15 of the Most Instagram-Worthy Places in India

Planning to visit India and are on the lookout for beautiful spots that will make your Instagram followers jealous? We have got you covered. From the magnificent Mughal empire heritages to the combination of natural serenity and day-to-day life, India does not shy away from showing you the most Instagrammable beauty she offers. Get prepared to be spoiled for choice when it comes to photo opportunities.

City Palace, Jaipur

Located in the center of the city, the City Palace is an impressive fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Inside the complex, there are remarkable courtyards, gardens, and mansions, where still resides the last royal family in the private section of the palace. This photo was taken at the Green Gate in Pitam Niwas Chowk, a beautiful courtyard that features four colorful gates which are all worth snapping your Instagram shot. What is more mind-boggling is the large scale of artifacts exhibited in the exclusive museum there.

Pitam Niwas Chowk of City Palace India

The Chamba Camp, Thiksey

It is very likely that you have never heard of Thiksey, which is located in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. This small village has gained rising popularity with its postcard-worthy vistas that are a strong part of its appeal along with the luxury camps set up at 11,300 feet. The place is also called the land of the Lamas as the Thiksey Monastery stands nearby against snow mountains. Visitors can also easily take in the stunning blue lakes, the wandering traits of nomadic tribes as well as millions of galaxies at night.

Chamba Camp in Thiksey

City Jodhpur

Some might mistake this for Chefchaouen in Morocco at first sight, but India has a qualified counterpart. Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is famous for having the entire town painted blue. Interestingly enough, not a local we met on the street knows why! Walking into the fascinating collection of azure residential areas is simply a feast for the eyes, not to mention capturing the vibrant, contrasting colors when street vendors bump into your camera lens with their flaming products. Apart from that, there are famed ancient heritage buildings and tranquil lakes to enjoy.

Blue City of Jodhpur

Taj Mahal, Agra

Hands up - who is scrolling down to spot this one? I am not going to spend another 200 words describing how Instagram-worthy Taj Mahal is, because it is often the case that most of us visit India to see it in person. Be sure to go early (say 6:30 am) to beat the crowd if you are Instagram-driven. Another bonus is that it gives you enough time to walk at your leisure or find out more about the best time to visit Taj Mahal. Guided by a local would be easier to ensure a great photography experience. A backup plan is to find a different angle to minimize the effect of people in the photo as our guest Gene Tobia did.

Taj Mahal in Agra

Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Jaipur is no doubt the biggest winner when it comes to collecting Insta memories. Renowned as the "pink city", Jaipur shows its best side when you are up at Nahargarh Fort, which is located on a rising ridge that provides a commanding view. The extended, mile-long wall generously offers plenty of space for taking all those Instagrammable shots. In addition to the brilliant architecture built for defense purposes, the picturesque mountain ranges are another wow. What is worth noting is that the food court there delivers some of the superb taste of India.

Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur

Alleppey (or Alappuzha), Kerala

Alleppey is an amazing place where the blue waters meet the lush of the coastline for an impeccable Instagram shot. The best way to immerse in the mesmerizing beauty of the backwater is to embark on an overnight houseboat journey, or at least take a 3-hour boat ride. Switch the world to slo-mo as the houseboat cruises lazily, passing countless palm trees. Be amazed at the abundant birdlife as well as a floating supermarket, in which you will have an unusual shopping experience and endless photo opportunities.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) Houseboat in Kerala

Spice Market, Old Delhi

Want to throw more color into your Instagram story? The bustling spice market sitting in Old Delhi's Khari Baoli Street will quench your thirst for a hybrid of sound, color, and smell unique to India. Time doesn't seem to run here as the market has been existing for more than 400 years with its original vibrant mood. You can find all kinds of ingredients used in Delhi's cuisine, from spices, nuts herbs to rice. Vendors are always happy to chat with you and explain the use of the spices. There are also colorful fruits and snacks places in a perfect position to get photographed. We have wrapped up some unique things to do in India including food walks in Delhi.

