Best Locations in India for Aerial Drone Photography

India, a land of culture and heritage, and its topographical diversity make it a favourite of people from all over the world. Photography has evolved like anything, allowing people to capture memories of thrill and amusement. We have said that photography has evolved because of the advent of new techniques and technologies. Drone photography is not only gaining popularity; it also adds a new dimension to photography. You can capture spectacular aerial shots and videos that were once impossible and if not, then it is a daunting task for sure.

 In this blog, we will talk about some of the popular destinations in India for drone photography.

Shimla, a popular hill station is located at a height of 2200m, it still has an old-world charm, beautiful colonial architecture, Mall Road, and a ridge lined up with cafes and restaurants. Shimla is often covered by snow. It is home to the highest cricket ground in the world. During their trip to Shimla, tourists also visit the Jakhu Temple and browse at various viewpoints. It is best visited between October and June.

Why Drone Photography Works: The colonial architecture in the Shivaliks offer dramatic contrasts. Aerial shots capture the twisting roads and the rambling town in the hills.

Manali is another favourite spot for people in Himachal Pradesh.  This place has splendid views of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges. In addition to vacations, Manali is loved by trekkers. The River Beas provides prodigious rafting options in the neighbouring town of Kullu. Atal Tunnel lets travellers reach Sissu, making Spiti more accessible.

Rohtang Pass & Solang valley are famous for skiing, paragliding, horse-riding & zorbing. It is best visited between October and June.

Why Drone Photography Works: Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lush valleys. Manali offers magnificent aerial views. The changing seasons offer various sites, from snowy terrains to lush meadows.

Mussoorie, often called the "Queen of the Hills," is a pretty hill station in Uttarakhand. It offers splendid views of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik ranges. The lush green hills, gushing waterfalls and colonial architecture make it a popular photography destination. Kempty Falls is a must-visit for its picturesque beauty and refreshing plunge pools. For adventurers, the Camel's Back Road offers a scenic trekking route with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Gun Hill can be accessed via a ropeway, providing a marvellous vantage point for sunrise and sunset views.

Mussoorie's pleasant weather makes it a perfect year-round destination. Visitors can sightsee Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie. The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to spot rare birds. Whether it is for adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, Mussoorie is a getaway amongst the beauty of the Himalayas. This place can be visited all year round.

Why Drone Photography Works: The Doon Valley and the Shivalik Range are best captured with the help of drones.

Munnar is one of the most sought-after hill stations in Kerala. It is one of the most desirable travel destinations globally, particularly popular amongst honeymooners. The key reason to visit Munnar is to discover the sprawling tea plantations. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and tea plantations are its key attractions.

Why Drone Photography Works: The tea estates and snow-covered hills offer a surreal landscape, aerial shots highlight the symmetrical patterns of the plantations and the surging terrain.

Coorg, frequently called the "Scotland of India," is a lush hill station in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, well-known for its misty landscapes, extensive coffee plantations, and verdant forests. Coorg is among imposing mountains' most affluent hill stations, with its continuing green hills, streams cutting through dense forests, and vast coffee and spice plantations. The best time to visit this place is from October to May.

Why Drone Photography Works: Coorg's lush vegetation and coffee plantations provide vibrant aerial views, particularly throughout the monsoon when the site is at its greenest.

Nainital is a hill station in Uttarakhand. Situated approximately 300 kilometres from Delhi, it is centred around Naini Lake, which provides boating opportunities adventure activities and charming colonial architecture. It is a perfect weekend getaway. The main attractions include the Naina Devi Temple and the Snow View Point, offering bird's-eye views of the peaks.

 There are ample trekking, rock climbing and paragliding opportunities. The Naina Peak, the main point in Nainital, provides an exhilarating trek with magnificent views of the Himalayas. Wildlife fans can visit the Nainital Zoo, home to various Himalayan species, or discover the Jim Corbett National Park to spot tigers.  This place is best visited from September to November.

Why Drone Photography Works: The town's location around the crescent-shaped Naini Lake, enclosed by hills, is best treasured from above, providing symmetrical compositions.

Darjeeling has grown into one of India's most coveted hill stations. Darjeeling has a cool climate all year. The K2 peak is visible from here, and one can get a panoramic view of it. The most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, and a zoo. Tiger Hill is an eccentric spot where you can see the sunrise. Darjeeling is best visited from April to June, when the weather is just perfect for tourists to have a gala time.

Why Drone Photography Works: The panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the tea gardens are mesmerizing from the sky. The hills add a mystic touch to aerial shots.

Almora is a beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand. With easy convenience from Delhi and other key cities of North India, it is recognized for its rich cultural heritage, exclusive handicrafts, extravagant cuisine and wonderful wildlife. Prevalent pilgrimage sites like Jageshwar and Nanda Devi attract various devotees each year.

Almora is also famed for mountain biking. Many resorts rent bikes by the hour or day and you can also enjoy cycling across the rough mountain paths. The best time to visit this place is from September to November.

Why Drone Photography Works: Almora sweeps the Himalayas by hovering on a ridge. The adjoining fields and traditional Kumaoni architecture offer rich textures for aerial photography.

Khajjiar is a small town close to Dalhousie. It is recognized for its grassy meadows. There is the Khajjiar Lake amid the meadow.  One can enjoy the scenery by camping or participating in adventure sports, including paragliding, zorbing, and horse-riding.

It is situated at 6,500 feet and has a nine-hole golf course nestled amid a lush landscape. However, the way to Khajjiar is closed sometimes throughout the winter due to heavy snowfall. This is a popular destination for workations as various homestays offer mesmerizing views of the Kailash Parbat. The beauty of this place has inspired many kingdoms throughout the years. This place can be visited from March to June and from September to November.

Why Drone Photography Works:  This place is known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." Khajjiar's opulent meadows, dense forests and the iridescent lake create attractive aerial photos and videos.

Auli is a premier destination for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.  There are spectacular snow-covered slopes, and Auli is a heaven for skiers and snowboarders. It is 2,800 meters and offers wonderful views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Mana Parvat.

Visiting the Nanda Devi National Park and the Badrinath Temple can be an enriching experience for spiritual and cultural enthusiasts. Auli can be visited from November to March.

Why Drone Photography Works: The vast meadows and scenic views of the Himalayan peaks, particularly during winters, offer stunning aerial shots.

Knowing how to propel drones efficiently is important if you want to make the most of drones for photography.  Enroll in a drone pilot training school like Flapone Aviation to learn to power drones effectively and then apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate.