This article first appeared on Little Black Book’s Delhi website.
Like much of India, Delhi can be a chaotic, colourful, crazy visual feast. It’s hard not to go click-mad, but a little advance knowledge of Delhi’s best photography spots can save you time and effort, not to mention few memory cards. Here are some of the Indian capital’s photography hot spots–sure to be lucrative no matter the weather or the light.
Hauz Khas Village
From posh and modern clubs and restaurants, to lakes and ancient forts in ruins, Hauz Khas Village is a buzzing, aesthetically diverse area in south Delhi. We’d recommend it for the historic ruins of the fort by the lake, with the contrasting hustle and bustle of the urban lifestyle – both day and night – nearby.
Best for: Nightlife, street photography
Where: near Green Park market
Nearest Metro Station: Green Park
Chandni Chowk
Image courtesy: Sarang Gupta
Being one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city makes Chandni Chowk a photographer’s paradise. From second-hand bookstores to street food stalls packed with sounds and activity, including the infamous Paranthe Wali Galli, this market has it all. There is a myriad of colours, sounds and movement to capture in this area, which is a delight for any photography enthusiast.
Best for: Street photography, food
Where: Old Delhi (near Old Delhi Railway Station)
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Rajpath
Image courtesy: Sarang Gupta
This is the perfect spot to admire Lutyens’ architectural finesse. With India Gate at one end and Rashtrapati Bhawan at the other, Rajpath is a stunning display of Delhi’s impeccable modern buildings and political power.
Best for: Buildings and architecture
Where: Central Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Majnu Ka Tilla
Image courtesy: Suraaj Ajithakumar
This quaint little Tibetan colony is a world waiting to be explored. One of the capital’s hidden gems, Majnu Ka Tilla puts forth its rich culture for you to embrace. Restaurants and cafés serving great food, a Buddhist temple monastery and several shops selling quirky clothes and accessories all make for good practice behind the lens.
Best for: Food, street photography, cultural
Where: Outer Ring Road, near ISBT Kashmiri Gate
Nearest Metro Station: Vidhan Sabha
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is one of the only markets which offers an amalgamation of India’s regional cultures. It is a vibrant place where you can enjoy multiple cuisines, shop for traditional clothes, and explore and capture the culture of numerous communities with your camera, all in glorious colour of course.
Best for: Culture, street photography, clothes and jewellery
Where: Sri Aurobindo Marg, opposite INA Market
Nearest Metro Station: INA
Jama Masjid
Image courtesy: wikipedia
One of the largest mosques in the world, Jama Masjid is a mesmerising piece of architecture created by Shah Jahan. Along with being a religious and spiritual hub, the location of the mosque is the ideal spot for a photographer to capture a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city.
Best for: People, architecture, culture
Where: Old Delhi, near Lal Quila
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazar
Agrasen Ki Baoli
Image courtesy: mouthshut.com
Along with its great historical significance and the various myths that suggest the site is haunted, Agrasen Ki Baoli has an aura of its own. This almost-in-ruins step well is a setting that photographers are always eager to capture.
Best for: Historical site, architecture
Where: Hailey Road, Connaught Place (near Kasturba Gandhi Marg)
Nearest Metro Station: Barakhamba Road
Little Black Book Delhi is a discovery portal and curated city guide. Their multi-faceted team, with various interests and from different backgrounds, covers categories across food, events, travel, lifestyle and activities in the capital.
