8 Scenic Road Trips in India for Sunset Lovers

There’s something magical about sunsets — that fleeting moment when the sky turns into a canvas of gold, crimson, and violet hues. For travelers, few experiences can match the serenity of watching the sun dip below the horizon after a long, scenic drive. India, with its diverse geography and poetic landscapes, offers some of the most spectacular routes for sunset chasers.

Whether it’s the coastal stretches of Goa, the desert trails of Rajasthan, or the misty ghats of the Western Hills — these eight road trips promise unforgettable golden-hour moments. So, fasten your seatbelt, turn up your favorite playlist, and get ready to hit the road.

1. Mumbai to Goa – The Coastal Paradise Route

Distance: ~590 km
Best Time: October to February
Route: Mumbai – Lonavala – Satara – Kolhapur – Amboli – Goa (NH 66)

The Mumbai–Goa road trip has long been India’s ultimate coastal journey, and for sunset lovers, it’s pure bliss. As you drive down the palm-fringed highways of NH 66, the Arabian Sea plays peek-a-boo along the horizon. The route itself offers several stops where you can pull over to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Amboli Ghat: Known as the ‘Queen of Ghats,’ it offers breathtaking valley views as the sun sets behind the lush hills.
• Chapora Fort, Goa: The fort made famous by Dil Chahta Hai gives a panoramic view of the sun sinking into the Arabian Sea.
• Vagator Beach: Grab a coconut drink and watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange.

Why it’s special:
Few routes combine coastal charm, winding ghats, and sea-view sunsets as gracefully as the Mumbai–Goa highway. Each sunset feels like a curtain call at the end of a cinematic day.

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2. Chennai to Pondicherry – East Coast Road (ECR)

Distance: ~160 km
Best Time: November to March
Route: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kalpakkam – Pondicherry

This short yet iconic drive is one of the most scenic routes in South India, running parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The East Coast Road (ECR) is tailor-made for sunset enthusiasts. As you cruise along the smooth highway, you’re constantly treated to glimpses of the shimmering sea.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Mahabalipuram Shore Temple: Watch the sun set behind ancient rock carvings and sea waves.
• Alamparai Fort: A quiet coastal ruin where the setting sun reflects off tranquil waters.
• Rock Beach, Pondicherry: End your day watching the sun’s final rays dance on the French-style promenade.

Why it’s special:
The ECR’s charm lies in its simplicity — palm trees, breezy sea air, and pastel-hued skies at dusk. It’s a favorite among photographers and bikers alike.

3. Jaipur to Jaisalmer – The Desert Mirage Drive

Distance: ~560 km
Best Time: November to February
Route: Jaipur – Nagaur – Jodhpur – Pokhran – Jaisalmer

A road trip through Rajasthan’s golden sands is like driving through a painting. The barren yet beautiful Thar Desert transforms dramatically during sunset, turning the dunes into molten gold. This route from Jaipur to Jaisalmer offers long stretches of open road, ancient forts, and postcard-perfect skies.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur: From the ramparts, watch the sun cast a warm glow on the blue city below.
• Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer: Possibly India’s most iconic desert sunset spot. Camel rides and folk music make the experience unforgettable.
• Gadisar Lake: The setting sun reflecting on the still waters creates a mirror of gold.

Why it’s special:
Nowhere else in India does the sky feel this vast. The desert amplifies every hue of the sunset, making each evening feel infinite.

4. Bangalore to Coorg – The Coffee Trail Escape

Distance: ~270 km
Best Time: September to March
Route: Bangalore – Ramanagara – Mysuru – Kushalnagar – Coorg

Rolling hills, aromatic coffee estates, and misty air make the Bangalore–Coorg drive one of South India’s most refreshing getaways. As the sun begins to dip, the hills of Coorg glow in orange light, and the scent of coffee fills the air.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Raja’s Seat, Madikeri: A legendary sunset viewpoint with breathtaking valley views.
• Mandalpatti Viewpoint: Accessible by jeep, it offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats under the setting sun.
• Harangi Backwaters: A tranquil spot perfect for unwinding after a long drive.

Why it’s special:
Few things rival sipping locally brewed coffee while watching the sun set over rolling plantations — a sensory delight in every way.

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5. Guwahati to Shillong – Through the Clouds

Distance: ~100 km
Best Time: October to May
Route: Guwahati – Nongpoh – Umiam Lake – Shillong

This short yet stunning drive through Meghalaya’s mist-clad hills is straight out of a dream. The road snakes through pine forests and cloud-covered valleys, making it one of the most scenic routes in Northeast India.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Umiam Lake (Barapani): The lake reflects every color of the sky, creating one of India’s most photogenic sunset views.
• Shillong Peak: Offers panoramic views of the city bathed in golden light.
• Laitlum Canyons: Known as the “End of Hills,” it’s a must-visit for a breathtaking sunset.

Why it’s special:
Here, sunsets come with a twist — often veiled by mist and clouds, turning the sky into an ethereal blend of gold and silver.

6. Manali to Leh – The Himalayan Odyssey

Distance: ~480 km
Best Time: June to September
Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Sarchu – Pang – Leh

One of the most thrilling road trips in the world, the Manali–Leh highway offers high-altitude passes, surreal landscapes, and soul-stirring sunsets. The changing terrain—from lush green valleys to barren Himalayan deserts—makes every sunset distinct.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Rohtang Pass: Watch the golden glow melt over snow-capped peaks.
• Sarchu Plains: The vast open land allows the sun to dominate the horizon.
• Leh Palace: Offers sweeping views of the entire Leh Valley under a crimson sky.

Why it’s special:
The thin mountain air, stillness of the high passes, and fiery sunsets create an almost spiritual experience for travelers.

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7. Puri to Konark – The Golden Triangle of Odisha

Distance: ~35 km
Best Time: October to March
Route: Puri – Konark via Marine Drive

Don’t let the short distance fool you — the coastal road from Puri to Konark is one of India’s most photogenic stretches. Flanked by casuarina forests on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other, it offers countless spots for catching a mesmerizing sunset.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Chandrabhaga Beach: Known for its tranquil beauty, it’s considered one of the best places in India to watch the sun meet the sea.
• Konark Sun Temple: Though primarily known for sunrise views, the temple’s golden hues at sunset are equally stunning.
• Puri Beach: End your journey watching the evening sky mirrored in the waves.

Why it’s special:
This drive feels poetic — a journey between two temple towns, guided by the rhythm of the ocean and the glow of the setting sun.

8. Munnar to Alleppey – Tea Hills to Backwaters

Distance: ~170 km
Best Time: September to February
Route: Munnar – Neriamangalam – Kottayam – Alleppey

Kerala’s landscape transforms as you drive from the misty tea gardens of Munnar to the serene backwaters of Alleppey. The route is a sensory feast — fragrant plantations, shimmering rivers, and charming villages. But it’s at sunset that this road truly comes alive.

Sunset Hotspots:

• Top Station, Munnar: Overlooks the Western Ghats with dramatic sunset views above the clouds.
• Vembanad Lake, Alleppey: Watch the sun sink into the calm backwaters as houseboats drift lazily by.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A haven for nature lovers, especially during golden hour.

Why it’s special:
The contrast of mountain sunsets and watery horizons on a single trip makes this one of India’s most scenic drives.

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Tips for Sunset Road Trippers

1. Time your drive: Start early so you can reach your sunset spot at least 30 minutes before golden hour.
2. Carry essentials: Sunglasses, a good camera, water, and a blanket if you plan to sit outdoors.
3. Avoid crowded viewpoints: Explore lesser-known spots or ask locals for hidden vantage points.
4. Use navigation apps with offline maps: Some remote areas may lack network coverage.
5. Stay overnight: Extend your trip and watch both sunrise and sunset for a complete experience.

Conclusion: The Road to Golden Horizons

Sunsets remind us that every ending can be beautiful — and what better way to celebrate that beauty than from the open road? India’s diverse landscapes offer countless backdrops for golden-hour chases — from desert dunes to coastal cliffs and high mountain passes.

Each of these eight road trips offers a different shade of sunset — tranquil, dramatic, fiery, or reflective. So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and set out on a journey where the destination isn’t just a place, but a moment — when the sky blushes, the world slows down, and time stands still.

Because for true sunset lovers, the best view is always just a drive away.

FAQ on Scenic Road Trips in India for Sunset Lovers

1. Why is India perfect for sunset road trips?

India’s vast geography — from beaches and deserts to hills and plateaus — offers stunning sunset backdrops across every region. Whether it’s the golden dunes of Rajasthan, the coastal roads of Goa, or the mountain passes of Himachal, sunset views here are a treat for every road tripper.

2. Which are the best scenic road trips in India for sunset views?

Some of the most beautiful routes for sunset lovers include:

• Mumbai to Goa (NH66): Stunning coastal sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
• Leh to Nubra Valley (Ladakh): Sunset over cold deserts and high passes.
• Rann of Kutch (Gujarat): The white salt desert glows pink and gold at dusk.
• Jaipur to Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): Perfect desert sunsets along the Thar.
• Puri to Konark Marine Drive (Odisha): A seaside route lined with palm trees.
• Munnar to Thekkady (Kerala): Hilltop sunsets over rolling tea gardens.
• Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram (ECR, Tamil Nadu): Coastal sunsets and serene vibes.

3. What’s the best time of year to plan a sunset road trip in India?

The post-monsoon to winter months (October to February) are ideal. Skies are clear, temperatures are comfortable, and sunsets are vivid. In deserts or mountains, you’ll get the most dramatic colors during this period.

4. What are some must-have essentials for a sunset road trip?

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A good camera or smartphone
• Portable charger and car mount
• Snacks and water
• A map or GPS app
• Lightweight jacket or shawl for evening chills

5. Can you recommend some sunset viewpoints en route?

Absolutely!

• Marine Drive, Mumbai (NH66 route)
• Tiger Hill, Darjeeling (Siliguri-Darjeeling route)
• Sunset Point, Mount Abu (Udaipur–Mount Abu road)
• Thol Lake, Gujarat (Ahmedabad–Thol route)
• Varkala Cliff, Kerala (Trivandrum–Varkala coastal drive)

6. Are there any romantic road trips for couples who love sunsets?

Yes! Try:

• Manali to Solang Valley: Cozy mountain drives and alpine sunsets.
• Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh: Regal roads through Aravalli hills.
• Goa’s coastal routes: Beachside cafés and golden-hour serenity.
• Kanyakumari coastal loop: Witness the sun set into three seas at once!

7. What safety tips should travelers keep in mind during sunset drives?

• Avoid driving after dark in remote areas.
• Check fuel and tyre pressure before departure.
• Keep headlights, fog lamps, and emergency kits in working order.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks during long drives.
• Always inform someone of your route and expected return time.

8. Are there any offbeat routes lesser-known for sunset lovers?

Yes! Hidden gems include:

• Chikmagalur to Agumbe Ghat (Karnataka): Known as the “Sunset Point of the South.”
• Shillong to Dawki (Meghalaya): Misty hills glowing under evening light.
• Tawang to Bumla Pass (Arunachal Pradesh): Sunsets over the Eastern Himalayas.
• Spiti Valley loop (Himachal Pradesh): Stark mountain landscapes bathed in amber hues.

9. How can photographers make the most of sunset road trips?

• Use the golden hour (30 minutes before and after sunset) for perfect lighting.
• Experiment with silhouettes against the sky.
• Capture reflections on water or glass.
• Use a tripod for stable long exposures.

10. What are some budget-friendly ways to enjoy sunset road trips?

• Rent a self-drive car or bike with friends to share costs.
• Carry your own food and camping gear.
• Opt for homestays or local guesthouses.
• Use free sunset spots instead of ticketed viewpoints.

11. Can I plan a sunset road trip as a solo traveler?

Definitely! Sunset drives are perfect for solo travelers seeking peace and introspection. Choose well-connected routes, travel in daylight, and stay in trusted accommodations. Coastal routes in Goa, Kerala, and Himachal are great for solo sunset drives.

12. Which Indian state offers the most diverse sunset drives?

Maharashtra and Kerala top the list — Maharashtra for its coast-meets-hill routes (like Lonavala, Alibaug, and Ratnagiri) and Kerala for backwaters, beaches, and misty highlands offering different sunset moods.