Once the sun has set and the sky grows deep indigo, towns and cities across India feel alive and full of fun. You shouldn’t only sleep at night—it’s a time to explore the other sides of a place. You’ll find everything from amazing lights at forts to calm lakeside strolls for all kinds of travellers in India at night.
We show you where to go to discover interesting places at night. If you’re a night person, a couples traveller, a solo adventurer or someone else, these destinations will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Marine Drive, Mumbai: The Queen’s Necklace shines as one of India Best Night Spots
Marine Drive in Mumbai is affectionately named the Queen’s Necklace because at night its street lights sparkle like a string of pearls. Walking along this bend gives you a great break from the noisy city.
Groups of people from nearby and abroad crowd here to try the food, feel the breeze and experience the water’s calming sounds. It remains a famous location to see after sunset in Mumbai. The scenery from Nariman Point is simply amazing, so it’s popular among photographers.
Backlink tip: Find out about romantic things you can do in Mumbai at night.
2. Jaipur’s Nahargarh Fort Hays City Views That Shine
Overlooking the Aravalli Hills from below, Nahargarh Fort offers some of India’s finest views after dark. Jaipur’s illuminated streets give the area a dreamlike atmosphere if you visit the Padao Restaurant’s observation deck inside the fort.
Because of its rich history and an open balcony, the fort is just right for enjoying a relaxed evening with other people.
3. Among India Best Night Spots, Varanasi’s night ritual along the Ganges
Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi is the main point for spiritual events every evening, as priests put on a beautiful ceremony using fire, singing and worship. Many come together to see this happening by the Ganges every year.
Watching the lights tremble and the prayers being said together leaves me with great peace. To get the most out of the ceremony, rent a boat, relax and see it from the river.
4. The India Gate at New Delhi is literally glowing, making it one of India Best Night Spots
With all its lights shining at night, India Gate becomes a destination for people out for family fun, dates and photography. Outside shopping, those vendors sell snacks and souvenirs, with the wonderful golden light making everything seem nostalgic.
Whether you hit the road, walk or relax here in the evening, you’ll find a calm and patriotic atmosphere.
5. Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar Lake – Magical Love
Hussain Sagar Lake looks really lovely after sunset, as the lights and the huge Buddha statue illuminate it from inside. Visitors here enjoy family boat rides as well as eating on-board dinner cruises.
There’s a Laser Show at Lumbini Park that makes your evening at the lake more entertaining.
6. The Victoria Memorial at night in Kolkata – Stunning After Hours
While you can’t enter Victoria Memorial after the evening, the outside looks stunning when night falls. The white marble stands out against the darkness of the sky in the midst of green gardens and water features.
Sit down, take in the peace and listen as the colonial character of the city shares its history.
7. Golden Temple, Amritsar – Blessed and Beautiful
Lights shining off the Amrit Sarovar turn the Golden Temple into a place of quiet magic and holy feeling at night. You’ll find the temple is open late, so the evening is often calmer and more peaceful.
Don’t pass over the free karha prasad given at the temple and whenever you’re able, join the volunteers working at the temple youth.
8. Marine Drive, Kochi – Where the Marine meets the Backwaters
The atmosphere at Marine Drive in Kochi is very different. Because of its palm trees and bright lights, the promenade is ideal for spending your evenings, enjoying the ferries from a distance or sipping something local from a street side stall.
Enjoy watching the sunset on a cruise or sit below the Rainbow Bridge when it is all lit up by stars.
9. Hyderabad’s Charminar – Sights and Sounds of Market Time
There is plenty going on after dark in Charminar, with bazaars, delicious biryani and colourful bangles. Its lights make the monument stand out beautifully from the nearby chaos, making nighttime photography from this area perfect.
Walk through Laad Bazaar for a chance to pick up fun souvenirs.
10. Near Ridge, Shimla: Making it one of India Best Night Spots
Shimla’s Ridge looks quiet, chilly and adorable when it’s nighttime. When the church lights are on, I can see the dramatic colors of the colonial buildings in moonlight.
Grab yourself some warm hot chocolate, breathe in the outside air and look at the moonlit Himalayan peaks.
11. Walking Through The Modern Night Along The Sabarmati Riverfront
With good walkways, lighting and lots of places to sit, the Sabarmati Riverfront shows off today’s urban design. Cyclists and walkers love this place after dark because it is so pleasant.
You’ll also find that food trucks and live music are part of weekends there.
12. Restaurants at the Rooftops in India
Rooftop restaurants always have a place on any list of top night spots. In places like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Bangalore, you can enjoy both restaurants and friendly cafes on their unique rooftops.
I’ve pulled together a list of my top choices:
- Aer, Mumbai
- Jaipur’s Bar Palladio
- Skyye, Bangalore
- Bangalore’s 13th Floor
- An opportunity to discover: The top rooftop dining places in India.
13. Darjeeling’s Chowrasta is a quiet, pretty spot
Chowrasta gets quiet and misty in the evening hours of Darjeeling. Eerily dim street lights, steaming momos and a clean mountain breeze make the area peaceful. Everyone can enjoy the calm, from couples to hikers travelling alone.
14. Gandhi Chowk in Dalhousie – Enjoying Cosy Nights in a Colonial Atmosphere
Gandhi Chowk around Dalhousie is beautifully peaceful and bright after dark. These small spots or “cottage industries,” are brightly coloured. Calmly walk around and enjoy the smell of pine.
You can try a backlink idea by exploring India’s most scenic night-suited hill stations.
15. The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain – A Night of Religious Practise
Mahakaleshwar Temple is among a small number of Indian temples where prayers are performed all night long during celebrations. Being part of the morning Bhasma Aarti feels even stronger if you spend a whole night being led by your thoughts.
What’s more, stargazing at Spiti Valley and the Rann of Kutch is an extra bonus
If you’re looking for something different in the evenings, check out Spiti Valley or Rann of Kutch, as their skies are filled with the Milky Way. Because there is very little light pollution in these regions, they are popular with astronomers and photographers.
Hints for Discovering India in the Dark
- Stay on paths with good lighting and don’t end up in lonely or untested streets.
- Take a Uber or Ola taxi after 10 PM, since it’s the safest option.
- It’s better to have a power bank and small torch, especially when you are out at hill stations.
- Always obey the traditions of the place, more so at night at temples and religious spots.
- Be aware of when you can go, because there are monuments that close at 9 and some not till well after midnight.
Final Thoughts
There are spiritual places along riverbanks, glamorous venues on rooftops and tranquil walks in the mountains to find at night in India. Spending your nights in a city or a small Himalayan town will always make for different, special memories.
Instead of focusing only on what’s open in the daytime, try enjoying nighttime activities when you travel. See the splendour of India as you hear music, taste street food, experience nature and feel the culture!
