A Photographer’s Paradise in the Lap of the Himalayas

Known as Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods), Uttarakhand offers a stunning mix of snow-clad mountains, spiritual heritage, dense forests, serene rivers, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or travel vlogger, Uttarakhand is bursting with visual stories waiting to be captured.

Let’s explore the top photo-worthy destinations in Uttarakhand and how to make the most of each.

🏔️ 1. Valley of Flowers

• Type: Landscape, Macro, Nature
• Best Time: July to September
• What to Capture:
  • Expanses of blooming alpine flowers
  • Misty mountain backdrops and butterflies
  • Trek shots with floral foregrounds

📸 Pro Tip: Carry a macro lens for close-ups and wide-angle for sweeping views. Mornings have the best light and minimal crowds.

🐾 2. Jim Corbett National Park

• Type: Wildlife, Jungle, Action Shots
• Best Time: November to June
• What to Capture:
  • Tigers, elephants, leopards, birds in the wild
  • Dramatic light piercing through jungle mist
  • Jeep safari and riverside frames

📸 Pro Tip: Use a telephoto lens (300mm or more), shoot in burst mode, and maintain silence for natural behavior.

🧘 3. Rishikesh

• Type: Spiritual, Street, Portrait, Aerial
• Best Time: October to April
• What to Capture:
  • Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
  • Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridge views
  • Yoga sessions and sadhus in orange robes

📸 Pro Tip: Use a fast lens for low light during evening aartis. Candid street-style photography works great here.

🏞️ 4. Auli

• Type: Winter, Landscape, Sports
• Best Time: December to March (for snow), April–June (for green landscapes)
• What to Capture:
  • Snow-covered slopes and Himalayan ranges
  • Cable car shots from above
  • Skiing, snowboarding, and panoramic views

📸 Pro Tip: ND filters help manage brightness in snow scenes; always protect gear from moisture.

🧗 5. Chopta – Mini Switzerland of India

• Type: Landscape, Trek, Sunrise
• Best Time: March to June, September to November
• What to Capture:
  • Sunrise over Chaukhamba Peaks
  • Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila Summit
  • Pine forests and cloudscapes

📸 Pro Tip: Carry a tripod for sunrise timelapses and use layers in your composition to show scale.

🕍 6. Haridwar

• Type: Culture, Ritual, Water Reflections
• Best Time: Throughout the year (Kumbh Mela for major visuals)
• What to Capture:
  • Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
  • Devotees performing rituals
  • Floating diyas and the reflection of temple lights in water

📸 Pro Tip: A fast lens (f/1.8 or wider) is best for capturing low-light, high-contrast shots during the aarti.

🏞️ 7. Nainital

• Type: Lake, Landscape, Lifestyle
• Best Time: March to June, September to November
• What to Capture:
  • Boating scenes on Naini Lake
  • Naina Peak panoramic views
  • Street scenes and Tibetan markets

📸 Pro Tip: Use reflections creatively and shoot during golden hour for glowing lake surfaces.

🏯 8. Badrinath & Kedarnath

• Type: Spiritual, Landscape, Pilgrimage
• Best Time: May to October
• What to Capture:
  • Temples surrounded by snow-capped peaks
  • Devotees, sadhus, and high-altitude rituals
  • Helicopter shots of Kedarnath (if permitted)

📸 Pro Tip: Use HDR for scenes with high contrast between sky and architecture.

🌄 9. Munsiyari

• Type: Mountain, Astro, Nature
• Best Time: April to June, September to November
• What to Capture:
  • Panchachuli peaks at sunrise
  • Snow trails and meadows
  • Starry skies and Milky Way (minimal light pollution)

📸 Pro Tip: Bring a tripod and remote shutter for long exposures, especially for astrophotography.

🌿 10. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Type: Forest, Wildlife, Misty Mood Shots
• Best Time: October to March
• What to Capture:
  • Dense oak and rhododendron forests
  • Himalayan birds, barking deer, and leopards
  • Sunrise from Zero Point

📸 Pro Tip: Mornings offer magical fog; use backlight for dramatic forest silhouettes.