busy public area and not particularly appealing from above.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Arrive early, just after sunrise, for soft natural light and fewer crowds. Mornings often attract wedding shoots, so expect photographers already there. Wait your turn but don’t let them push you around — it’s a public space, not a private set.

Location:
Patrika Gate is located just off the main road and easy to find. Its colourful corridors make it one of Jaipur’s most photogenic spots, perfect for both wide compositions and up-close details.

Best Photography Tips for Capturing Jaipur’s Patrika Gate

The City Palace in Jaipur is one of the most photogenic landmarks in Rajasthan. There are two ticket options: the standard entry ticket gives you access to the outer courtyards and museums, while the Royal Splendour ticket (ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 3,500, or approximately $12–$42 USD) offers exclusive access to the private royal quarters, including the iconic Blue Room and Gold Room. This premium ticket also includes a guided tour and a complimentary drink. If you’re serious about photography, the Royal Splendour ticket is a must for capturing the most detailed and unique shots of City Palace Jaipur.

Gear:
A 16–35mm wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the scale and grandeur of the palace interiors. For close-up shots and intricate architectural details, a 24–70mm lens works perfectly. Tripods are not allowed, so use a camera with good handheld performance in low light. Drones are strictly prohibited on the palace grounds.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Late morning to midday offers the best natural lighting for photographing the palace’s colourful interiors, particularly the Blue Room, where sunlight highlights the vibrant artwork. These rooms are mostly shaded, so shooting with a wide aperture and steady hands is key. Because fewer tourists purchase the Royal Splendour ticket, the private rooms remain relatively quiet—perfect for uninterrupted photography.

Location:
The City Palace is centrally located in Jaipur, easily accessible by tuk-tuk or on foot from most areas of the Pink City. Once inside, take your time. The Blue Room is a hotspot for photographers, so be patient if there’s a queue—it’s worth it. Focus on capturing symmetry, intricate textures, and the vivid color palette that makes City Palace photos stand out on social media and in travel portfolios.

Best Photography Tips for Capturing the City Palace, Jaipur

Gear:
A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) is great for capturing the full view of Jal Mahal across the lake, while a 24–70mm lens works well for tighter compositions and reflections. Unlike other locations, tripods are allowed along the roadside, making it easier to shoot long exposures at sunrise, sunset, or night.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Sunrise offers soft, backlit scenes and a peaceful atmosphere, while sunset bathes the palace in golden light and is the best time for vibrant colour and reflection shots — though expect more crowds. At night, the palace lights up, creating a magical glow that looks stunning in long exposures.

Location:
Jal Mahal is located along Amer Road, directly beside Man Sagar Lake. The best shooting spot is from the roadside promenade directly in front of the palace, where you can frame it square-on across the water. Use the fencing or edge as a base for your tripod and look for puddles or still water for added reflections.

Best Photography Tips for Capturing the Water Palace (Jal Mahal)

Best Photography Tips for Capturing Hawa Mahal

Gear:
A 24–70mm lens is ideal for capturing the details of Hawa Mahal and portraits from across the street. Drones aren’t suitable here, as you are at a cafe. You can use a tripod or gimbal for stable shots, especially if you're shooting video or longer exposures from a balcony viewpoint.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Morning around 9:30 AM is the sweet spot — the sun is high enough to light up the front of the palace, but not directly overhead. Any later and the light begins to shift behind the building, losing that iconic glow. Avoid midday if you want the best front-lit detail.

Location:
Head to the Top Cafe, located directly across the street from Hawa Mahal (not the middle-level one). This rooftop offers the best elevated, square-on view. There is usually a small fee if you’re just taking photos, but the food and coffee are great — so it's worth ordering something and making the most of your time there.

Best Photography Locations in Jaisalmer

A camel safari in the golden dunes of Jaisalmer is one of the most memorable and photogenic experiences you can have in India. With dozens of tour operators offering trips into the Thar Desert, the key is to find one that suits your photography goals. Request a private or small-group safari so you have more freedom to position yourself and the camels for the best shots. Be sure to choose an overnight experience that takes you deep into the dunes rather than to permanent camps or huts—this way, you’ll get an uninterrupted view of the sunset, sunrise, and stars.

Gear:
Since you’ll be riding a camel, you’ll want to pack light. A 24–70mm lens is ideal—it covers everything from portraits to mid-range landscapes without needing to swap lenses. A tripod isn't essential during the day but is worth bringing if you want to shoot long exposures of the stars at night. Ask your guide in advance about drone usage. Some tours allow it (ours did), and aerial shots over the dunes can be incredible, but this varies between providers.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Sunset is hands-down the best time to shoot during your camel safari. As the sun begins to dip, the light turns golden and dramatic—perfect for capturing silhouettes of camels against the dunes. Your guides will typically start preparing dinner and setting up bedding around this time, so keep an eye on the light and ask to pause for photos before the sun disappears. This golden moment only lasts a few minutes but can result in some of your most iconic desert shots.

Location:
Camel safaris are offered all over Jaisalmer, but not all are equal. Speak to your hotel—they usually know trustworthy guides or operators. Be specific about what kind of experience you’re after: a private tour, overnight in the dunes, and flexibility for photo stops. A good guide makes all the difference when it comes to timing and positioning for the perfect shot.

Jaisalmer Camel Safari: Best Tips for Stunning Photos

Staying at Mohangarh Fort is one of the most unique and photogenic experiences you can have in India. While it's on the pricier side, the peaceful atmosphere and incredible architecture make it well worth it—especially if you're looking to slow down and take your time shooting. This isn’t just a hotel; it feels like living inside a real palace. With fewer tourists around, you get unlimited access to stunning photo opportunities without the usual crowds.

Gear:
Since you're staying overnight, you can bring all your gear. You’ll have the time and space to experiment.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Sunset and sunrise are ideal—the golden light makes the sandstone walls glow. Midday is also useful if you want even lighting in the courtyard / pool without harsh shadows. Since you're on the property, you can easily shoot at any time of day.

Location:
Mohangarh Fort is located north of Jaisalmer in Mohangarh and offers a peaceful break from the busy city. It’s a great spot to reset, enjoy the quiet, and get your best palace photos in a relaxed setting.

Sleeping in a Palace: Mohangarh Fort Photo Guide

Gear: A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) is ideal for this location since the haveli sits on a narrow street and you’ll want to capture as much of the façade as possible. You can bring a tripod, but it’s not really necessary—handheld works just fine in daylight.

Lighting / Time of Day: Because the street is so tight, the best time to shoot is around midday when the sun is high and light is able to reach the front of the building. Earlier or later in the day, the haveli will mostly be in shadow.

Location: Look for Kothari’s Patwon Ki Haveli, also known as Patwa Haveli. It’s one of the most detailed and photogenic spots in Jaisalmer, with ornate carvings and golden sandstone textures that really pop in the right light.

Best Photography Tips for Capturing Patwa Haveli, Jaisalmer

Best Photography Locations in Varanasi

A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges with a Sadhu is one of the best photo experiences in India. As the sun rises over the river, the ghats start to fill with life. For truly unique shots, ask your boatman if it’s possible to bring a Sadhu (holy man) onboard for portraits. You can also spot one along the ghats—politely approach, offer payment, and ask if they'd join you for a few quick shots on the boat. Most are happy to help if you’re respectful and tip generously.

Look for a boat that has an aesthetic, traditional feel—something wooden and old-school that will add to the atmosphere of your shots. Avoid anything overly modern or flashy. Make sure to ask the boatman if it can be just you and your crew onboard, giving you more control for photography. Also ask if they’re okay with picking up a Sadhu along the river. This flexibility can help you capture more natural, in-the-moment images in one of the most photogenic locations in India.

Gear:
Bring a wide-angle lens like a 16–35mm to capture the full scene of the boat and the sadhu. A 24–70mm is great for portraits and for zooming in on details along the ghats. Drones are not allowed along the Ganges, so keep it to handheld gear.

Lighting / Time of Day:
Sunrise is by far the best time. The golden light reflects off the river and casts a beautiful glow on the ghats, boats, and temples. It’s also the quietest time of day, with fewer tourists and more authentic local scenes.

Location:
You’ll find thousands of boats lined up along the ghats in Varanasi. Just walk along the river and find a boatman with a clean, photogenic boat. Ask for a private ride so you have more space and control for shooting with your crew.

Sunrise Boat Ride: The Best Way to Photograph Varanasi

Gear: Use a 24–70mm or a prime lens for portraits—these will mostly be tight shots as there's not much of a background. Drones aren’t allowed, so stick to handheld gear.

Lighting / Time of Day: Aim to shoot before midday. The sun rises across the river, casting soft, even light onto their faces. Earlier in the morning is best for natural light and fewer crowds.

Location: Sadhus are found all along the ghats. There’s no exact spot—just walk the river and keep an eye out for them near their huts or sitting by the steps. If you're lucky, you’ll find those with ash-covered bodies—they make for some of the most striking portraits.