Skip to content Skip to footer

Delhi – The Ultimate Street Photography Destination

Capturing the essence of Delhi from behind the lens, a group of photographers share some of their best works and explain what it is about the city, which comes packed with several fascinating experiences, that makes it the ultimate destination for street photography.

Why is Delhi so unique?

What is it about the capital of the largest democracy in the world that makes it stand out amongst the rest?

The answer is often complex and multi-layered. Delhi has something for everyone, but knowing where to go and what to look for comes with its own set of challenges. It is this uncertainty in the familiarity that adds a characteristic appeal to the city and gives it a distinct identity.

In the End, We Must All Walk Alone - Mehrauli

For an avid photographer, there are ample opportunities throughout Delhi to immerse in its culture, traditions, festivals, celebrations, history, and of course the people through whom the diversity of the city shines brightly.

A city that adores its food and cherishes its historic past, there also lies a sense of eternal pride in its citizens who often go to lengths to showcase their love for Delhi.

Delhi is nevertheless a mismatch of personalities. And yet, no matter where we come from, in the end, we all become Delhiites.

The Perfect Gentleman - Mehrauli, New Delhi

Sumanta, who is one of many people that have at one time or another called Delhi their home, captures the essence of the city brilliantly as he explains how there is a rare harmony that exists underneath the chaotic facade of the city.

“Delhi is a perfect “Melting Pot” in terms of people not only coming together from various sections of the country but from all over the world. It is a beautiful mix of cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds, beliefs, traditions, in addition to modern thoughts, values, and a futuristic outlook.

Delhi has a rich and deep-rooted heritage, but at the same time, it has become one of the most fast-paced and fashionable cities in the world. All of these elements come together and reflect beautifully through the city’s age-old markets, seedy lanes, street art, buildings, and of course the very people that have always been the heart that keeps Delhi beating.”


Delhi

Morning Routine - Lodi Colony, New DelhiStreet Photography in New Delhi by Prasenjit BoseDelhi Markets - Always Alive and Oh So ColourfulDelhi is India in all its historical, messy, chaotic glory! Delhi is far from the most beautiful and colourful city in India, but it is full of life and an overwhelming atmosphere all its own. Some of the images that can be seen on the streets are visually stunning. – Prasenjit Bose


Chor Bazaar, Delhi - Capturing the mood

Chor Bazaar, Delhi

Spices at Choz Bazaar, Delhi

Among the most exciting places in all of Delhi is the area of Old Delhi including Chandni Chowk. The fascinating appeal of Old Delhi lies in the fact that within a distance of only 2-3 km there exist places that are significantly different in energy and significance. Adjacent to Lal Qila is the lively market of Chor Bazar. Here, one can find the most obscure objects being sold on makeshift stalls. Visitors can buy anything from a needle to spices, clothes, watches, and toys. The market also houses more expensive luxuries of life like air coolers and AC parts at a very negotiable price. You name it, and there is a shop somewhere in the market where you will get it. For a photographer, this place presents different moods and stories to capture. – Navneet Kaur Virk


Who Needs an Insta Model When You Have This Guy

The Drink That Drives A Nation - Tea

I was born in Delhi and lived half of my life there, so it’s quite simply home to me. What I do like about the city is that it is ever-changing. The people that inhabit it have over the years transformed it into something completely different, and each new decade sees a dramatic change which reflects through the attitude of the residents. At the same time, some things are constant, and it is this melange of emotions that the people of Delhi carry with them at all times that makes the city ideal for street photography. – Raghav Modi


Yamuna Ghats

Catching Up - Yamuna Ghats, New Delhi

Life by the River - Yamuna Ghats, New Delhi

I find that Yamuna Ghat is a perfect place for street photography because it takes you to an altogether different mood from the hustle and bustle of city life to a peaceful place. On the Yamuna Ghat, there are always people visiting for rituals. The river, the pandits & their families staying there on the ghat, their houses painted in vintage shades, the old trees, the visitors coming for boating, the reflection of rising and setting Sun in the river water, the seagulls in winter, the pigeons and dogs that can always be found there just add so many elements for street stories. Navneet Kaur Virk


