15 Stunning Photoshoot Spots in Kerala for Beginners

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Photoshoot locations in Kerala

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is like a treasure chest filled with amazing photo opportunities waiting for YOU to discover them. Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or you’ve been holding a camera for only a few weeks, this beautiful state offers some of the most Instagram-worthy locations you can imagine. From peaceful backwaters that look like mirrors to towering mountains covered in green tea gardens, Kerala has something SPECIAL for every photography enthusiast.


📸 Best Photoshoot Locations in Kerala (Quick Overview)

  • Fort Kochi – A heritage hub with colonial streets, Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant art walls.
  • Munnar – Rolling tea gardens and misty hillscapes ideal for nature photography.
  • Alleppey Backwaters – Iconic houseboats and serene waterways for dreamy shots.
  • Varkala Beach – Clifftop views and golden sunsets perfect for seaside portraits.
  • Wayanad – Scenic waterfalls, caves, and forest landscapes for raw beauty.
  • Bekal Fort – Historic seaside fort offering panoramic coastal clicks.
  • Athirappilly Waterfalls – Kerala’s most famous waterfall for cinematic photography.
  • Kumarakom – Peaceful lakeside scenery and birdlife-rich backdrops.
  • Poovar Island – A rare mix of river, lake, sea, and golden sand in one frame.
  • Kovalam Beach – Lighthouse beach with lively coastal charm.
  • Vagamon – Vast meadows, hills, and pine forests for dreamy photos.

What makes Kerala perfect for beginner photographers? The answer is simple – natural lighting, stunning backgrounds, & locations that are easy to reach. You don’t need expensive equipment or years of experience to capture breathtaking shots here. The golden sunsets, vibrant cultural scenes, & diverse landscapes do most of the work for you. Plus, most of these spots are beginner-friendly, meaning you won’t need to climb dangerous mountains or trek through difficult paths.

In this guide, we’ll explore fifteen incredible photoshoot locations across Kerala that are perfect for beginners. Each spot offers unique opportunities to practice different photography techniques while creating stunning images that will make your friends wonder if you hired a professional photographer. Get ready to discover hidden gems & popular destinations that will transform your photography game forever!

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1. Munnar Tea Gardens – A GREEN Paradise for Every Photographer

Have you ever dreamed of taking photos in endless green fields that stretch as far as your eyes can see? Munnar’s tea gardens offer exactly that magical experience. These rolling hills covered in perfectly trimmed tea bushes create natural leading lines that will make your photos look professionally composed. The best part? These gardens are EVERYWHERE in Munnar, so you’ll have countless opportunities to find the perfect spot.

The early morning hours provide the most spectacular lighting conditions for photography. When the sun rises over the tea gardens, it creates a soft golden glow that makes everything look dreamy & ethereal. The mist that often covers the hills during sunrise adds an extra layer of mystery to your shots. You can capture wide landscape photos showing the vast expanse of tea gardens, or focus on close-up shots of tea leaves with beautiful bokeh effects in the background.

What makes Munnar especially great for beginners is how forgiving the lighting conditions are throughout the day. Even during harsh afternoon sunlight, the green tea bushes provide natural color balance that prevents your photos from looking washed out. Local tea plantation workers often pose happily for photos, adding human elements that bring life to your compositions. Don’t forget to explore different angles – try shooting from elevated viewpoints or getting down low to capture the texture of individual tea bushes.

Photoshoot locations in Kerala

2. Alleppey Backwaters – FLOATING Through Photographic Heaven

The famous backwaters of Alleppey create one of Kerala’s most iconic photography settings. These calm waters act like giant mirrors, reflecting palm trees, traditional houseboats, & colorful skies in perfect symmetry. For beginner photographers, this means you get two beautiful scenes for the price of one – the actual landscape & its stunning reflection. The peaceful environment also gives you plenty of time to compose your shots without rushing.

Traditional Kerala houseboats called “kettuvallams” make fantastic focal points for your photographs. These wooden boats with their curved roofs & traditional architecture tell stories of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. You can capture them from various angles – wide shots showing the entire boat against the expansive water, or detailed close-ups focusing on intricate woodwork & traditional decorations. The contrast between the brown wooden boats & the blue-green water creates naturally pleasing color combinations.

Wildlife photography opportunities abound in the backwaters as well. Kingfishers, herons, & other water birds frequently appear, giving you chances to practice capturing moving subjects. The key to great backwater photography is timing your visit during golden hours – early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft & warm. During these times, the water takes on magical golden hues that transform ordinary scenes into EXTRAORDINARY photographs. Consider hiring a small canoe for unique low-angle perspectives that larger boats cannot achieve.

