Travel in today’s age of Facebook and WhatsApp has acquired an additional characteristic. No one is taking away from the traditional notions of a sense of wonder and discovery, but it can’t be denied that today’s youth often think of ‘how awesome it would be to take a selfie at the Taj or with the vast expanse of the valley in the background at Matheran (Maharashtra)’. It is to address this very need that we bring to you 25 absolutely must-take-selfie backgrounds across the country. As long as you’ve visited all these places, and uploaded the most awesome selfies known, you’re in traveldom heaven!
Happy travel-clicking!

Tribal Selfie — Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
This December festival is one of its kind in India. A coming together of all the tribes of the region, with a display of jaw-dropping warrior moves, there will be an opportunity to partake in the local music and dance items as well. Imagine yourself in the photo with this fearsome warrior in the backdrop! (How many likes do you think that will get you?! Sky is the limit.)

Victorian Selfie — Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal
Dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, this marble museum is set in stunning vistas. Not only is a walk through the Victoria Memorial Hall a trip through history, but the light and sound show in the evening is an experience by itself as well. Of course, while you’re waiting for the latter… step out a bit and click that ultimate selfie!

The Capital Selfie — India Gate, Delhi
A monument built to honour the martyrs of World War II is now one of the Capital’s symbolic images. Set against a dramatic sky at dawn or dusk, or even lit up in the tricolour on special occasions, the India Gate provides a magnificent and stately backdrop for you.

Delhi Selfi — India Gate, Delhi
No need to take it from this far down the path, like this gentleman here. But walk right up to the India Gate and be a part of history itself.

Backwaters Selfie — Kerala
Straight out of a Mani Ratnam movie set in the lush green backdrop of the Kerelan backwaters, there is nothing that can upset this selfie of yours! (Except, maybe, for a capsized boat! Be careful!)

‘3 Idiots’ Selfie — Pangong Tso, Ladakh
The famous climax of the cult film ‘3 Idiots’ was shot at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Not that Pangong needed the added celeb attention — just look at the picture! But it’s never a bad thing to be able to boast… and if you can recreate the last scene… nothing like it!

Colourful Rajasthani Selfie — Pushkar, Rajasthan
Think Rajasthan, and royalty, desert and bright colours come to mind. This picture, with the inclusion of you, would represent ALL that! Get packing, now!

Camel Selfie — Pushkar Fair, Pushkar, Rajasthan
Time your trip with the Pushkar Fair, and there will be much to boast to your friends about. Be sure to visit the world’s only Brahma Temple while you’re there!

The Bustling ‘Dilli’ Crowd Selfie — Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
One of those rare instances when the crowd is charming. Okay, maybe not when you’re there… but just look at this image, and then imagine yourself in it!

Heaven-on-Earth Selfie — Nubra Valley, Ladakh, J&K
The whole of the Ladakh is like heaven on Earth, you can’t deny that. But the Nubra Valley has a special characteristic altogether. Where else will you find sand and double-humped camels at that altitude? Whether on a camel or in beside it, this will be a selfie for the wall of fame for sure!

Maximum City Selfie — Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, Maharashtra
India’s version of the City of Dreams, the iconic railway station in South Mumbai is a majestic reminder of the years past. Contrast that with the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, and if you can manage to keep still amid all of this for your kick-ass selfie shot, then not only do you have a boast-worthy shot, but one that will speak volumes on its own as well.

Patriotic Selfie — Wagah Border ceremony, Punjab
On the outskirts of the holy city of Amritsar, the daily lowering of the flags or beating retreat ceremony is one of the must-attend events of India. Theatrical and with great photo-ops, strike the patriotism chord keeping these fine soldiers in the background.

Nature & Heritage Selfie — The Himalayan Queen, Darjeeling
The gorgeous vistas and the Himalayan Queen chugging along — imagine this stunner as the backdrop for your next holiday selfie. Won’t the world be just jealous?! Take a trip up to Darjeeling immediately!