Mehrauli

Mehrauli 1

Mehrauli 3

Mehrauli 5

Mehrauli 7

Mehrauli, situated on the outer reaches of southern Delhi, exudes the essence of co-existence and amalgamation of ‘Old & New’ – Be it in terms of culture (education systems, faith, religious beliefs, buildings both ancient and modern) or the way of life for the people who live. The streets and the people give you glimpses into the past and at the same time show you how that past has made way for and embraced the future.Sumanta Ghosh


One of Delhi's Many Inhabitants

Mehrauli, New Delhi

Mehrauli is the side of Delhi that hasn’t changed for centuries. The old walls of the monuments tell stories of the past, whereas the people living in the village have followed the same traditions their ancestors did centuries ago. – Raghav Modi


Azadpur Sabzi Mandi

Azadpur Sabzi Mandi - Ideal for Profiles

Azadpur Sabzi Mandi, New Delhi

I find Azardpur as the perfect location for street photography because of the unique character of the place. Unlike the serene Yamuna Ghat, the sabzi mandi is full of action, the hustle and bustle. Mornings are best to visit this place. From the big sellers who bring truckloads of vegetables for mass consumption to the small farmers who arrive here to sell their daily produce, one experiences a lot of activity, enhanced by the sounds which add to the whole atmosphere. Azadpur Sabzi Mandi is especially perfect for street portraits. Navneet Kaur Virk


Durga Puja

Joy and Hapiness - Durga Puja, New Delhi

Celebrating Durga Puja in Delhi

Durga Puja celebrations in Delhi are much like their Kolkata counterpart and promises crazy days of fun and frolic and not to mention the fantastic photo opportunities everywhere. The decorations of the pandal are extravagant, and hundreds of devotees visit every day during the festival dates to participate in the rituals and get a glimpse of the goddess. – Prasenjit Bose


Focused - C r Park, New Delhi

Age Old Wisdom - C R Park, New Delhi

My first visit to C. R Park just before Durga Puja was a revelation. I spend most of my wonder years living near the colony, but somehow always missed out on the celebrations. Watching the craftsmen make the idols and capturing street scenes that particular day, about three years back, was when my interest in street photography started. – Raghav Modi


About the Photographers:

Sumanta Ghosh – Sumanta is a photographer as well as a business owner (Interiors), with a longing desire to capture and share beautiful moments in time. Photography is not only his passion but also his place of zen. You can view more of Sumanta’s work on his website Soulful Lumiere or email him at soulfullumiere@gmail.com.

Navneet Kaur Virk – Navneet comes from a village in Punjab and is a chartered accountant working in an MNC in Gurgaon. Photography is her passion. She likes to capture life as it happens around her with an inclination towards nature and street photography. She can sometimes be found scribbling her thoughts both in Punjabi and Hindi. Navneet shares her photos and writings on Instagram and Facebook.

Prasenjit Bose – Prasenjit loves to keep things simple and creative. Photography is a passion for him and his chief reward for going through it is the process of doing it. The idea of sharing the essence of real life visually is what drives Prasenjit, and that is why his focus is on portraiture and candid elements. He also believes that photography is about the power of innovation and imagery skills that create a vision which interprets human life in all its greatness. Prasenjit shares his works on Facebook through his page Astound Image.

Raghav Modi – That’s me, the owner of this little website you are on right now. Photography for me is a tiny escape from the daily grind, and my wife – but we don’t have to tell her that, else I will end up sleeping on the couch tonight. I’m nowhere close to the other photographers featured in this post, but I find the whole idea of visiting new places and capturing everyday life in motion quite appealing. And hey, while you’re here, check out the rest of the blog, and my social media handles are listed in the sidebar.

21 Comments

  • arv!
    Posted 8 April, 19 at 6:36 PM

    Some awesome street shots!

