If you’re looking to build up a collection of spellbinding Instagram-worthy fashion shots, India offers some of the most vibrant and exotic fashion backdrops in the world.
It’s a land of spices and lush green tea plantations, of authentic backwaters and ornate palaces and of shimmering lakes and pink and blue cities. A huge continent in southern Asia, India’s coastline is fringed by coconuts and deep blue waters, it’s cities brim with street food markets and decadent restaurants and its regal hotels stand in ornate glory. We’ve picked out five of the most beautiful places in India for Instagram fashion content that will give your photos an ethereal feel that looks ever so luxurious and whimsical.
1.) The Pink City, Jaipur
Jaipur’s ‘Pink City’ is the capital of Rajasthan and gets its name from the walled historic centre where nearly every building is painted in a terracotta pink hue. In 1876, the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh wanted to impress Price Albert on his tour of India, so he painted his city pink. Jaipur is one of India’s most colourful cities and you’ll find plenty of Instagram influencers shooting fashion here. The exotic backdrop pops against warm-toned clothes – think vivid pink ladies saris and burnt orange and buttermilk yellow silk dresses.
The city itself is frenetic and animated but tiptoe away to the quieter places and you’ll find the perfect photo. We recommend setting up your camera on the incredible geometric steps of Panna Meena Ka Kund, along the labyrinth style walkways of the City Palace, on the front steps of the burnt pink Monkey Temple and at sunset, at the exquisite sandstone and marble Amber Fort.
2.) The Blue City, Jodhpur
Discover all the shades of blue in Jodphur’s exotic Blue City. A breathtaking Instagram-worthy spot, the Blue City of Jodhpur is located in India’s Thar Desert. The old town is bathed entirely in blue and standing at the top of the Mehrangarh Fort you’ll get incredible aerial photos. For shooting ladies fashion we recommend wearing majestic shades of royal blue, contrasting tones of vibrant red and bright yellow and complementary shades of purple. Inside the Blue City, you’ll find ornate textures and patterns in front of all of the houses, perfect for a fashion shoot backdrop. Head to Chandpole to find the ‘Alley of Blue Houses,’ visit magical Mandore Gardens for sunset photos and try the Toorji Ka Jhalra symmetrical stepwell for incredible pictures atop a maze of steps that are surrounded by mesmerizing cobalt waters.
3.) The sleepy backwaters of Kerala
A popular style of India photos on Instagram are of the traditional wooden boats found cruising down the sleepy palm-shaded backwaters of Kerala. Found on the southwestern coast of Malabar, Kerala’s lifeline is its waters, used by locals for agriculture, transportation and fishing. Kerala is one of the most scenic and serene places in India, brimming with tiny chapels, verdant tea plantations and elegant houseboats.
The backwaters of Allepey are the most beautiful spot for a boating adventure and fashion shoots here lend themselves well to whimsical white maxi dresses, oversized sunhats and vibrant silk saris. Kerala is also home to the tea plantations of Munnar, carpeted in emerald green and ideal for fairytale photos full of old-world charm. The cool weather climate and stunning valley views make this an ideal spot to set up the camera for a day of shooting and of course, to try a vast and delicious range of teas.
4.) The opulent palace of Mysore
A multicultural blend of Islamic, Hindu, Gothic and Rajput architecture, Mysore is situated in India’s southwestern Karnataka state. It’s home to the fairytale Mysore Palace, one of the most Instagrammable places in the country. Wear traditional long tunic ladies kurtas and colourful churidar leggings for shots outside the palace gates.
The best time to come is at sunset when the sky turns shades of orange and pink and the palace is bathed in fairytale light. On Sundays and public holidays, this royal building is lit by nearly 100,000 lightbulbs, giving it a mystical and magical appeal. Inside the palace itself, you’ll find ash grey granite walls, dark pink marble domes, stained glass ceilings and shimmering Czechoslovakian chandeliers, all offering a stunning backdrop for fashion photography.
5.) Taj Mahal, Agra
No list of India’s most Instagrammable spots would be complete without including the ivory and white marble Taj Mahal. There’s that iconic Princess Diana shot as well as a plethora of celebrity photos from the likes of Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey and Priyanka Chopra. Arguably one of the most incredible buildings in the world, the classic fashion shot is taken in front of the building by its shimmering reflective pools. Sunset is the ideal time but to avoid the crowds, go early in the morning to try and get that solo shot.
