“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

— Aaron Siskind

We are certain everyone would agree that the above quote captures the essence of photography perfectly. Photography adds so much meaning to our lives. It allows us to share our life and experiences in more profound ways. Moreover, it also helps us develop and evolve as human beings. Lastly, the art of photography has the capability of bringing you so much joy and pleasure. In this everchanging fast-paced world, there is something very satisfying about slowing down and just focusing on what is in front of you.

Well, we have compiled a list of 7 intriguing as well as mesmerizing places in India that would surely feed your artistic and creative bug.

1. Leh-Ladakh

Ladakh is perhaps one of the most stunning places in India, owing to its dazzling beauty. Although the climate is harsh for most parts of the year, the generosity and warmth of the people more than make up for it. The silence of the monks at Buddhist monasteries that dot the breathtaking landscape gives this region an advantage over all others in India. With elaborate carvings, a conglomeration of values, a tranquil environment, and exquisite artifacts as well as relics, these Buddhist centers, will surely leave you mesmerized. Enjoy the overcast, windy weather while exploring the different picturesque locations that define the culture of this place. It is truly a heaven on Earth.

• How to reach:-

The most convenient way of traveling to Ladakh is by air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, located in Leh. The other way of reaching this place is by road. Two different routes lead to Ladakh- one from Srinagar and the other from Manali. However, a crucial point to remember is that both these roads become inaccessible from October/November to May.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Leh Ladakh is from July to September.

First trip to Leh-Ladakh? Do check out Sandeepa & Chetan’s blog on this gorgeous place.

2. Varanasi

Also known as Kashi (City of Life), Varanasi has always been a hotspot for travel photographers. One of the oldest living cities in the world, this sacred place has been attracting tourists for hundreds of centuries. Renowned author Mark Twain described it as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.” The Ghats of Varanasi have always had a certain allure to them. A home to devotees searching for holiness and moksha (salvation), the approximately 80 ghats that border the Ganges are the heart and soul of the town. We promise you, the city and its heritage are bound to leave you wonderstruck. Moreover, the unique spirit of this region will undoubtedly remain with you long after you leave.

• How to reach:-

Varanasi has two railway stations, the Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction, both of which are well-connected to the major cities in India. It is also accessible by air as well as by roads.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Varanasi is during winters i.e. from October to February.

To know more about this beautiful city, do check out Puspendra Gautam’s informative blog.

3. Khajuraho

If you are looking for a place that is an amalgamation of knowledge and aesthetic, then Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is the perfect destination for you. Words fail to describe the charm and elegance that this region holds. One of the grandest art structures in the country, the Khajuraho group of temples, is an excellent example of Indian architecture and heritage back in the ancient era. The eloquent portrayal of human emotions and feelings by the sculptures not only leaves everyone spellbound but also leaves them begging for more. The enchanting beauty of these temples lies in their elaborate and intricate carvings, which depict scenes from everyday life. This quaint town is a classic example of India's rich cultural legacy.

• How to reach:-

Khajuraho has excellent connectivity with major cities in India by road. It is also accessible by air. The Khajuraho Airport has regular flights operating from Delhi and Varanasi. Furthermore, you can also travel to Khajuraho by train.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Khajuraho is during winters i.e. from October to February.

Want to know more? Do read Anna Phipps’s amazing blog.

4. Pelling

Pelling is an ideal destination for photographers, nature enthusiasts, bird-watchers, and serenity seekers. Offering jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, Pelling, in Sikkim, is a gorgeous town with perfect misty, cloudy weather - all the things that an excellent Indian holiday wishes to have. With charming houses built atop wooded ridges, this hill town is not only surrounded by panoramic natural forests but is also home to stunning heritage structures like ancient monasteries as well as breathtaking waterfalls like the Kanchenjunga falls and the Changey Waterfall. If you get a chance, do visit the annual Khangchendzonga Festival. It sees activities like kayaking, trekking, traditional sports, and birdwatching. In addition to this, the festival also witnesses a flower exhibition, which is a colorful and vibrant affair. All in all, this scenic town is a perfect holiday destination for scenery lovers and adventure buffs.

• How to reach:-

With no railway station or airport close by, reaching Pelling isn’t an easy task. The best way to reach Pelling is by taking a bus or hiring a taxi since it has excellent road connectivity with other cities in Sikkim.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Pelling is during winters from February to July. However, if you would like to capture the snowy landscapes, November to January is when you should travel to Pelling.

Do give Jade’s blog a read to know more about this stunning place.

5. Diu

Having an old-world charm and a legacy of 400-year-long Portuguese rule, the picturesque island of Diu is tucked away in the southern fringes of Gujarat. An underrated coastal paradise, this place is a must-visit for photographers and people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Speckled with antiquated remains of Portuguese fortresses, bungalows, churches, and villas, Diu is brimming with colonial culture. Furthermore, the presence of pristine beaches, shores of which are lapped by the green-and-blue Arabian Sea, make Diu a classic vacationist stop. This idyllic, peaceful, and quite a wholesome island is the perfect add-on to a visit to Gujarat.

• How to reach:-

Diu is well-connected to other parts of Gujarat and the country through good road networks. It does not have a railway station. Nevertheless, it does have an airport and receives regular flights from Mumbai and Porbandar.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Diu is during winters i.e. from November to February because of its ideal weather.

Wish to learn more about this beauty? Do check out Prakriti’s blog.

6. Badami

Formerly known as Vatapi, Badami is a treat to the eyes owing to its stunning rocky terrain, sprinkled with majestic rock-cut cave temples and magnificent red sandstone cliffs. An archeological paradise, Badami is established around the holy Agastya Lake and speaks of an illustrious history that has left it a grandiose inheritance of carvings and fortresses. In fact, this town is famous for the unique architectural form that its temples display, which is an exquisite combination of the North Indian Nagara style and the South Indian Dravidian style. Thus, Badami should be on the bucket list of every photographer because of its vibrant history, beautiful architecture, and intricate sculptures which make it a place worth capturing.

• How to reach:-

The easiest way to reach Badami is by taking a bus since it is well-connected by road to various cities in Karnataka. You can also travel by train or air. However, there are no railway stations or airports in Badami itself.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Badami is during winters and spring i.e. from October to April.

Do read Solo Backpacker’s wonderful blog on this place.

7.Kodaikanal

With its exhilarating trekking routes, pristine waterfalls, serene lakes, ancient caves, beautiful temples, and majestic churches, Kodaikanal never ceases to amaze travelers and photographers alike. Often referred to as the 'Princess of Hills,' its densely wooded jungles and luxuriant verdant valleys make it a perfect spot for all. Kodaikanal is also famous for the kurinji plant, whose lilac-blue flowers blossom once in every twelve years. This town offers a wide array of choices when it comes to places to visit. From boating in Kodai Lake, trekking to Pillar Rocks and Dolphin Rocks, to offering prayers at Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan - things that you can do and photograph in Kodaikanal are endless. In conclusion, Kodaikanal is a place where you can go to take a break from the relentlessness of daily city life, and this hill station is sure to leave you smitten by its old-world charm.

• How to reach:-

Kodaikanal's proximity to Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore makes it easily accessible by road, rail, and air.

• The ideal time for photography:-

The perfect time for visiting Kodaikanal is from October to May. It is very colorful during summers and scenic during monsoons.

Still curious? Do check out Abhishek & Neha’s blog about this picturesque location.

India is a land of different geographical terrains, several monuments of varying architectural styles, and cultures that are unique to each state. Every place in this country has something amazing to offer, just waiting to be captured by photography enthusiasts. The above-mentioned places, with their incredible landscapes and sceneries, are an actual paradise for any photographer.

Happy Clicking!