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3. Kovalam Beach – Where Golden SUNSETS Meet Perfect Waves

Kovalam Beach offers beginner photographers the perfect playground for learning beach photography techniques. This crescent-shaped beach provides multiple vantage points, allowing you to experiment with different compositions & angles. The lighthouse at one end of the beach serves as an excellent focal point, while the rocky outcrops create natural frames for your sunset shots. The consistent waves provide movement & energy that brings life to static beach scenes.

Sunset photography at Kovalam is particularly rewarding because the beach faces west, giving you front-row seats to spectacular evening shows. As the sun descends toward the horizon, the sky explodes in colors ranging from soft oranges to deep purples. The wet sand acts like a mirror, doubling the impact of these colorful skies in your photographs. For beginners, this natural light show makes it almost impossible to take bad photos – the dramatic lighting does most of the creative work for you.

The local fishing community adds cultural richness to your photography portfolio. Colorful fishing boats lined up on the beach create vibrant foreground elements, while fishermen mending nets or preparing for their next voyage provide authentic human stories. These activities usually happen during early morning hours, offering you golden hour lighting combined with cultural authenticity. Don’t be shy about approaching local fishermen – they’re usually friendly & willing to let you photograph their daily routines. The combination of natural beauty & cultural elements makes Kovalam a complete photography destination.

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4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – FEATHERED Friends & Natural Wonders

Photography enthusiasts who love wildlife will find Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary absolutely irresistible. This wetland paradise hosts over 180 species of birds, providing endless opportunities to practice wildlife photography techniques. For beginners, this sanctuary is particularly valuable because many birds here are quite comfortable around humans, making it easier to capture detailed shots without expensive telephoto lenses. The variety of species means you’ll encounter different sizes, colors, & behaviors to photograph.

The sanctuary’s boat rides offer unique photography perspectives that land-based locations cannot provide. From these floating platforms, you can capture birds in their natural habitat without disturbing their daily routines. Egrets fishing in shallow waters, kingfishers diving for prey, & herons standing motionless create diverse action shots that will improve your timing & composition skills. The surrounding mangrove forests provide natural green backgrounds that make colorful birds pop in your photographs.

Early morning visits yield the BEST results for bird photography. During these quiet hours, birds are most active & the soft lighting creates beautiful highlights on feathers without harsh shadows. The calm water conditions during morning hours also mean better reflection shots & less camera shake when shooting from boats. Remember to bring extra batteries & memory cards – you’ll be surprised how quickly you fill them up when surrounded by so many photogenic subjects. The sanctuary’s wooden walkways also provide stable platforms for photographing shy birds that stay deeper in the marshlands.

Photoshoot locations in Kerala

5. Fort Kochi – HISTORIC Streets Full of Photographic Stories

Fort Kochi transforms beginner photographers into storytellers through its incredible mix of Portuguese, Dutch, & British colonial architecture. Every street corner reveals new photographic opportunities – from colorful old buildings with peeling paint that creates natural textures, to narrow lanes where golden sunlight filters through overhead canopies. The area’s compact size means you can walk between multiple photography locations without getting exhausted or lost.

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The famous Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi beach create one of Kerala’s most recognizable photographic subjects. These massive bamboo & teak structures silhouetted against colorful sunsets have become iconic symbols of the region. For beginners, these nets are perfect for practicing silhouette photography techniques. During different times of day, they offer completely different moods – dramatic black shapes against fiery sunsets, or detailed wooden textures when lit by soft morning light.

Street photography opportunities flourish throughout Fort Kochi’s bustling markets & quiet residential areas. Local vendors selling spices create colorful compositions filled with textures & patterns. Art galleries displaying local paintings provide inspiration & indoor photography practice opportunities. The area’s café culture means plenty of relaxed subjects & atmospheric lighting for portrait practice. What makes Fort Kochi especially beginner-friendly is how photogenic everything looks – even simple architectural details like old doorways, weathered walls, & traditional windows create compelling photographs that tell stories about Kerala’s rich HISTORY.

Thekkady top 10 places

6. Thekkady Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – WILD Adventures Await

Thekkady offers beginner photographers their first taste of serious wildlife photography in a controlled, safe environment. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds a beautiful lake where elephants, deer, & various bird species come to drink water, creating predictable photography opportunities. Unlike dangerous jungle treks, boat safaris here provide comfortable platforms for capturing wildlife shots without risking your safety or expensive camera equipment.

The sanctuary’s diverse ecosystems create multiple photography themes within a single location. Dense forests provide moody, atmospheric shots with filtered sunlight creating natural spotlights on wildlife subjects. Open meadows offer different lighting conditions where you can practice capturing animals against cleaner backgrounds. The central lake adds reflection possibilities & creates drinking scenes where animals gather, increasing your chances of capturing multiple species in single frames.

