Being a photographer, your imagination wheel must keep rolling. It can get quite boring, however, to keep clicking pictures of the same done and dusted locations. That’s when you must pack your bags and head towards new, uncharted territories to keep you feeling inspired and motivated. Whether you are photographer residing in India or are planning to visit the country to capture a variety of new places and flavors, these 10 destinations in India should be on top of your bucket list. You are guaranteed to come back with the most striking set of photographs to add to your collection—photos of an experience you will forever cherish!

1. Varanasi

Image via Nico Crisafulli

Varanasi unveils an explosion of colors to you. From its ghats to its ancient temples, everything about Varanasi is worth capturing. You can move through its narrow lanes and capture its normal life. Despite the apparent ordinary mayhem of Varanasi, the pictures still turn out to be extraordinary.

2. Leh

Image via Varun Suresh

Leh is otherworldly. With scenic landscapes, never-ending roads, and barren lands, everything about Leh is magical and mysterious. And that’s what makes Leh one of the most sought-after destinations among avid photographers—capturing the unknown!

3. Kinnaur

Photo via Nick Irvine-Fortescue

Kinnaur is a universe of its own. Located in Himachal, it’s still largely unexplored. Be it the crystal-clear waters that gush around or the slow life of the villages that show the nature in all its glory, there is no better place than Kinnaur to do some landscape photography.

4. Agra

Image via Graeme Tozer

Despite being overcrowded, Agra still tops the list when it comes to photography. What is it about Agra that attracts photographers like a moth to flame? The answer is quite simple. Amidst the grassy lands and the blue skies, there stands one of the seven wonders of the world! Apart from the Taj Mahal, there are more exotic places to click photographs in Agra such as the Agra Fort, Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh Gardens, etc.

5. Spiti Valley

Image via Thoralf Gutierrez

Many people miss this resplendent destination in their pursuit of Ladakh. But Spiti is home to many beautiful monasteries and absolutely spellbinding locations that will make you wonder why we spend so much money on foreign trips when India is so breathtaking in itself. Some highly recommended places for photography include:

• Losar– An unexplored beauty with scenic spots situated near the Indo-Chinese border.
• Dhankar Lake– Spreading magic with its sparkling waters and colors that are in tandem with the changing colors of the sun.
• Baralacha Pass– An enchanting location that is the high-altitude meeting point of various valleys.
• Key Monastery– An important tourist destination as it is the oldest monastery of Spiti Valley and contains a number of ancient books and murals depicting Chinese influence.

6. Rajasthan

Image via Yīyuán mǎ

Capturing Rajasthan in its entirety is not an easy task. It takes a lot of time and effort to click each facet of Rajasthan. Be it the widespread deserts, royal forts, or vast greenery, Rajasthan has got a lot to offer. The pictures that you will take here will be nothing less than exhibition-worthy.

7. Madhya Pradesh

Image via Dennis Jarvis

Madhya Pradesh is often overlooked by travelers and photographers in their search for faraway lands. But this state has some magnificent landscapes and architectural marvels to capture. If you are in love with stones, Khajuraho will appeal to your senses. On the other hand, Satpura National Park will appeal to nature-lovers. There are lots of places to see in this underrated state.

8. Meghalaya

Image via Roman Korzh

There is no way you can go to Northeast India and come back empty-handed. You’d bring memories, stories, and a handful of spectacular pictures. Meghalaya carries the treasure of nature’s wonders. With spots like the Elephant Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, and Ward’s Lake, there is no way you can ever get bored of Meghalaya!

9. Kashmir

Image via Patrik M. Loeff

If you are a photographer and you have never visited Kashmir, you are surely missing out. The blooming trees, gigantic mountains, soul-stirring valleys, and the ever-beautiful Dal Lake are the perfect playground for the most remarkable pictures, without which your journey as a photographer would be incomplete.

10. Kerala

Image via Brian Holsclaw

Settled between the colossal Western Ghats and the tranquil Arabian sea, Kerala presents to you India in all its natural glory. The ever-changing colors of the skies, widespread greenery, and the calm lakes tug at your heartstrings, resulting in some truly captivating clicks.

** Rohit is an architect as well as a traveler. He enjoys visiting unique and unexplored places and writing about his experiences. You can read more about his adventures on TransIndiaTravels.com.