From housing the tranquil surroundings of Yamuna Ghat to the colorful walls of the Lodhi Art District, the capital of India serves as an ideal canvas for photographers to paint their stories. Let’s take a look at the best street photography spots in Delhi.
Delhi is home to a kaleidoscope of impressive monuments, vibrant markets and bustling streets filled with millions of people every day. Of course, the city is a delight for street photographers, as it offers the perfect backdrop for intriguing shots. That said, if you’ve walked the capital with your camera gear and your enthusiasm only to come back with uninspired shots, the location may be to blame. We have put together a list of the best places in Delhi to test your street photography skills.
Best street photography places in Delhi
Connaught Place
This place is filled with cafes, chain stores, hotels, bars, and more. The horseshoe-shaped market offers everything from practical woolen coats to luxurious and exquisite jewelry, and the modern energy of the place is unmistakable. Connaught Place is also home to a green and leafy Central Park, often frequented by locals for dates or picnics. Depending on the mood, the weather and the day of the week, you can alternate between these two distinctive destinations within Connaught Place and add an urban flair to your street photography portfolio.
Chandni Chowk
This iconic place in Old Delhi has narrow streets full of old world charm and perfectly encapsulates the myriad of sounds, aromas and places that India is famous for. The market offers everything from spices to clothes and is close to the temples and the Red Fort. The architecture is reminiscent of a bygone era and it is easy to get lost in the sea of people who frequent the place. These factors combined make Chandni Chowk ideal for capturing a variety of stories.
Lodhi Art District
India’s first outdoor arts district is a colorful destination with murals and graffiti from over 50 Indian and international artists. Combine this with the iconic architecture of the latest Delhi residential complex built by the British and you have a destination not to be missed. Several locals and tourists visit this part of the city, allowing photographers to catch fashion bloggers looking for their next viral post and passersby fascinated by abstract colors and shapes, among other things. If you’re lucky, you might even see a street artist creating his next mural.
Manju Ka Tila
This colony of Delhi is known for its vibrant Tibetan culture. The winding alleys here often sing with the fragrance of delicious authentic Tibetan food. They are also adorned with bright, colorful flags and the serene melody of prayer bells. There are many places to shop for bags, shoes, clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. Of course, the crowd here rarely dwindles. Capture the monks on their day, students bargaining for the best deal on a pair of jeans or the smoke rising from the kitchens of restaurants serving dumplings and thukpa. There is an unmistakably vivid energy in this part of Delhi that any street photographer would like to condense into a series of images.
Hauz Khas
This place in the city is an eclectic mix of royal fortresses, swanky boutiques and hipster markets. Your images can look very different, depending on which part of the area you decide to target with your 50mm prime lens. You’ll find tourists, students, local vendors, and fellow photographers here, among others, and the nights here are best for capturing neon signs and light bars as you play with light painting. Hauz Khas Fort is also a picturesque destination to explore. Not to mention the fact that the weekends are packed, more often than not with young people, giving you the opportunity to capture a multitude of thrills and vibes.
New Delhi Station
This is believed to be the fourth busiest railway station in India and is the perfect place to capture the mode of transportation that continues to be essential for millions in the country. The flurry of suitcases, scuttle of different footwear against concrete, and smoke wafting from food stalls selling tea and snacks make for stunning images. This spot is also right next door to the Sardar Bazar, a large market selling household necessities that are often packed with people.
Hazrat Nizamuddin
The hustle of everyday life meets pockets of serenity at this spiritual destination. The neighbourhood surrounding the popular Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia mausoleum is brimming with places to shop and eat and is often packed with a diverse bunch of people. Take a quick detour at strategic spots, and you’ll arrive at a few oases of laughter and joy, distinct from the chaos of the main roads. Once there, you could capture children playing cricket, fellow photographers capturing old-world architecture, or locals beating the heat with a quick dip in the Nizamuddin Baoli. This is also one of the best spots to capture hope, devotion, and spirituality. Don’t miss out on other unique monuments around the neighbourhood, and pop by for vibrant Sufi nights. Your camera roll after a day spent here will not disappoint.