Spice plantation tours around Thekkady add aromatic & colorful elements to your photography portfolio. These guided walks through cardamom, pepper, & cinnamon plantations teach you about macro photography while exploring the textures & patterns of various spices. Local guides often demonstrate traditional farming techniques, providing cultural photography opportunities that complement your wildlife shots. The combination of wildlife, landscapes, & cultural elements makes Thekkady a complete photography destination where beginners can experiment with different styles & subjects all in one AMAZING location.

Photoshoot locations in Kerala

7. Varkala Beach – CLIFFS, Waves & Endless Possibilities

Varkala Beach stands out from other Kerala beaches because of its dramatic red cliffs that rise directly from the Arabian Sea. These natural formations create stunning backdrops for photography while providing elevated viewpoints for capturing expansive ocean scenes. The contrast between red cliff faces & blue ocean waters creates natural color combinations that make your photos pop without any editing. For beginners, these bold natural colors ensure your shots look vibrant & professional.

The clifftop walkway offers multiple photography angles & perspectives without requiring difficult climbing or hiking. You can capture waves crashing against rocks far below, photograph the curved coastline stretching into the distance, or focus on detailed shots of cliff vegetation & textures. During different times of day, these cliffs display completely different moods – warm & golden during sunrise, dramatic & mysterious during storm clouds, peaceful & serene during calm afternoons.

Beach activities at Varkala provide human interest elements for your photographs. Surfers catching waves add action & movement to static ocean scenes. Beach vendors selling fresh coconuts create colorful foreground subjects. Fishermen launching traditional boats through surf provide authentic cultural moments. The beach’s spiritual significance also attracts many visitors practicing yoga or meditation during sunrise, offering peaceful human subjects against SPECTACULAR natural backgrounds. This combination of dramatic landscapes & authentic human activities makes Varkala perfect for beginners wanting to practice different photography styles.

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8. Wayanad Hills – MISTY Mountains & Coffee Dreams

Wayanad’s rolling hills covered in coffee plantations provide beginner photographers with mountain scenery that’s accessible & beautiful without requiring extreme hiking skills. These gentler slopes covered in coffee bushes create layered compositions that add depth to your photographs. The area’s pleasant climate means comfortable shooting conditions throughout the day, allowing you to focus on learning photography techniques rather than surviving harsh weather conditions.

Morning mist rolling over Wayanad’s hills creates ethereal, dreamy photographs that look like professional landscape shots. This natural phenomenon happens regularly, giving you multiple opportunities to capture these magical conditions. The mist softens harsh contrasts & creates natural gradients from dark foreground hills to lighter background mountains. For beginners, these conditions are forgiving because the soft lighting prevents overexposed highlights or completely black shadows.

Coffee plantation tours offer unique behind-the-scenes photography opportunities. You can capture coffee beans in various stages – green berries on bushes, red ripe cherries being harvested, beans drying in the sun, & the final roasting process. Local farmers often demonstrate traditional harvesting techniques, providing authentic cultural photography subjects. The combination of agricultural activities & stunning mountain scenery creates diverse portfolio pieces that showcase both Kerala’s natural beauty & its agricultural HERITAGE.

Photoshoot locations in Kerala

9. Poovar Island – GOLDEN Sands Meet Emerald Waters

Poovar Island offers beginner photographers a tropical paradise where backwaters meet the Arabian Sea, creating unique ecosystems perfect for diverse photography styles. This small island provides intimate photography settings where you won’t compete with crowds for the perfect shot. The golden sand beaches surrounded by coconut palms create classic tropical compositions that work beautifully for both landscape & portrait photography.

The estuary where fresh backwater meets salty seawater creates interesting color gradients & wildlife viewing opportunities. Different water colors – from clear blue ocean to green backwater channels – provide natural color variations in single photographs. Small fishing boats navigating between these waterways add movement & human elements to your compositions. The calm backwater sections offer perfect reflection photography opportunities, while the ocean side provides wave action & sunset possibilities.

Boat rides to Poovar reveal photography perspectives impossible to achieve from land. You can capture the island from water level, showing how this small piece of land sits between two different water bodies. Mangrove forests lining the backwater channels create tunnel-like compositions with natural frames. Bird watching opportunities include kingfishers, eagles, & various water birds that provide wildlife photography practice. The island’s small size means you can explore multiple photography locations within a few hours, making it perfect for beginners who want variety without spending entire days traveling between LOCATIONS.