Indian Street Snack in Old Delhi Spice Market

Train ride

India is the 4th country that has the most railways in the world, and the tickets are incredibly cheap compared to that in Europe. To get a glimpse of the variety of Indian life, a train journey is the best bet. From overnight transport to short commutes between cities, there are different classes of travel to suit your budget. In the shared seating space, heaps of Instagram-photography opportunities are available to snap the smiles, departing moments along with somewhat harsh realities. You may be also interested in unlocking the myths and misconceptions about India before visiting it.

Train and Railway in India

Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra

Often misinterpreted as "baby Taj", Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah (translated pillar of the state) was constructed before Taj Mahal and is the first Mughal mausoleum dressed in white marble. The tomb was dedicated to Mirzā Ghiyās Beg by his daughter, Nūr Jahān, the wife of Jahangir (fourth Mughal Emperor). The main building is an indisputable jewel box, which showcases the extremely decorative exterior and interior that provide a great opportunity to photograph the symmetrical beauty. A great photo op is at the beginning of the entrance as shown in the photo.

Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah in Agra

Goa

Goa has been cited as India's sunshine state for a long time, and it deserves to be featured in your Instagram photo. Blessed with palm-fringed shores, Goa offers a relaxing, sun-kissed holiday after an attraction-hopping journey. It is hard to pin down "the best beach" to go as each delivers a unique stay from wild parties to a secluded stretch of beach. Decent hotels and resorts await leisure seekers who come as a sweet couple or a happy family. Luxurious huts are also something worth trying to blend in with the local experience.

Beaches in Goa

Jal Mahal, Jaipur

Jal Mahal literally means "water palace" and was built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Although it was set as a shooting lodge for the king, this low-rise palace holds its charm with the fascinating location in the water and the mysterious principle that no visitors are allowed to get near or inside it. An interesting fact is that the lake was created out of a dam to stop the drought that hit the locals in the 16th century. There is no reason to miss a photo stop at Jal Mahal since it sits conveniently between Jaipur and Amber Fort.

Jal Mahal the Water Palace in Jaipur

Munnar, Kerala

A clogged and small town in Kerala, Munnar is a hill station and was once the summer resort of the British Raj elite. Apart from the captivating landscapes of beautiful waterfalls and the highest peak in South India, Munnar also draws tourists' attention to its Instagram-worthy tea plantation. There is also a tea museum dedicated to narrating the origin and evolution of Munnar's tea legacy. If Darjeeling takes more hassle, the emerald-green Munnar seems to be a great alternative.

Munnar Tea Plantation in Kerala

Ganges River, Varanasi

The Ganges River is considered a divine goddess by Hindus, who connect it to their heart and soul. A visit to the river grants not only stunning Instagram shots but also mixed feelings for the sights that you might never forget. Each of the Ghats (steps that lead to the river) bears a story of devoted prayer, or a bather, or a son who just cremated his old man on the riverbank, or a boatman who has been paddling along the river for his whole life. A traveler described her experience in the Ganges as "Nothing in the reading I had done prepared me for the real thing". To plan a visit, read on to get the best out of Varanasi.

Ganges River in India

Lake Pichola, Udaipur

An artificial freshwater lake built in 1362 AD, the color-changing Lake Pichola is surrounded by scintillating views of nature and heritage palaces. Many of these hotels once served as a retreat for the royal family with extravagant interior design, now they are a great selection of Insta-ready spots. The Taj Group and Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel are among the best, luxurious accommodations, where there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the peaceful lake view while having breakfast and dinner.

Lake Pichola in Udaipur

Amber Fort, Rajasthan

Time to get down to some microphotography. The amble latticed screen of Amber Fort is not the most conventional place to go looking for photos but very Instagram worthy nonetheless. Situated on a high hill, Amber Fort overlooks the stunning Maota Lake and lovely landscapes. To reach it, try for a walk or a jeep ride up as an elephant ride is not recommended. The fort is an impressive sprawling affair with splendid detailing and decoration, expressing the past royal life in every way.

Amber Fort in Rajasthan

It would be a real challenge to get a poor picture in India as there are so many diversities to catch. After all, the pictures here speak for themselves! To up your pre-travel research game, by looking under the hashtags or location tag of India on Instagram I am sure you will discover more inspiration. Our India travel experts can craft a personalized India trip according to your specific requirements for mind-blowing photography-taking or simply leisure purposes.