Red Fort south tower at dawn: Climb before 7 am for mist over Old Delhi's rooftops with the sandstone glowing in first light. Long lens recommended for rooftop texture shots across the old city.
Humayun's Tomb central water channel: The charbagh's water channel creates a perfect mirror image of the dome — best at sunrise when shadows are deep, crowds absent, and the sky reflects in the still pool.
Chandni Chowk at 6 am: The main street before traffic — cyclists, milk vendors, sleeping shopkeepers — offers authentic documentary street photography at its most unguarded.
Jama Masjid south minaret: The panorama across Old Delhi's rooftop tangle toward the Red Fort is one of Delhi's great urban views. Golden hour light on the terracotta rooftops is extraordinary — a 35mm or 50mm lens works best.
India Gate at night: The floodlit arch reflected in the canal pools, with Kartavya Path stretching behind, is a classic long-exposure composition. Best on weekdays for fewer people cluttering the foreground.
Lodi Garden at sunrise: Medieval tombs emerging from morning mist surrounded by ancient trees — a genuinely magical setting that feels entirely removed from the surrounding metropolis.
Lotus Temple at dusk: The marble petals turn gold-pink in the setting sun; the surrounding reflection pools multiply the structure beautifully for wide-angle compositions and reflections.
Qutub Minar through the mosque colonnade: Frame the minaret through the pillars of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque for a layered architectural shot with depth and historical resonance unique to this complex.