Graffiti, art and a pop of colour, these are things that we love seeing our streets adorned with. While cities like New York, Berlin and Prague are renowned for their street art, our dear country is catching up on the trend too! Here are some of the most colourful and attractive streets in India that are perfect for your next picture-clicking spree.
Our capital is a colourful potpourri of various cultures and traditions, an aspect that is not just evident in its people, but also in its streets. There are numerous Insta-worthy spots in New Delhi that you can visit.
Lodhi Colony became Delhi's first open air public art district, by St+Art, an NGO that aims to make art accessible to everyone. There are around 26 walls between Khanna Market and Meharchand Market that have been taken over for this project and are canvases to bursts of colours, thoughts and emotions. In addition to these walls, there are also installations and murals that depict extraordinary expressions.
While the main street of Hauz Khas Village is an amalgam of pubs, cafes, and designer labels, its rear consists of gorgeous graffiti walls. The juxtaposition of capitalist ventures in the main lanes alongside the democratic expression of art in the by-lanes is truly a wonder to witness.
Shahpur Jat is a colourful arena, where walls, if not done up with graffiti, are painted in bright pinks, yellows and blues. This riot of bright colours has attracted photographers and models alike. The graffiti at Shahpur Jat, which can be found at every other corner, depicts a modern take on mythical characters along with severed heads and nature.
While New Delhi’s modern street art has all of us swooning, Jaipur, the Pink City’s streets are adorned with historic monuments that make for a charming sight. Located within the walled city, Hawa Mahal sadak is one of the most picturesque streets in Jaipur. The majestic Hawa Mahal stands tall on one side, with its beautiful domes, arches and khirkis. On the other side, the market bustles with hundreds of colourful Rajasthani lehengas hanging by the stalls, juttis lined by the road side and mirror-work leheria dupattas swaying in the wind. A walk along this street is like experiencing all of Rajasthan in one go.
Did you know that Raipur too has a Marine Drive?! A cobbled path circumscribes Telibandha Lake which was recently restored and renovated by the Tourism Department of Chhattisgarh. Right opposite the lake is a long line of buildings designed as an open-air art gallery. These buildings are done up with bright and funky colours, in complete contrast to the calm and pristine lake. Along Raipur’s Marine Drive, you can pose with the modern and contemporary art and designs.
One of the most sacred places in India among Hindus, Varanasi epitomises culture and tradition. As you walk towards the ghats of river Ganga, you’ll cross numerous temples and shrines that are centuries old. Adding to these rusting settings are sadhus, pandits and babas in their bright orange attire, flamboyant head gears and beards. Moreover, you’ll also see an array of walls adorned with graffiti, along with artists working on these walls early in the morning.
This beach destination is a cultural hub, influenced by French and Portuguese designs and architecture. Take a trip to Panjim and you’ll spot a range of buildings that are beautified in pastels, striped designs and bright mosaics. This art is complemented by classy bay-windows, making it a wonderful tropical vision. Your trip to Goa is incomplete until you visit the streets of Panjim.
This is a fully creative space located in the heart of Mumbai, where some of the best art galleries, designer cafes and indie galleries are located. The streets of Kala Ghoda reflect the art hub that it is and you’ll spot numerous designs here — the famous horse mural right at its entrance and other colourful facades. If you visit Kala Ghoda in February, you can attend the famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and witness the streets in full glory.
Located in Uttarakhand, Khati village has been transformed into a colourful heaven by Project FUEL. What’s interesting about this project is the fact that it doesn’t just decorate, but aims to “Forward the Understanding of Every Life Lesson”. Based on this ideology, the walls of Khati village are decorated with the residents’ life lessons. Taking a walk in this mountain village is a dive into art and philosophy at the same time. You must go explore this hamlet and experience the riot of colours that it is.
Saur Village was Project FUEL’s first art-in-the-mountain project where they painted this remote village located in Tehri District of Uttarakhand. With this initiative, Saur became the world’s first village of life lessons where beautiful stories are displayed as murals, graffiti and quotes. You need to take a walk along the streets of Saur and experience immense beauty.
Gokarna is gradually becoming a paradise for those who’re done with Goa. The sun colours the horizon beyond the sea and Gokarna's colourful village comes to life. Gokarna is unlike a dreary, concrete city, it is decorated with bright block colours, patterns, and designs. You are sure to spend hours in this village, just clicking pictures of the village’s aesthetic corners.
There’s probably no other city in India that is as famous among street photographers as Kolkata. This street has everything that Kolkata is about, ancient restaurants, shops selling ittar, and old, palatial buildings of eras passed by. Quaint photography subjects in the backdrop of old trams and rickshaws add to the charm of the place. A must-visit indeed!
Most of Jodhpur’s streets are painted in beautiful shades of blue that make for the most gorgeous views and pictures. Don yourself in bright fusion attire and you’re sure to get some fashion blogger-like shots against these majestic backdrops.
This coastal town was a French colonial settlement because of which the city’s various facets are inspired by the French architecture we so love. The streets look modern, contemporary and perfectly manicured like the set of a movie. You’ll also see buildings painted in bright blues, reds, yellows and quirky art at every other corner.
This port is an amalgamation of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences, apparent in its streets. Princess Street is one of the most picturesque streets, where one can see Victorian style houses that are sure to transport you back in time. Alongside, you’ll see aesthetically decorated stores lining this street selling colourful handicrafts, clothes and jewellery. As if this weren't enough, the street opens up to a beach!
So what are you waiting for? Grab your cameras and head to these Instgrammable gems of India.
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