Looking for all the top Instagram spots in India? Great. You’ve come to the right place. Here we list the most Instagrammable places in India, ordered from North to South.
India is a vast and diverse country. With that, you’ll find that each place you visit carries its own unique charm. From magnificent mountain ranges and pristine beaches, to sweeping tea plantations and architectural gems, India oozes magic and wonder.
At the same time, India is incredibly picturesque, offering several extraordinary photo opportunities. So without further ado, let’s look at the top Instagram spots in India. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram here!
Top 15 Instagram Spots Of India
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Instagram Spots of India – North to South
Here we list our favourite Instagram spots in India, along with exact map locations so you can easily locate them.
1. Taj Mahal – Agra
A seventh wonder of the world and considered the Crown Jewel of India, naturally, the Taj Mahal is one of the most sought-after Instagram spots in India.
The structure is a token of unconditional love, commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. With this in mind, the ivory-white mausoleum is truly awe-inspiring.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is an essential addition to your India itinerary. Not just because it is an Instagram hotspot; but, because it is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in the world.
Photography Tips for the Taj Mahal
- Visit at sunrise for the best sho0ting conditions.
- No tripods or drones are allowed in the complex.
- Head to the left of the Taj Mahal to find the Instagram spot below.
- You’ll need a wide lens camera for this shot.
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Taj Mahal, Agra, India – Instagram Spot Location
2. Thar Desert – Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer borders the mysterious Thar desert, and one of the essential things to do when visiting the ‘golden city’, is an overnight camel safari.
From trotting through the sand dunes atop camels, followed by magical nights under the milky way, it is no wonder that tourists travel from far and wide to take part in this once in a lifetime experience.
Sand dunes, camels, sunset, a sky full of stars, and sunrise! Naturally, the photo opportunities on an overnight camel safari are limitless!
Photography Tips for the Thar Desert
- Book an overnight camel safari to maximise your time in the desert.
- Educate yourself on night photography if you want to capture the milky way!
- Be careful of that pesky sand around your equipment.
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Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, India – Instagram Spot Location
3. City Palace – Jaipur
The Pink City of Jaipur is undoubtedly the most Instagrammable city in India, so don’t be surprised to find several Jaipur Instagram Spots on this list.
First up, we have the Jaipur City Palace. A top tourist attraction and architectural gem located in the heart of the Pink City. Check out our 2 Day Jaipur Itinerary to help plan your trip.
One of the many architectural wonders in Jaipur, the royal complex is made up of a series of gardens, courtyards, and buildings. As keen photographers, we found this place a dream for taking photos.
While there are many photo opportunities within the palace, the most famous is the Summer Four Seasons gate pictured below.
Photography Tips for the City Palace
- Visit early to avoid the crowds.
- No tripods or drones are allowed in the complex.
- Head to the Pitam Niwas Chowk Courtyard to find the Instagram spot below.
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City Palace, Jaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
4. Patrika Gate – Jaipur
Patrika Gate is a vibrant monument and Instagram hotspot in Jaipur. Many believe it to be one of the most photographed spots in all of India and it’s easy to see why.
As we entered the walkways of Patrika Gate, the sheer beauty of the monument took us by surprise. We spent at least 20-minutes marvelling the exquisite artwork adorning the walls – all of which depict stories from India’s rich and fascinating history.
While the gate is just one of the many architectural wonders in Jaipur, the opulent design is genuinely awe-inspiring. Hence why it deserves a spot on the most Instagrammable Places in India.
Photography Tips for Patrika Gate
- Visit early to avoid the crowds.
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Patrika Gate, Jaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
5. Amer Fort Viewpoint – Jaipur
The Amer Fort View Point was one of our favourite spots to escape the hustle and bustle of strenuous Jaipur. A short hike to the top leads you to the fort walkway, and here you’ll find a series of watchtowers where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Of course, it’s also one of our favourite Jaipur Instagram Spots!
To get to the viewpoint, you must exit the Amber Palace grounds at the rear, down past lake Maota and cross the road to the stairway. It’s a relatively challenging hike; however, if you are in reasonable shape, it shouldn’t take much longer than 20-minutes to reach the top.
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Amer Fort, Jaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
6. Amber Palace – Jaipur
Amber Palace, otherwise known as Amber Fort, is a popular tourist spot to visit in the city of Jaipur. At the same time, it is an opulent architectural masterpiece, offering various photo opportunities.
While Amber Palace is an Instagram hotspot, we were disappointed to find tourists riding elephants to reach the palace entrance.