White Sand Selfie — Rann of Kuchh, Gujarat
Be sure to be brightly dressed for this one, with the white salty sands of the Rann of Kuchh sprawled till the horizon, this is one for the bucket list for sure!

‘Purani Dilli’ Selfie — Jama Masjid, Delhi
Set yourself against the backdrop of India’s largest mosque in one of the Capital’s iconic neighbourhoods. Not only is there the promise of faith and a stunning photo here, right outside is a street full of delicacies that will make any foodie weak in the knees!

Culture-Vulture Selfie — Howrah Bridge, Kolkata, West Bengal
So many elements come together to make your selfie picture-perfect with the iconic cantilever bridge in the background, atop the Hooghly river and in the City of Joy! Your culture-vulture quotient will definitely take a huge jump upwards after this one.

Serene Selfie — Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
There is no corner of Sikkim that isn’t breathtaking, but visit the serene Gurudongmar Lake, and you may just forget to take that very special shot. Such is the ability of the place to leave its onlookers awestruck. Sikkim also happens to be the latest fad among Indian travellers, so you may just have a ‘first there’ claim to fame among your friends with this one shot!

The History Challenge Selfie — Khajuraho temples, Madhya Pradesh
World famous for its erotic carvings, these temples of Khajuraho are a UNESCO heritage site, and provide a very interesting backdrop for your pictures. Of course, you’d have to get much closer than this photographer here!

The Other Marble-Wonder Selfie — Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
When one thinks of a marble wonder in India, the thought of Taj Mahal is quite obviously the first, but not many know of this marble wonder nestled in the hills of Rajasthan. With stunning carvings and architecture, the Ranakpur Jain Temple is a sight to behold. Surprise your friends with a visit and selfie here, and brace yourself for a slew of questions later.

Adventurous Selfie — White-water rafting on the Ganga at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Be sure to take a waterproof camera with a strap for this one… and yet again… One for the bucket list, for sure!

Southern-Tip Selfie — Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
The feeling of standing on the Vivekananda Rock at the southern-most tip of India, staring out into the Indian Ocean is an incomparable feeling. But with a classic selfie, it’s one emotion you can relive many times over.

Spiritual Selfie — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, or Kashi, can easily be called the spiritual capital of India. A city of wonders for many, tourists from around the world make it a point to visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evenings for the Sandhya Aarti — which is a spectacle by itself. Now, if that doesn’t make for a stunning selfie backdrop, little else will!

Wheel-of-Time Selfie — Konark, Odisha
The world renowned Konark Sun Temple should anyhow be on everyone’s travel list for India. The temple’s architecture is a stellar example of how science and mythology collectively played such a crucial role in the building of the temple. The iconic wheels of the chariot-like temple are like sundials and provide a stunning backdrop for your next DP!

Kumbh Selfie — Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, UP
This quadrennial fair attracts hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe, especially if it is the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Har ki Pauri ghat is chock-a-block full for almost 24*7 when the fair is on. A cultural photographer’s paradise, the procession of the Naga Sadhus is one event that is to be watched out for. These sadhus are pretty friendly at most times, and will usually oblige to a co-selfie! Coolness factor just it the roof!

‘Under the Sea’ Selfie — Andaman & Nicobar Islands
A visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands should be on everyone’s travel lists. Why? It’s breathtakingly beautiful, that why! And be sure to carry a waterproof camera with you. After all, if you go scuba diving, you WILL want a selfie there. And there shall be no argument about that!

Regal Selfie — Jodhpur, Rajasthan
The gorgeous setting of the palaces of Rajasthan would any day make for a great shot, but plan a road trip with friends across the state, and up to the Umaid Bhavan in Jodhpur, which is one of the most popular and stunning palaces of the country.

Taj Mahal Selfie — Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Ask about India, and many people will automatically respond with — the land of Taj Mahal! This symbol of India and one of the world’s seven wonders provides a selfie backdrop like no other. Just visit this place, and you’ll see the throngs of tourists (like the gentleman in the picture) raising their phones and cameras for the ultimate capture! Join them… you know you want to!