Delhi’s 5am magic lives by the Yamuna

At the crack of dawn, the Yamuna ghats in Delhi come alive with shifting skies and sweeping flocks of migratory birds, offering Delhi a rare moment of calm. From birding and boating to basking in the golden hour, the riverbank offers a quiet moment before the city breaks into its usual hustle.

‘Unlike remote wetlands, the ghats allow for closerange observation of gulls, terns & various wagtails’
Countless migratory birds arrive on the banks of the river, making Jamuna kinaare the perfect site for birders and photography enthusiasts.
Dr Rajesh Kalra, an avid birder, says, “Every winter, until March, thousands of blackheaded gulls (Siberian Gulls) and brown-headed gulls migrate from the harsh climates of northern Asia to these specific waters. Unlike more remote wetlands, the ghats allow for close-range observation of gulls, terns, and various wagtails, such as the citrine and white wagtails. The practice of feeding puffed rice by locals and tourists creates high-density clusters of birds, offering unique photographic and counting opportunities. Despite the visible pollution, the presence of these birds makes it a key site for urban birding and bird census activities.”

The ghat setting blends romance with cultural authenticity, blends romance with culture, making it perfect for shoots'
Ideal for capturing scenic pictures and reels, the Yamuna Ghat is popular for photo walks and prewedding shoots. “Yamuna ghat offers the perfect blend of human and nature subjects,” says Virendra Shekhawat, founder of Delhi Photography Club, who recently conducted a photowalk at Yamuna Ghat no 25.
This season, the ghat becomes a vibrant canvas for photography and storytelling, says lifestyle photographer Surya Chaturvedi. “The misty river in the backdrop with birds in motion creates a cinematic canvas, ideal for fashion and pre-wedding shoots. The soft natural light enhances skin tones and brings out fabric details beautifully. The muted pastel hues ensure outfits and emotions stand out without distraction. Along with these, the natural depth and movement add elegance and editorial richness to every frame. making visuals timeless,” he says.

Get the perfect click

• The best setting for DSLR is to put the camera on aperture priority – shutter speed around 800 to 1000
• Set the widest possible aperture. ISO 800 to 1000 shall help in capturing bird activity
• Opt for focus mode AF-C (Autofocus Continuous) and continuous shooting

— Inputs from Virendra Shekhawat, founder of Delhi Photography Club