We kindly ask that you educate yourself on responsible travel, and the horrors behind animal tourism before taking part in an Amber Fort Elephant Ride.
Nevertheless, Amber Palace is an essential addition to your Jaipur Itinerary.
Photography Tips for the Amber Palace
- Visit early to avoid the crowds.
- No tripods or drones are allowed in the complex.
- Head to the Pitam Niwas Chowk Courtyard to find the Instagram spot below.
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Amber Palace, Jaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
7. Nahargarh Fort – Jaipur
The Jaipur Instagram Spots just keep on coming! Next, we have the spectacular Nahargarh Fort, one of our favourites places to visit when spending 2 days in Jaipur.
Located high in the Aravali mountains, the breathtaking fortress provides an unrivalled view over the bustling city below. The fort is famed for being an architectural wonder, as well as being one of the best sunset spots in Jaipur.
It has to be said, the only advantage of the pollution in Jaipur is that it makes for an epic sunset. The sun appeared hazy and ethereal as the sky set on fire in pink and orange hues.
Security guards patrol the area asking people to come down off the fort walls; however, it doesn’t prevent people from getting a picture at one of the most Insta-worthy locations in Jaipur.
Photography Tips for Nahargarh Fort
- Head West of the fort for the best sunset view.
- By all means, get the famous picture atop the fort walls, but be careful!
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Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
8. Hawa Mahal – Jaipur
One of the most recognisable buildings in all of India, the Hawa Mahal is considered the crown jewel of Jaipur. Historically, it was built for female members of the royal family, so they could observe the city without being seen.
The remarkable architecture of the complex includes 953 small windows, carved with intricate latticework and resembling the pattern of honeycomb. We for one were taken aback by its majestic appearance, and would, therefore, consider it to be one of the best Instagram spots in India.
Photography Tips for Hawa Mahal
- Head to one of the rooftop cafes adjacent to the palace to snap some clean shots.
- Return at sunset to have the sun disappearing behind the palace as a backdrop.
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Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
9. Toorji Ka Jhalra bavdi Step Well – Jodhpur
Historically, stepwells were constructed to collect water for in times of drought in India. However, they do not only bear historical significance. The symmetrical design of the stepwells is another example of unique architecture that prevails throughout the country.
There are many Stepwells to be found in Rajasthan; however, this one here photographed by our good friends explorerssaurus_, is arguably the most Instagram-worthy.
Photography Tips for Toorji Ka Jhalra bavdi Step Well
- Technically it is strictly prohibited to step foot inside the stepwell; however, a bribe to the guard quickly eradicates the problem.
- Visit early to avoid the crowds.
- No tripods or drones are allowed.
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Toorji Ka Jhalra bavdi Step Well, Jodhpur, India – Instagram Spot Location
10. Ahar Cenotaphs – Udaipur
The Ahar Cenotaphs is a collection of cenotaphs located just outside of Udaipur.
Essentially, the site is a cemetary for Royal Maharajas, but what might sound quite dark, is actually rather beautiful.
Not only are the intricately carved cenotaphs charming to look at; however, often devoid of tourists, the area is incredibly peaceful.
The photo below was taken at one of most prominent cenotaphs in the complex.
Photography Tips for Ahar Cenotaphs
- Be wary of any locals who try to charge you for using your camera. We were informed this is a common scam and NOT a mandatory charge.
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Ahar Cenotaphs Instagram Spot Location
11. Monsoon Palace – Udaipur
When you arrive in Udaipur and spot the ethereal looking castle stood proudly in the hills; that my friends is the Monsoon Palace.
The palace once served as a royal residence to the Mewar dynasty, and located 944m above sea level provides incredible panoramic views over the city.
It is especially popular for sunset, although our photo below was taken early in the morning. This is one of our favourite Instagram shots from India – would you take a look at that eagle!
Photography Tips for Monsoon Palace
- Be careful when attempting the shot below. There is a sheer drop from this point.
- Lively monkeys run around these grounds.
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Monsoon Palace, Udaipur, India – Instagram Spot Location
12. Gateway of India – Mumbai
The Gateway of India is one of the countries most significant landmarks. The monument was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.
Located upon the Colaba Promenade and opposite the iconic Taj Palace Hotel, the Gateway is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. It’s a photography hotspot and attracts various entertainers & food vendors, looking to cash in on the influx of tourists.
With this in mind, it pays to arrive super early to snap some photos without the crowds. We took the shot below at sunrise, around 7 am.
