Photogenic Places Around Delhi

Do you ever feel so frustrated and tired with your boring, mundane life that your recurring fantasy starts to involve clearing your work station a single sweep of hand, upturning your table like the table flipping meme guy, and running away, to go on and on and on like the Energizer Bunny? Are you a ticking bomb that might go off at any moment and blow up the entire office? All right, even if you’re not on the verge of crazy yet, we understand if you’re on the edge. We’ve all been there. Especially in the fast lives of metro cities areas like Delhi, with not even a piece of sky to look at through the window, or some fresh air to breathe, the only thing that can save you is to go out of the cage, in search of open sky and bright colours. And if you have the passion of photography, then the neighbourhood of Delhi can be your heaven. Here are some of the most photogenic places around Delhi to visit during the weekends.

1. Dundlod

Dundlod, a town in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, is at a distance of about 252 km from Delhi. Once a thikana of the Shekhawat rulers, this place is dotted with beautiful forts and havelis that stand as witnesses of the bygone eras, making this place ideal for a photography expedition. The most popular site here is the Dundlod Fort, which was constructed in 1750 with a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. Near the fort lies the Ram Dutt Goenka Chhatri well, with a beautiful dome decorated with floral designs, and encircled by frieze showing Lord Krishna dancing with His Gopis. Another place to visit in Dundlod is the Bhagirath Mal Goenka Haveli, with spectacular mirror work. Each of these architectural wonders, from the smallest of details to the large halls, is an excellent subject for some great photographs, letting you capture the royal essence of Rajasthan. You can stay at the Dundlod Fort Heritage hotel, a 17th century fort that has been converted into a hotel. Go there before the place becomes a favourite of other history lovers, and don’t forget to enjoy the special horse safaris here.

2. Pangot

Pangot is a charming little hamlet of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, and is one of the most photogenic places around Delhi, at a distance of 310 km away. The Guano Hills here are marvellous for taking long walks, through the forests of bamboo, oak and deodar, and going all click-happy. There is a trekking trail leading to Naina Peak, which is great for a morning hike, followed by some light snacking with tea at the street-side stalls. But what makes this place a paradise for photographers is that it is flocked by birds of different species. Snow View Point and Kilbury are excellent birding spots in this region. Tens and hundreds of bird species have been recorded in Pangot and its surrounding areas, including some rare species such as the grey woodpecker and black-chinned babbler. Some of the Himalayan species spotted here are blue-winged minla, lammergeyer, slaty-backed forktail, khalij pheasant, and many more. Their colourful feathers are a sight to behold, and you’ll have a gala time trying to click them. Though an offbeat destination, it has resorts offering gorgeous accommodations.

3. Galtaji

Galtaji, also called Galta, is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage spot in Rajasthan, bout 260 km from Delhi, and like all religious sites, it is beautiful and click-worthy. Perched beyond the Sisodia Rani ka Bagh on Agra Road between the cliff faces of a rocky valley within the Aravalli Hills, this desolate place several temples, and sacred kunds or lakes. The main attraction here is the Galtaji Temple, made of pink stone. It looks more like a haveli, and has many pavilions with rounded roofs, carved pillars and walls with original frescoes depicting different things, from Krishna and His Gopis to the Maharaja playing polo. This temple is flocked by the Ramanand sect of Vaishnavites. The temple also houses a number of tanks, and is itself situated beside a spring. The temple is often called the Monkey Temple, because hundreds of monkeys – macaques and langurs – live here. There is also the Surya Mandir on the ridge above Galta, and you can reach it by walking from here. Beautiful temples, pilgrims, lakes, religious rituals, hills in the surrounding, and monkeys – what more could you ask for with a camera in hand?

4. Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh, in Uttarakhand, located at a distance of 463 km from Delhi, is fit for a longer holiday because of the distance, as well as the road which is quite unreliable in patches. Lying in Soar Valley in the centre of Thal Kedar, Kumdar, Dhwaj and Chandak hills, this place has an average elevation of 5000 ft. At higher altitudes, you can get breathtaking views of the snow-capped Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi and Panch Chulhi peaks, as well as alpine forests, green valleys and racing rivers, making this town one of the most photogenic places around Delhi, still free from the destructive grasp of commercialization. Because of its irresistibly beautiful mountainous landscape, it is often compared to Kashmir, only on a miniature scale. There’s plenty to see in Pithoragarh and its surroundings, and you can further extend your holiday by trekking to Kailash, Manas Sarovar and Om Parvat. Another interesting thing about this town is its unique Himalayan culture, and Sardotsav winter festival held here plays an important part in holding on to that. There are plenty of guest houses available here.

5. Pilibhit

Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh is 310 km from Delhi, in the sub-Himalayan Plateau belt next to the Sivalik foothills on Nepal border. It is made up of a level plain, interspersed with depressions and intersected by streams, but with no hills, despite being only at a short distance from the outer ranges of the Himalayas. Gomti, a well-known tributary of the Ganga, riginates here, from a small lake called Gomat Taal. The water bodies in this region beautify the place in the most amazing way. The Chauhara water body becomes the home of thousands of migratory birds in winter. Even the canal system, lined with trees, make the roads beautiful. It is one of the most forest-rich regions of North India. There is the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, which came into being in 2008. It has at least 36 tigers. Also known as Bansuri Nagari because of flute export industry, you get enough subject for object photography in the flute markets, besides nature and wildlife. And don’t forget to visit the quaint and eye-catching Dargah-e-Shahji Miyaz. There are log huts and lodges, offering comfortable accommodation to visitors.

6. Chail

Chail is located at a distance of 356 km from Delhi, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This aesthetic hills station is one of the most photogenic places around Delhi, and a heaven for hikers and photographers, with picturesque orchids and pine valleys that can be viewed from the spur on which Chail is situated. Its surroundings of chir pine and deodar forests also ae for the most verdant landscape, rolling into the horizon.As you look down, you’ll be left mesmerized by the River Sutlej as it winds along between the mountains, overlooking Shimla and Kasauli. You can actually view Shimla, Kasauli and Solan from Chail at night! A must visit here is the Chail Palace, which served as the summer retreat for the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj. The beautiful architecture stands against the skyline of snow-capped mountains and green forests. There are also hunting and fishing lodges, originally built for the Maharaja’s entertainment, and now open for public. For photograph fanatics, other places to visit are the Chail Sanctuary and the cricket ground which is the highest in the world.

All obscure places, free from the human trails made of plastic bags, pollution, tall buildings and pollution, leaving them in their natural conditions, and preserving the perfectly picturesque places in their original conditions. Some of the other photogenic places around Delhi are Chhachhrauli in Haryana; Mandawa, Dausa, and Bhandarej, all in Rajasthan; Naukuchiatal and Kanatal in Uttarakhand; Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh; Rohru and Fagu in Himachal Pradesh, etc. Even though these places are not exactly at a stone-throw distance from Delhi, they are well worth the journey.

We need the evocative photographs, to document the beauty of a place and the moment, so that later, when look at the selfies against the beautiful background, or the pictures of our loved ones surrounded by the splendour of the vistas, or just a well-composed picture of a temple or of birds, we can hear a story that each of the photos whisper, and relive some precious moments. So, don’t miss the opportunity to create a lifetime of memories in unspoilt, pristine places before their beauty fades. Arm yourself with your camera and smartphone, and run away to some of the most obscure, picturesque destinations near Delhi. If you thing we have missed any of the most photogenic places around Delhi, then let us know in the comments below. And, for your next big holiday, don’t forget to download our online itinerary maker before you pack your bags for your next trip.

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