Why it’s Special

There’s nothing quite like standing at the southernmost tip of India, watching the sun dip below a horizon where three great bodies of water—the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean—meet. The sky doesn’t just turn orange; it becomes a canvas of purple, pink, and gold. On my trip during Chitra Poornima (the full moon day in April/May), I witnessed the magic of the sun setting and the moon rising simultaneously. It was a truly spiritual experience.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to March for clear skies. April/May for the special sunset/moonrise phenomenon.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The Kanyakumari Sunset View Point near the ferry terminal is the most popular spot.
Photography Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the sea and sky. A tripod is essential for sharp low-light shots.
Nearby Attractions: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue.

2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Why it’s Special

The beauty of the barren is profound in the Great Rann of Kutch. As the sun sets, the endless white salt desert transforms, reflecting every fiery hue of the sky. The silence here is immense, broken only by the wind, making the visual spectacle feel even more personal and powerful. It feels like you’re on another planet entirely.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: During the Rann Utsav, from November to February.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The designated sunset point near the main tent city offers panoramic views.
Photography Tips: The white ground acts as a natural reflector, so you can capture amazing silhouettes. Experiment with perspective to emphasize the vastness.
Nearby Attractions: Kalo Dungar (Black Hill), local artisan villages like Hodka and Nirona.

2. Fort Kochi, Kerala

Why it’s Special

The sky in “God’s Own Country” becomes a dancing canvas of orange, pink, and yellow. The iconic silhouette of the Chinese fishing nets against the setting sun is a sight that has defined Kochi for centuries. Walking along the Mahatma Gandhi promenade, with the sea breeze and the sight of fresh fish being sold, makes for an unforgettable evening atmosphere.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: September to March.
Exact Viewpoint Location: Vasco da Gama Square, right by the Chinese fishing nets.
Photography Tips: This is a classic silhouette shot. Underexpose slightly to make the colors of the sky pop.
Nearby Attractions: St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town.

4. Matheran, Maharashtra

Why it’s Special

Matheran, a vehicle-free hill station, offers a true escape into nature. The trek to Porcupine Point (also known as Sunset Point) through the woods is part of the charm. From the vantage point, you get a panoramic view of lush greenery and distant cottages as the sky puts on a brilliant show of white, blue, yellow, orange, and red. It’s captivating.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to May.
Exact Viewpoint Location: Porcupine Point (Sunset Point).
Photography Tips: A panoramic mode on your phone or camera is perfect for capturing the sweeping vista.
Nearby Attractions: Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, a ride on the Matheran Hill Railway.

5. Pushkar, Rajasthan

Why it’s Special

Pushkar, one of India’s oldest living cities, provides a soulful view. The sunrise against the backdrop of the Aravalli Range is marvelous, and the sunset over the idyllic Pushkar Lake is just as mesmerizing, with the colourful sky reflected perfectly in the placid water. For a truly unique experience, a hot air balloon ride at dawn or dusk is unbeatable.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to March, especially during the Pushkar Camel Fair in November.
Exact Viewpoint Location: Any of the ghats around Pushkar Lake offer beautiful views. Sunset Point near the lake is also popular.
Photography Tips: Capture the reflection of the ghats and temples in the lake as the sun sets.
Nearby Attractions: Brahma Temple, Savitri Temple (for a great aerial view), exploring the market.

6. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Why it’s Special

As Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu is a peaceful holiday destination. The dedicated Sunset Point, southwest of Nakki Lake, draws crowds for a reason. The view of the sky transforming into a canvas of life and joy, with the Aravalli hills in the background, makes for a dream-like scene, especially for photography.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: Throughout the year, but October to February is most pleasant.
Exact Viewpoint Location: Sunset Point. Arrive early to get a good spot.
Photography Tips: The rolling hills provide excellent layers for a landscape shot.
Nearby Attractions: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Guru Shikhar.

7. Dal Lake, Kashmir

Why it’s Special

The “Jewel of Srinagar” has a charm all its own. There is nothing more iconic than being on a Shikara, gently gliding on the water as the sun sinks behind the mountains. The sky turns a beautiful saffron, reflecting on the lake and casting the decorated houseboats and other shikaras into beautiful silhouettes. It’s a moment of pure magic.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: May to September.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The best view is from a Shikara on the lake itself. Boulevard Road also offers great views.
Photography Tips: Frame the sunset with a Shikara or houseboat for a classic Kashmiri shot.
Nearby Attractions: Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine.

8. Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Why it’s Special

Watching the sunset from India’s largest fort is like watching history being painted in light. As the sun descends, it casts long, dramatic shadows across the ancient ruins, palaces, and towers. There’s a poignant beauty here, a sense of all the stories these walls have witnessed. It’s a moment of profound reflection amidst monumental history.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to March, when the weather is pleasant for exploring the fort.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The western ramparts of the fort, near the Kumbha Palace, offer unobstructed views.
Photography Tips: Frame your shots with the fort’s architectural elements to add a sense of scale and history.
Nearby Attractions: Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), Padmini’s Palace.

9. Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Why it’s Special

The solitude and pastoral calmness of this barren wilderness are regal. Here, the sun rises and sets from behind the massive sand dunes, making them seem like the sun’s home. During these golden hours, the entire desert is decorated in hypnotizing shades of orange, red, and yellow. A camel safari to the dunes for sunset is an essential Jaisalmer experience.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to March.
Exact Viewpoint Location: Sam Sand Dunes are the most popular. Khuri Sand Dunes offer a quieter alternative.
Photography Tips: Capture the ripples in the sand as leading lines towards the setting sun.
Nearby Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake.

10. Umiam Lake, Shillong

Why it’s Special

This beautiful man-made reservoir is a residence of alluring natural beauty. The romantic sight of the orange sun descending into the vast stretches of the ethereal lake is enigmatic. The sky looks astounding, with clouds that seem like cotton dipped in shades of red, orange, yellow, and golden. It’s a peaceful and breathtaking sight in the heart of Meghalaya.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: March to June and September to November.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The Umiam Lake Viewpoint along the Guwahati-Shillong road provides a great panorama.
Photography Tips: The still water offers perfect reflection shots.
Nearby Attractions: Water sports at the lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak.

11. Palolem Beach, Goa

Why it’s Special

While Goa has many beaches, Palolem’s crescent shape creates a natural amphitheater for the setting sun. The calm waters and the gentle flutter of palm leaves create a tranquil soundtrack. I loved finding a spot at a beach shack, feet in the sand, and watching the sky turn from blue to a fiery spectacle. It’s the quintessential Goan experience, but with a more peaceful vibe.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: November to February.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The southern end of the beach offers a great curve. For a unique perspective, take a boat trip to Butterfly Beach.
Photography Tips: Capture the reflections of the colourful fishing boats on the wet sand as the tide goes out.
Nearby Attractions: Silent Noise Club, kayaking in the backwaters, Agonda Beach.

12. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island

Why it’s Special

Often voted among the best beaches in Asia, Radhanagar is pristine and still relatively untouched by commercial exploitation. The combination of fine white sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of lush forest makes for an exquisite view. The sunset here is truly splendid and magical, offering a moment of pure, unspoiled natural beauty.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to May.
Exact Viewpoint Location: Anywhere along the main stretch of Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7).
Photography Tips: The contrast between the white sand, blue water, and green forest is stunning.
Nearby Attractions: Elephant Beach (for snorkeling), Kalapathar Beach.

13. Taj Mahal, Agra

Why it’s Special

I remember a cold winter evening at the Taj Mahal. With the Yamuna river in the background, seeing the white marble monument slowly get enveloped in shades of golden, then orange, then red, and finally getting lost in the darkness is one of the most magical sights one can witness. The hustle of the closing crowd and the chirping birds returning to their nests all add to the charm.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to March.
Exact Viewpoint Location: For the best view of the Taj itself during sunset, go to Mehtab Bagh, the garden complex across the river.
Photography Tips: The classic reflection shot from Mehtab Bagh is a must-do.
Nearby Attractions: Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj).

14. Ghats of Varanasi

Why it’s Special

The world’s oldest living city has an aura unlike any other. Watching the sun rise or set over the holy Ganges, with thousands of oil lamps, vibrant colours, and holy chants from the evening Ganga Aarti in the backdrop, is a sight beyond words. It’s a deeply spiritual and sensory experience that can only be felt.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: October to March.
Exact Viewpoint Location: A boat ride on the Ganges offers the best panoramic view of the sunset and the ghats. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main spot for the evening Aarti.
Photography Tips: Capture the atmosphere – the priests, the diyas, the devotees. It’s more than just a landscape.
Nearby Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, exploring the ancient alleyways.

15. Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir

Why it’s Special

This three-armed valley in the northeast of Ladakh is a land of stunning contrasts. The sight of the sun rising or setting against a backdrop of barren mountains, silver sand dunes (home to double-humped camels), and oasis-like green villages is both perplexing and enigmatic. The crisp air and the stark colours make for a truly unique high-altitude desert sunset.

Traveler’s Guide

Best Time of Year: June to September.
Exact Viewpoint Location: The sand dunes between Hunder and Diskit offer the best views.
Photography Tips: The contrast between the orange sky, purple mountains, and silver sands is breathtaking.
Nearby Attractions: Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Turtuk Village.