Photography Tips for Gateway of India
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- No tripods or drones are allowed in the complex. However, if you’re lucky you’ll be able to snap some pictures before the guards notice!
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Gateway of India – Instagram Spot Location
13. Agonda Beach – South Goa
Epic viewpoints, majestic lagoons, trendy beach bars – Agonda is one of the most picturesque beaches in South Goa.
What with its calm, clear waters and striking golden sand, it was one of our favourite beaches to sunbathe and take a swim.
For this photo, we headed left as we entered the beach, and walked all the way to end. Here we found several unique rock formations and rock pools.
While most beaches in Goa are worthy of a spot on your Instagram grid, Agonda Beach is one of our favourites!
Photography Tips for Agonda Beach
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet on the jagged rocks. We Recommend: Aleader 2 in 1 Hiking Shoes. Use code OURTASTEFORLIFE15 for 15% off your order.
- Watch out for jelly fish in the rock pools.
- Keep your camera equipment dry in a waterproof bag.
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Agonda Beach, Goa, India – Instagram Spot Location
14. Hampi Ruins – Hampi
Oh Hampi, one of the most enchanting places in all of India.
Packed to bursting with towering boulders, ancient ruins, and rock-cut temples, the prehistoric landscapes are almost other-worldly.
Steeped in history, the hundreds of dilapidated monuments scattered across the city are classified a Unesco World Heritage Site.
While the entire city makes for epic photo opportunities, the various Hampi Ruins are some of the most instagrammable spots in all of India.
More on Hampi
An Ultimate Guide to Hippie Island – Hampi
The Ultimate Hampi Itinerary & Travel Guide
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Hampi Instagram Spot Location
15. Mysore Palace – Mysore
Mysore Palace is one of the most Instagrammable places in India for fairy tale lovers.
Especially around sunset, when the sky transforms into a plethora of colour, and the lights of the palace are lit up. It reminded us of a scene from a Disney movie.
We also recommend visiting Mysore Palace in the day, to explore inside. It’s one of the most beautiful palaces we visited during our time in India.
Check out our travel guide for Mysore, for more awesome things to do in the city.
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Mysore Palace Instagram Spot Location
Photograph Responsibly
Often when you travel, you see things that completely blow your mind. It’s natural to want to take pictures of the locals, their homes, or their cute kids. However, first, ask yourself if it’s entirely appropriate. If you get a friendly vibe from them, make eye contact and gesture to your camera. You’ll find that most of the time, the locals are only too happy to pose for your photo.
Check out our article on becoming a responsible traveller, or check out our eco travel essentials.
If you have any questions about how we took these shots, feel free to ask in the comments below. You can check out our photography gear here.
Getting Around in India
If you haven’t cottoned on already, India is a truly massive country. And as a result, getting around can be a pretty stressful ordeal. The distances between places mean you are often travelling for at least 12 hours at a time. That is unless you have the budget to fly around the country.
AIR – You can catch domestic flights to almost anywhere in India; however, this is the most expensive way to travel. For the real backpacking India experience, you need to slum it on a bus or a train once in a while.
BUS – We found that travelling by bus was the easiest way to get around India. We could book our tickets last minute and travel to pretty much anywhere in the country.
To check routes, timetables and ticket prices we recommend using Redbus. In our experience, they are extremely reliable. They are one of the few companies who will accept payment with an International card, and they are contactable by phone should you have any issues with your journey.
TRAIN – The train network in India is tricky. And as a result, we personally never used it. It is advised to book at least 3 days in advance and even then you aren’t always guaranteed a ticket. For this reason, we always used the bus network in India. You can book trains up to 6 months in advance using 12go Asia and you can read this guide to train travel in India for more information.
More on India
Are you planning a trip to India? Check out our other articles to help plan your trip.
- One month in India – Ultimate itinerary & guide
- The Golden Triangle India – itinerary & guide
- The Best Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 Days or More
- GAY IN: MUMBAI – 2019 LGBT+ TRAVEL GUIDE
- Gay In: Goa – LGBT+ Travel Guide
- GAY IN: JAIPUR – LGBT+ TRAVEL GUIDE
Did you enjoy our list of Instagram spots for India?
Well, that concludes most Instagrammable spots in India. We hope you enjoy your time in this magical country. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below, through our contact us page. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram here where we share further travel advice & inspiration.
Stay Adventurous and Happy Travels!
Charlotte & Natalie x
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