There’s something magical about watching the sun paint the sky with colors at dawn and dusk. Whether you’re a photographer, a romantic, or a peace-seeker — witnessing a sunrise or sunset at a beautiful location stays with you forever.
India, with its diverse terrain, offers some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets — from the Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches and desert sands.
Here’s a list of the most stunning sunrise and sunset spots in India that will leave you spellbound.
🌄 1. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu (Sunrise & Sunset)
Why it’s special:
The only place in India where you can witness both sunrise and sunset over the ocean.
Best Spot:
Vivekananda Rock Memorial or Sunset View Point
Travel Tip:
Reach early morning, and carry a wide-angle lens for perfect sea-sky shots.
🏝️ 2. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
Golden sands, clear waters, and a peaceful horizon make this one of Asia’s best beaches for sunsets.
Best Spot:
Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Travel Tip:
No commercial noise — just sit on the shore and soak in the calm.
🏔️ 3. Tiger Hill, Darjeeling (Sunrise)
Why it’s special:
See the first rays of the sun hitting Mt. Kanchenjunga — an unforgettable experience.
Best Spot:
Tiger Hill Viewpoint
Travel Tip:
Start early (around 4 AM) and wear warm clothes — it gets cold even in summer.
🏜️ 4. Thar Desert, Jaisalmer (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
The sun setting over endless golden dunes is surreal.
Best Spot:
Sam Sand Dunes (camel safari at sunset = must-do)
Travel Tip:
Stay overnight in a desert camp for cultural shows + sunset dinner.
🌊 5. Varkala Cliff, Kerala (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
Watch the sun dip into the Arabian Sea from atop a red laterite cliff — rare, peaceful, and dramatic.
Best Spot:
Varkala Cliff walkway
Travel Tip:
Combine with yoga or evening tea from cliffside cafés.
🏞️ 6. Nubra Valley, Ladakh (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
The desert meets mountains here — making sunsets absolutely cinematic.
Best Spot:
Diskit Monastery or anywhere near Hunder sand dunes
Travel Tip:
Sunsets are late (post 6:30 PM) — keep extra warm layers and enjoy in silence.
🗻 7. Mount Abu, Rajasthan (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
A hill station in the desert state — the Sunset Point here is legendary.
Best Spot:
Sunset Point, near Nakki Lake
Travel Tip:
Can be crowded — reach 1 hour early for best view.
🌄 8. Agumbe, Karnataka (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
Called the “Cherrapunji of the South”, Agumbe’s forested hills and cloudy skies give moody sunset vibes.
Best Spot:
Sunset Point, Agumbe Ghat
Travel Tip:
Great for monsoon lovers and photographers.
🧘 9. Varanasi Ghats, Uttar Pradesh (Sunrise)
Why it’s special:
The reflection of the rising sun over the Ganga — mixed with spiritual chants — is deeply moving.
Best Spot:
Assi Ghat (boat ride at sunrise)
Travel Tip:
Reach at 5 AM for sunrise aarti + best light for photos.
🌉 10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (Sunset)
Why it’s special:
Sunset behind the hills as Ganga flows through bridges — perfect for peace and reflection.
Best Spot:
Lakshman Jhula or Triveni Ghat
Travel Tip:
Stay back for the Ganga Aarti right after sunset.
📸 Bonus Tips for the Perfect Sunrise/Sunset Experience:
- Carry a good camera or smartphone tripod
- Use apps like “Sunrise Sunset Times” for exact timings
- Avoid noisy touristy crowds — explore hidden spots nearby
- Best months: October to March for most locations
- Don’t forget to just be present — even more than capturing the shot ❤️
🌅 Final Words:
Sunrise and sunset are nature’s poetry in motion — and in India, the stage is always spectacular. Whether you’re gazing from a mountain top or the edge of a sea cliff, these moments connect us to something deeper.
So next time you travel, don’t just plan where to go — plan when to watch the sky.
Because magic begins and ends with light ✨