    Reply
    • Post Author
      Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 8 April, 19 at 6:36 PM

      Thank you, from all the photogs 🙂

      Reply
      • arv!
        Posted 10 April, 19 at 1:41 PM

        🙂

        Reply
  • Sumanta Ghosh
    Posted 8 April, 19 at 10:34 PM

    Beautifully put together… (y)

    Reply
  • Chloé Arnold (@ChloeBArnold)
    Posted 10 April, 19 at 5:54 AM

    Your photos are STUNNING!! Love how vibrant the culture looks and the emotions you caught. I would love to make it here one day!

    Reply
  • Stephaniie
    Posted 10 April, 19 at 6:54 AM

    Beautiful photographs, and most importantly beautiful words to capture your experience. I think when you described Delhi as “ever changing” I really felt that. I was so expecting to see this old world, conservative, city lost in the past. I was surprised to see how much modernity exists in Delhi as well. Modern restaurants with pop music, people out on dates, molecular gastronomy being a big thing in many restaurants, it was a shock for me! I’m curious how you went about getting the perspectives of these people? Very unique and incredible way of capturing the experience of being in Delhi, to see it both from the eyes of those who live there as well as being the person visiting the city!

    Reply
  • Jane Dempster-Smith
    Posted 10 April, 19 at 1:12 PM

    Great photos – I can’t even tell you what is my favourite they are all brilliant. Delhi is definitely a melting pot of cultures – perfect for photographers to capture the real essence of the city. Really enjoyed this article and thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Leah
    Posted 11 April, 19 at 2:54 AM

    Gorgeous photos! I really want to travel here, and I feel like your photographs really capture the beauty and culture of Delhi. I love the variety you were able to capture with so many different people.

    Reply
  • Kristy B
    Posted 11 April, 19 at 6:23 AM

    I am loving your gorgeous photos from Delhi. It offers great insight to the the people and life there. I would love to see the Chor Bazar marketplace!

    Reply
  • Annick
    Posted 11 April, 19 at 6:54 AM

    What an amazing collection of shots of Delhi. The people are perfectly captured going about their daily lives. I really enjoyed seeing what are just common elements, like the motorcycle, as part of the environment.

    Reply
  • Martha
    Posted 11 April, 19 at 8:03 AM

    I’m a former journalist and these photographs are stunning and captivating! I love how you described Delhi as a city that has it all and is rich in stories. I think that’s the most important detail when picking out a destination. You captured some lovely hidden gems in the city that I would also love to explore.

    Reply
  • Anda
    Posted 11 April, 19 at 9:46 AM

    Wow, what a collection of great photographs! They capture so well the essence of India. You really incited my curiosity to visit Delhi. I’d love to my hand at street photography.

    Reply
  • umiko
    Posted 12 April, 19 at 8:25 AM

    All I see is the daily lives of the real people of Delhi. No cover-up, no pretending. It’s hard to choose which one is my favorite, because all of them are captured greatly! Very impressive!

    Reply
  • usfman
    Posted 16 April, 19 at 11:42 PM

    What a massively human portrayal of Delhi! You showed me images that I never could find on our recent Gate One Tour there. I love the quotes.

    Reply
  • pedrol
    Posted 17 April, 19 at 8:41 PM

    your photos are just incredible!! thanks for sharing such nice places of Dehli 🙂 cheers from Lisbon, PedroL

    Reply
  • Clipping
    Posted 29 June, 19 at 3:33 PM

    Superb photography. I like and appreciate all of your captures!

    Reply
  • कुमारेश
    Posted 13 January, 20 at 3:21 PM

    Delhi looks even more beautiful and astonishing and appealing in your photographs. Thanks for sharing these.

    Reply
  • Trackback: Best Old Delhi Street Food Guide with 20+ Iconic Places

Leave a Comment

Subscribe to Ticker Eats the World

Keep up-to-date with the latest in travel, hotel recommendations, food, and restaurant reviews, by subscribing to Ticker Eats the World.