If there’s any magic in this world, it’s in the way that light waves travel long distances from the sun and scatter in hundreds of directions, just to put on a show in the sky. As the year draws to a close, we’re booking front row seats to the most stunning sunsets to grace the Indian skies, with a visit to these popular spots. By Eshita Srinivas
A streak of mellow orange here, a splash of flaming red there, sunsets often look like the canvas of an artist at the peak of their creative expression. And this is a form of art that even the most sharp-eyed critics would appreciate. Some have even crossed oceans to capture the beauty of a sunset across different topographies. But if you’re in India, you don’t have to go too far to have your breath taken away by a myriad of colours. From Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, we’ve curated a list of the best spots in the country that you can head to, to watch the last sunset of 2022.
Head to these spots in India to watch the last sunset of 2021
1. Dal Lake, Kashmir
Lined by lush gardens built in the Mughal era and home to canopied houseboats and floating flowers, Dal lake is beautiful at all times of the day. But it’s when the sun drops lower during the dawn and pierces the serene atmosphere with a range of fiery shades that the charm of the place goes up by several notches.
2. Varkala Beach, Kerala
God’s own country is home to this quiet beach city where the hills meet the Arabian sea. And at dawn, the silhouettes and colours of the setting sun dancing across the cliff and the water make for a stunning sight. You could sit back and watch it all happen with a beer in hand at one of the restaurants on the cliff or make your way down to the sand to hear the song of the ocean as you watch the sky’s colours shift.
3. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
Often compared to the picturesque lakes of Scotland, Shillong’s Umiam lake offers panoramic views of the lush East Khasi Hills. Once you’ve hopped on a boat to explore the emerald waters, head on over to the shore to watch the waters shimmer and the sky blush as the sun dips behind the hills.
4. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman
Lined with palm trees and surrounded by the quiet sound of the ocean, Radhanagar beach on Havelock Island is believed to be one of the best beaches in the country. It just so happens to also be a great spot to watch the setting sun as it scatters shades of red across the turquoise ocean waters. Head on over here a few hours before dusk to find the best spot to lay on.
5. Chittorgarh fort, Rajasthan
Steeped in history, the architecture of this spot draws people from across the world. Spread across 700 acres and standing tall atop a hill, the walls of Chittorgarh fort hold stories to keep you engaged for the greater part of a day. Stick around for the sunset, which is when the sky turns a deep shade of red-orange and makes the surroundings look like a scene from a feature film.
6. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
Perhaps one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset, this symbol of romance is an architectural marvel and, as such, is quite crowded at most times of the day. When dusk arrives, the chatter of the crowd and sounds of cameras clicking away fade into the distance as the white marble takes on the hue of the shifting colours and the moon slowly makes its way over the monument. Some recommend gathering across the Yamuna river at the Mehtab Bagh gardens to witness the sunset over the Taj Mahal from a distance.
7. Palolem beach, Goa
Capturing the calm and serene aura of South Goa, Palolem beach is known for its unique crescent shape, which makes it possible for visitors to look at both ends of the area from the centre, where rocks reach for the ocean waters. You could spend hours letting the sea breeze hit your face and the salty water tickle your toes. But the moment that you’ll take back home with you is when the sun sets over the ocean, its light making silhouettes across the palm trees and beach shacks.
8. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Considered one of the most beautiful places in the country, the monsoon months see this region completely submerged in seawater until it later transforms dramatically into a white salt desert. The pale sands act as a blank canvas for the colours of the sunset. Naturally, every visit here demands that you stick around until dawn, lest you miss out on the tete-a-tete of two of nature’s most breathtaking creations. Take a walk across the dry land and take in its serenity while being bathed in the colours of the sunset when you’re here.
9. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
All the way down to the southernmost tip of the country, most visit Kanyakumari to take in the miraculous sight of the Arabian Sea merging with the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. But that’s not the only magic that happens in this part of the earth. As the sun dips over the seemingly endless horizon, it casts a blanket of yellow-orange over the water. On full moon days, visitors can witness the moon take its place in the sky at the same time as when the sun leaves its post. Truly, a spot for spectacles.
We know where we’re heading to witness the last dawn of the year, do you?
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Eshita Srinivas
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