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10. Athirapally Waterfalls – POWER & Beauty Combined

Athirapally Waterfalls showcase Kerala’s raw natural power through cascading water that creates multiple photography opportunities for beginners. Known as the “Niagara of India,” these falls provide dramatic subjects that photograph beautifully under various lighting conditions. The constant mist created by falling water adds atmosphere to your shots while providing natural cooling during hot weather photography sessions.

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Different viewpoints around the falls offer varying perspectives & compositions. From the top, you can capture the water’s journey as it begins its descent through rocky channels. Side angles show the full height & power of the falling water against lush forest backgrounds. Bottom viewpoints allow you to photograph the force of water hitting rocks & creating spray patterns. Each position teaches different composition techniques while working with the same basic subject.

The surrounding forest provides additional photography subjects beyond just the waterfall itself. Ancient trees, tropical plants, & small streams create intimate nature shots that complement your dramatic waterfall photographs. Wildlife including butterflies, birds, & small mammals frequently appear, giving you chances to practice capturing moving subjects. The area’s natural lighting – filtered through forest canopy – creates soft, even illumination that’s very forgiving for beginner photographers. Rainy season visits show the falls at maximum power, while dry season reveals more of the rock formations & allows closer ACCESS to different shooting positions.

Photoshoot locations in Kerala

11. Bekal Fort – ANCIENT Stones Tell Timeless Stories

Bekal Fort provides beginner photographers with historical architecture set against stunning coastal backdrops. This 300-year-old fort offers multiple levels & angles for photography while teaching composition techniques through its geometric shapes & patterns. The contrast between ancient stone construction & natural beach environments creates compelling visual narratives about Kerala’s rich past & beautiful present.

The fort’s circular architecture provides natural leading lines that draw viewers’ eyes through your photographs. Arched doorways create perfect frames for capturing views of the Arabian Sea beyond. Stone staircases add diagonal elements that create dynamic compositions. Different levels within the fort offer varying perspectives – ground level shots emphasize the massive stone construction, while elevated positions provide panoramic views combining historical architecture with coastal landscapes.

Sunset photography from Bekal Fort creates particularly dramatic results. The fort’s elevated position provides unobstructed views of the sun setting over the ocean. Ancient walls silhouetted against colorful skies create powerful contrast between human history & natural beauty. The beach below the fort offers additional shooting positions where you can capture the entire fort structure against sunset backgrounds. Palm trees surrounding the fort add tropical elements that soften the harsh stone architecture. This combination of history, architecture, & natural beauty makes Bekal Fort a complete photography destination for beginners wanting to practice MULTIPLE techniques.

vagamon places to visit

12. Vagamon Hills – ROLLING Green Dreams

Vagamon’s gentle rolling hills create perfect beginner-friendly mountain photography without dangerous climbing or extreme weather conditions. These smooth, grass-covered slopes look like green carpets stretching toward distant horizons. The area’s moderate elevation provides mountain scenery & cooler temperatures without requiring serious hiking equipment or advanced outdoor skills.

Pine forests scattered across Vagamon’s landscape add variety & texture to your photography portfolio. These unusual trees (rare in tropical Kerala) create unique compositions that don’t look typically “Indian.” Morning light filtering through pine needles creates natural spotlights & shadow patterns perfect for practicing light & shadow photography techniques. The contrast between open grasslands & dense forest sections teaches composition techniques about balancing different textures within single frames.

Paragliding activities at Vagamon provide action photography opportunities for beginners wanting to capture moving subjects. Colorful paragliders floating against blue skies & green hills create dynamic compositions with strong color contrasts. The elevated launch points offer panoramic photography positions where you can capture vast landscapes stretching toward distant mountains. Adventure sports participants often provide enthusiastic human subjects who add energy & excitement to landscape photographs. The combination of gentle topography, unique vegetation, & adventure activities makes Vagamon perfect for beginners exploring DIFFERENT photography styles.

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13. Marari Beach – UNTOUCHED Paradise for Peaceful Photography

Marari Beach offers beginner photographers a quieter alternative to Kerala’s more crowded coastal destinations. This pristine stretch of sand provides intimate photography settings where you can practice techniques without distractions from large tourist crowds. The beach’s natural, undeveloped character means authentic coastal compositions without modern buildings or commercial structures interfering with your shots.

Traditional fishing villages near Marari Beach provide cultural photography opportunities that showcase authentic Kerala coastal life. Fishermen repairing nets, boats being launched through surf, & families processing daily catches create genuine human interest subjects. These activities follow natural rhythms based on tides & weather, giving you multiple opportunities to capture the same subjects under different lighting conditions & circumstances.

The beach’s consistent wave patterns make it perfect for practicing motion photography techniques. You can experiment with different shutter speeds

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