The night life in India is more than just roaming around in cities and shopping complexes, it is about seeing the beauty of the country under the cover of darkness also. Lights glitter like diamonds in city views, while moon casts a peaceful glamour on nature landscapes; here are 10 best places to visit in India at night.
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Best Places in India to Visit at Night
1. Marine Drive, Mumbai: The Queen’s Necklace
Why Visit: Marine Drive, famous by the name of “Queen’s Necklace”, is one of the most popular locations in Mumbai for night outs. The crescent shaped boulevard with palm trees illuminated along the road with thousands of lights, forms the shape of a shiny necklace when viewed aerially. The cool sea breeze, the sound of the waves, and the view of the city skyline makes it more attractive at night.
What to Do:
- Go coffee shopping along the promenade.
- Taste local foods from street vendors.
- Take a seat on the seawall and watch the sea waves as you admire the starry sky above you.
2. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur: A Royal Night View
Why Visit: The fort of Nahargarh is located on the highest point of the Aravalli and has the view of the city Jaipur at night. The fort itself is well illuminated at night and from the fort you can have a view of the entire pink city. Low light and the rawness of the surrounding make it ideal place for a serene evening.
What to Do:
- Try out a nice dinner at the rooftop restaurant located within the fort offering a view of the city.
- Take time to take some panoramic views of the city of Jaipur especially at night.
- Take a stroll around with the historical details of the fort in the evenings when the moon is up.
3. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata: A Glimpse of British Elegance
Why Visit: The Victoria Memorial, located in Kolkata, is an exquisite piece of British architectural design and looks all the grander when lit up at night. Overlooking the gardens and exposed to abundant sunlight, this white marble building is reflective in nature, further exemplified by the ponds nearby. Indeed, with its quiet and tranquil feel, it is an ideal place to visit at night.
What to Do:
- Stroll around the revealed well-lit gardens.
- Visit the light and sound show that enlighten people on the history of Kolkata.
- Spend your dinner observing the calmness around this historical structure.
4. Marine Drive, Kochi: Serenity by the Sea
Why Visit: Marine Drive in Kochi is simply a beautiful place to relax on a bench that faces the harbor and the backwaters of the city. The place is more beautiful at night, and the arrangement of the lights along the water body gives it a peaceful environment at night. It is a location that can be ideal for the evening stroll or a time to spend near the seashore.
Go for a houseboat tour on the backwaters.
What to Do:
- Go for a houseboat tour on the backwaters.
- Visit restaurants to taste various specialties of the country’s kitchen.
- Sit on the benches of the promenade and enjoy the passing boats.
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5. Varanasi Ghats: A Spiritual Night by the Ganges
Why Visit: Varanasi has numerous ghats and they are considered as sacred places and during the night time the feeling is overwhelming. The Ganga Aarti in the evening using lamps, singing and chanting, make the ghats shine in golden light. It is even better during the night time when the lights from the water also contribute to the atmosphere that has been charged with spiritual energy.
What to Do:
- Watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- The best is to take a boat ride on the Ganges river to see the ghats, especially at night when it is darker.
- Visit the little alleyways and the lively night bazaar around the area.
6. India Gate, Delhi: A Monument of National Pride
Why Visit: The view of India Gate, a war memorial in Delhi, is particularly magnificent during the night. It is ideal to visit the monument at night when it is well illuminated or take a stroll at the beautifully lit garden. The fresh wind blowing during the evening, plus the massive size of the monument, is peaceful and patriotic.
What to Do:
- Go for a stroll around the India Gate lawns.
- Try delicious ice cream in the local stores.
- Instantly recall history while sitting close the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame.
7. Howrah Bridge, Kolkata: The Lifeline of the City
Why Visit: Howrah Bridge is among the most iconic landmarks of Kolkata and looks remarkably beautiful when it is lit at night. The large monumental building is well lit at night and its reflection in the Hooghly River is quite beautiful to behold. It is quite different to be at the busy bridge while the water of the river below seems to be so serene.
What to Do:
- You should take a boat ride on the Hooghly River for the best view of the bridge.
- Take pictures of the bridge at night to capture its beauty and characteristic glow.
- Visit the Howrah areas and the Burrabazar which are filled with liveliness and bustling markets.
8. Golden Temple, Amritsar: A Spiritual Light
Why Visit: Amritsar, in the Punjab region, is one amongst the Best Places in India to Visit at Night. It has a golden temple which is a must see at any time but at night it is just spectacular. The temple is made of gold and is located near the Amrit Sarovar which is aesthetically enhanced by lights and offers religious feel. The water body adds a touch of beauty to the temple through the reflection of the temple on the surface of the water.
What to Do:
- Participate in the conducting of the evening prayers at the temple.
- Spend some time strolling along the water of the sacred pool and enjoying the temple’s reflection.
- Imagine the tranquillity that comes with sitting near the water body.
9. Gateway of India, Mumbai: A Night by the Arabian Sea
Why Visit: The Gateway of India is one of the important monuments and the identities of Mumbai. Photo 2 shows the structure at night with lights illuminating its height against the background of the Arabian Sea. It is full of street vendors, tourists, and the public, and so the environment around the Gateway is very active during the night.
What to Do:
- Visit the gateway through a waterway cruise.
- Take a walk along the promenade, breathe the sea air.
- Visit the Colaba Causeway for shopping and food.
10. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan: A Golden Fortress under the Stars
Why Visit: Jaisalmer Fort popularly known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort looks golden during the day as it is a world heritage site. However, if you take a look at it during the evening, it will appear like a shining castle under the night sky. The fort built out of yellowed sandstone is lit up and the darkness of the desert adds to the charm.
What to Do:
- Walk through the dimly-lit passages of the fort and the historical landmarks.
- Witness live Rajasthani Music and Dance inside the fort premises.
- Take a picture of the magnificent fort at a distance dressed in lights against the background of the night.
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Conclusion
However, the beauty of India does not disappear after the sun has gone to sleep; in fact, it transforms into something else. The Best Places in India to Visit at Night give a potential traveler a fusion of history, spirituality, and natural wonders that are even more fascinating at night. Whether you’re looking for a place to rest your head and enjoy the sound of the ocean, pray, or fancy a strong view, all of these places have one thing in common: gorgeous views at night. Therefore, the next time you visit India, try to visit these sites after sunset to feel the versatility, charm and versatility of India.