There is a reason why our country is referred to as Incredible India. There are many incredible places all around the country that will take your breath away. But some of these places are best visited at night.
If you’re someone who loves the night and would rather enjoy places that shine bright in the dark, here are 26 places that will take your breath away if you visit after sundown.
1. Harmandir Sahib or The Golden Temple, Amritsar
What better time other than the night to watch the Golden Temple shine with all its holiness? This Gurudwara in Amritsar is one of the most beautiful, sublime locations to be at. It is beautiful round the clock but becomes all the more appealing after sunset.
2. The Taj Mahal, Agra
Waah, Taj! This archaic beauty simmers as subtly as the moon, especially at night. Once you witness it, you wouldn’t want to have the marble tomb out of your sight. No wonder it’s called the Crown of Palaces!
3. The Lotus Temple, Delhi
A white lotus that glimmers brighter than the stars above! This magnificent creation known as the Bahá’í House of Worship serves as the mother of all temples in the Indian subcontinent. You simply cannot miss the view.
4. The Gateway Of India, Mumbai
This gateway never sleeps, much like the city it’s located in. Whether it’s the 24*7 hustle-bustle or the mellow waves of the Arabian Sea, with plenty of fun-filled ferry rides, the Gateway of India is the place to be at, at dusk and after!
5. Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore
If you haven’t seen the Palace of Mysore glow in the dark, then you’re most definitely missing out in life. More than 100,000 lights unite to treat your eyes. It makes for a sight to remember!
6. Buddha Statue, Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
The world’s tallest monolith of Gautam Buddha placed in the center of the lake is a night’s charm. You not only witness a beautiful necklace of bright lights, but also get to watch the musical fountain of the Lumbini Park encircling the statue.
7. Neermahal, Tripura
Watching the lake palace of Tripura post sunset is nothing less than prepossessing. It was built in 1921 and yet, with all its old world charms, it develops into an incandescent fairy-tale mansion by the night.
8. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
A World Heritage Sight and one of the largest fortifications in the world, this fort discloses a honey-gold masque as the sun sets. It holds massive yellow sand stones together that ablaze into a uniform golden tint that you must witness at least once in your lifetime.
9. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
If you’re game for some dark green around you, Chikmagalur plantations is the place for you. With many comfortable home-stays available, you are in for a magical night, dancing with fireflies amidst shimmering spherical star-like lamps making it the perfect vacation spot in India.
10. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
The majestic fort of Golconda atop a 120 metre high granite hill is a mystical combination of beauty, joy and power. And in celebration of its dazzling glory, we get to watch the crowd-fulfilling sound and light show depicting the past of the fort. If you don’t find yourself there in between 7:00 – 8:00 pm on weekdays except Mondays (because it’s shut), you’ll be skipping a show worth watching!
11. Alleppey Houseboat, Kerala
The backwaters of Allepey is a massive 900 kilometre stretch of glamorous blue, above and below, for you to experience the best boat ride of your life. It will prove to be the best place for some effective soul-searching or simply a romantic night with your partner!
12. Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
A revered spot, which marks River Ganga’s exit from the Ghats and entrance into the plains, is nothing but spiritual. What makes it even better is the evening aarti with diyas and golden ringing bells in celebration of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The place also has a large footprint of Lord Vishnu engraved in a stone wall assuming his presence there based on the Vedic times.
13. Ambedkar Memorial Park, Lucknow
A memoir commissioned in the name of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was set up by the Bahujan Samaj Party when it was in power. The red sandstone, which was imported from Rajasthan for its construction, sells its beauty with a surreal reddish brown glow that come from the lights at night. A pretty sight indeed!
14. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
An extraordinary landmark of Jaipur created in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch life and processions of the city! Made of pink sandstone, it’s a five-storey, delicately laid honeycomb-like hive that scallops the night like no other. Visit this for a night full of royalties.
15. Lal Qila or The Red Fort, Delhi
This 300-year old fort, which also hoists the Indian Flag every year on August 15th, is complimented by its light and sound shows every evening. Located in the national capital, it is a must visit if you haven’t already!
16. Brindavan Gardens, Mysore
Not only are these famous terrace gardens known for their systematic design and beautiful layout, they’ve also been a backdrop to many Bollywood films. These were modeled after the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir and produce one of the best fountain shows you’ll watch in India.
17. Ujjayanta Palace, Tripura
Situated in the heart of Agartala City, this grandiose neo-classical style palace is a sight to behold at night. Most of the city’s hustle-bustle is found here that sets the mood for an eventful night!
18. The Maha-aarti, Varanasi Ghats
This beautifully choreographed ceremony performed by a group of young pandits draped in saffron, at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, is a symphony of classical bliss. It’s an evening undertaking that sets the entire city ablaze. You cannot be forfeiting this one, even if you’re not religious.
19. Brahmaputra River Side, Assam
Enjoying the sunset by the Brahmaputra river is like experiencing a cocoon of peace overpowering you in no time. The serenity will compel you to lose yourself for the rest of the night!
20. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
It’s a blend of British and Mughal architecture. As the night falls on Kolkata, this mesmerising structure illuminates into a mind-blowing fairy-tale atmosphere. The Royal Gallery along with notable collections of weapons, sculptors, paintings, maps, coins, stamps, artifacts, textiles etc. further add to its stature.
21. Jagat Niwas Or The Lake Palace, Udaipur
Located on the island of Jag Niwas, the Lake Palace is a luxury hotel with 83 rooms! It has been voted as the most romantic hotel in India and at night it simply outshines the rest of Udaipur. Even if you cannot view the interiors, a boat ride around is equally an experience to hold on to.
22. Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
As a testimony to the famed life and times of the Nizams of Hyderabad, this palace stands 2000 feet above the city, and is a glaring structure to skip your sight . Walking into it feels like a journey into the white clouds with an uncrowded courtyard ambiance to treasure for life!
23. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
This fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills overlooking the Pink City. To witness the royal shine of Jaipur, this is the place you should be at. It’s unbending and relaxing, and comes with a sparkling, out of the world view of Jaipur you simply cannot skip!
24. Marine Drive, Mumbai
The Queen’s Necklace is a stretch of marine-side hangout that rules the nights in Mumbai. You walk, talk, sleep or simply feel the cool seaside breeze brush past your skin, it’s completely your call. Every Mumbaikar is a living testimony of its luster and calm. You could be one of them too!
25. Beaches, Goa
While sunbathing is something all of us enjoy, the Goan nightlife is absolutely a notch above the rest of the world. Whether it’s the night clubs or the naturally life-absorbing beaches, there is nothing that you would regret after sunset! Time to make all your beach fantasies come true!
26. India Gate, New Delhi
The party at India Gate only starts after 6. From food stalls, balloons & toys stalls and cotton-candy vendors to the up-kept greenery and the shining Rashtrapati Bhawan standing opposite, this place has way too much to offer. Visiting it at night is like a glistening dream that you wouldn’t want to wake up from. Go right away!