If you’re someone who believes magic begins at first light, then this list of sunrise places in India will make your heart race and your bucket list grow. From misty mountain peaks to hidden coastal gems, India offers some of the most spellbinding spots to watch the sky go from pitch-black to a riot of colors. Just imagine getting up super early (or maybe staying up the entire night) just to get the glimpse of a stunning sunrise, realising that the day could not have begun in a better way.
If that sounds like you, keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of 10 places to see sunrise in India – 5 touristy and the other 5 being hidden gems. Believe us, we at Explurger have seen nooks and crannies you haven’t even heard of!
5 Tourist-Loved Sunrise Places in India 2025
1. Tiger Hill, West Bengal
At over 8,400 ft, Tiger Hill is one of the most iconic sunrise places in India. People gather here early in the morning to catch the surreal spectacle of the Kanchenjunga peak turning golden, and on crystal-clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest. It’s not just about the sun, it’s the collective hush of the crowd, the layers of mist, and the slow awakening of the Himalayas that make this experience unforgettable.
How to get there:
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, then a 2.5-hour drive
2. Nandi Hills, Karnataka
A favorite among Bengaluru locals, Nandi Hills offers one of the most accessible and picturesque sunrise places in India. As dawn breaks, the hills are often wrapped in a blanket of clouds, creating a surreal sea-of-clouds effect that draws photographers and romantics alike. THE perfect spot to start your weekends in our (+9999999999999 billion people’s) opinion.
How to get there:
- Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (40 km)
- By Road: A long but LOVELY drive from Bengaluru; best to leave early morning (around 3-4 am)
3. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Ohhh, breakfast at the southernmost tip of India, anyone? The confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal with the Indian Ocean produces one of the most gorgeous picturesque sunrises in India, hell, the world!
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum (90 km)
By Train: Well-connected via Kanyakumari Railway Station
By Road: Easily accessible from major cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
4. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Imagine standing on an endless stretch of salt flats as the sun rises over the horizon, painting everything in golden hues. That’s what the Rann of Kutch offers: a stark yet stunning contrast that transforms into one of the most unusual sunrise places in India. Visit during the Rann Utsav (Nov–Feb) for cultural experiences, camel rides, and luxurious tent stays.
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Bhuj (70 km)
By Train: Bhuj is the closest railhead
5. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
So here’s the scene: stay up all night riding around the beautiful city of Shillong, maybe have a bonfire session, then head up to Umiam Lake for dawn- all is hushed, all is silent, and you feel the deepest sense of peace you’ve ever felt. As the sun rises, it spills warm light across the still waters, turning the lake into a giant mirror of gold and rose, something no picture can do justice to you’ll just have to see it for yourself. Add these sunrise places in India to your bucket list ASAP!
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (25 km) or Guwahati Airport (110 km)
By Road: A 30-minute drive from Shillong, located at the Shillong-Guwahati highway.
1. Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh
Tucked away in Kinnaur Valley, Kalpa is a peaceful village that offers jaw-dropping sunrise views in India over the Kinner Kailash range. With hardly any crowd, the experience feels raw and personal, just you, the mountains, and a slowly rising sun bathing everything in gold. If you want Himalayan beauty without the tourist buzz, Kalpa is your spot.
How to get there:
By Road: Long but scenic drive via NH5; regular buses from Shimla
2. Pamu Yalang, Ziro Valley
Ziro is itself a hidden gem, and this sacred place is known to only locals, you’ll hardly ever find Pamy Yalang on people’s bucket list- which is exactly why you oughta! Among the sunrise hills India that offer breathtaking views, this is by far one of the best contenders. Also called Hawk’s Rock, this is a sacred site to the Apatani tribe, offering a 180-degree view of the entire valley and transforming your morning into something actually worth remembering!
How to get there:
By Car: Drive from Itanagar to Ziro (115 km via NH13), then head to Bamin Michi Village.
By Bus: State-run and private buses run from Itanagar to Ziro (4–5 hrs). From Ziro bus station, take a taxi or auto to Bamin Michi Village and find yourself in one of the best sunrise places in India.
3. Japfü Peak, Nagaland
You might be familiar with Kohima because of the Hornbill Festival, but lying around are some stunning treks to gorgeous peaks, one of them being Japfü Peak, i.e., the second tallest peak in Nagaland! Located roughly 15 km south of Kohima, the trek to Japfü rewards you with an unforgettable sunrise, panoramic views of the famous Dzüko Valley, and a lush forest cloaked in tall rhododendrons.
How to Reach:
By Air/Rail: Land at Dimapur Airport or alight at Dimapur Railway Station; then drive to Kohima
Trailhead to Summit: Trek to the summit, either as a day-hike or with an overnight camp at a forest clearing to witness the magic of one of the most stunning sunrise places in India.
4. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
An abandoned ghost town and a sliver of land between India and Sri Lanka, Dhanushkodi is surreal. With waves on both sides, it feels like you’re standing at the edge of the world. And when the sun rises here, it casts hauntingly beautiful light over the ruins and the ocean. One of the most unique places to see sunrise in India, for sure.
How to get there:
By Air: Madurai (195 km)
By Train: Rameswaram is the nearest railhead
By Road: 20 km from Rameswaram; cabs or autos available
5. Kundadri Hill, Agumbe
Tucked away in the dense rainforests of the Western Ghats, Kundadri Hill is a hidden gem near Agumbe, Karnataka. Famous for its stunning sunrises, panoramic valley views, and ancient Jain heritage, this tranquil hilltop is a must-visit for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Kundadri Hill offers a soulful detour into Karnataka’s wilder, quieter side, offering the most serene sunrise views in India.
How to Reach:
By Road: Located around 20 km from Agumbe, hire a cab or drive yourself; it’s a scenic ride.
Nearest Railway Station: Udupi
Final Thoughts: Sunrise Places in India
Are you ready to ditch the crowd for something actually worthwhile? If you’re someone who believes magic begins at first light, then this list of sunrise places in India has to absolutely have made your heart race and your bucket list grow. Don’t wait, this is the time to actually live it.
All the hustle of your city life is bound to get tiring one day, and when that happens, Explurger will be there for more amazing recs! 😉
FAQ’S About Sunrise Places in India
2. Which city has the earliest sunrise in India?
Dong, Arunachal Pradesh experiences the earliest sunrise in India. Nestled near the easternmost edge of the country, the sun rises here around 4:30 AM in summer!
3. Which place in India is known as Rising Sun?
Dong village is popularly known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” in India because it receives the first rays of the sun in the country.