11 Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Delhi (2026 Guide)
Find Delhi's best sunrise and sunset spots, with timings, nearest metro stations and practical tips for planning your visit in 2026.
The best places to watch sunrise in Delhi are Yamuna Ghat, Lodhi Garden and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. For sunset, head to Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas lake, Lodhi Garden, Sunder Nursery or India Gate — 11 spots below, split into sunrise and sunset sections.
But there is one important thing to know before planning.
Not every monument opens early enough for sunrise — Jama Masjid's tourist hours, for example, normally begin around 7 AM — so check the access and opening-time notes for each place below before visiting.
Delhi's sunrise and sunset times change by almost two hours between summer and winter. A place that works perfectly at 7 AM in December may already be well past sunrise at the same time in June.
For the best photographs, try to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before sunrise or 45 to 60 minutes before sunset.
If photography is your priority, also see our guide to the most photogenic places in Delhi.
For weather, seasons, fog and heat, read the best time to visit Delhi.
Best Sunrise and Sunset Places in Delhi at a Glance#
| Place | Best For | Nearest Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Yamuna Ghat | Sunrise, birds, boats | Kashmere Gate + auto/cab |
| Lodhi Garden | Sunrise and sunset | Jor Bagh |
| Mehrauli Archaeological Park | Sunrise, ruins | Qutab Minar + auto/walk |
| Humayun's Tomb | Sunset, Mughal architecture | JLN Stadium / Jangpura |
| Sunder Nursery | Relaxed sunset, gardens | JLN Stadium + short auto |
| India Gate and Kartavya Path | Sunset and blue hour | Central Secretariat |
| Agrasen ki Baoli | Late-afternoon architecture | Barakhamba Road |
| Jama Masjid | Early morning, not exact sunrise | Jama Masjid |
| Qutub Minar complex | Sunset on the minar | Qutab Minar + auto |
| Hauz Khas lake | Sunset over water, cafes after | Hauz Khas + walk |
| Purana Qila lake | Easy evening, boating, families | Supreme Court + auto |
Best overall sunrise#
Yamuna Ghat in winter
Easiest sunrise for a first-time visitor#
Lodhi Garden
Best monument at sunset#
Humayun's Tomb
Best free sunset spot#
Lodhi Garden or India Gate
Best relaxed sunset#
Sunder Nursery
What Time Is Sunrise and Sunset in Delhi?#
Do not use a fixed time such as "6 AM sunrise" throughout the year.
Delhi's daylight changes considerably by season.
| Season | Approx. Sunrise | Approx. Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Winter, Dec-Jan | 6:50-7:15 AM | 5:20-5:50 PM |
| Spring, Feb-Mar | 6:15-7:00 AM | 6:00-6:40 PM |
| Summer, Apr-Jun | 5:20-6:00 AM | 6:45-7:25 PM |
| Monsoon, Jul-Sep | 5:30-6:10 AM | 6:10-7:20 PM |
| Autumn, Oct-Nov | 6:10-6:50 AM | 5:25-6:05 PM |
Around June, Delhi's earliest sunrises can be close to 5:22 AM, while sunset can stretch beyond 7:20 PM.
In December, sunrise is closer to 7 AM and sunset can be around 5:23 PM.
Best Places to Watch Sunrise in Delhi#
Our top sunrise picks: Yamuna Ghat for photography, Lodhi Garden for an easy first visit, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park for ruins without crowds. Details for each are below.
1. Yamuna Ghat: Best Sunrise Photography in Delhi#
Best for: boats, silhouettes, birds, reflections and winter mist Best season: November to February Cost: Free to visit the public ghat area Nearest practical metro: Kashmere Gate, followed by an auto or cab
For photographers, Yamuna Ghat is probably Delhi's most dramatic sunrise location.
The river faces the morning light, creating silhouettes of boats against an orange sky. During the cooler months, migratory birds can add another layer to photographs.
This is the Delhi sunrise scene you often see on Instagram and travel photography pages.
However, the famous photographs with hundreds of birds are not guaranteed throughout the year. Bird activity is strongest during the winter migration season.
When to arrive at Yamuna Ghat#
Reach about 30 minutes before sunrise.
That means roughly:
- 5:00 AM in early summer
- 5:30-6:00 AM during autumn
- 6:30-6:45 AM in winter
How to reach Yamuna Ghat#
The exact sunrise is often earlier than Delhi Metro's first useful train, particularly during summer.
For a true sunrise visit, a pre-booked cab or auto is often easier.
During winter, when sunrise happens near 7 AM, metro plus auto becomes more practical.
Photography tip#
Stand facing east with the river between you and the rising sun. Arrive before the sun appears so you can photograph the blue-to-orange transition.
2. Lodhi Garden: Best Easy Sunrise for First-Time Visitors#
Best for: tombs, greenery, walking and easy photography Cost: Free Nearest metro: Jor Bagh Time needed: 60-90 minutes
If this is your first trip to Delhi and you want a simple sunrise plan, Lodhi Garden is easier than Yamuna Ghat.
The garden combines large lawns, trees, walking paths and 15th and 16th century tombs.
Morning light passes through trees and arches, giving you plenty of photography options without needing to travel to an isolated riverside location.
Lodhi Garden opening time#
From 1 April to 30 September, Lodhi Garden normally opens at 5:00 AM.
From 1 October to 31 March, it normally opens at 6:00 AM.
It closes around 8:00 PM.
That means Lodhi Garden works for sunrise during most of the year.
Best photography areas#
Look around:
- Mohammed Shah's Tomb
- Bara Gumbad
- Shish Gumbad
- the lake and bridge area
- tree-lined paths between the monuments
It is also one of the easiest places in Delhi to combine photography with a peaceful morning walk.
Read our Lodhi Garden vs Sunder Nursery guide if you are choosing between the two.
3. Mehrauli Archaeological Park: Best Sunrise Among Ruins#
Best for: ruins, arches, tombs and fewer crowds Nearest metro: Qutub Minar Best time: Early morning Time needed: 1.5-3 hours
Mehrauli Archaeological Park feels completely different from central Delhi.
The large archaeological landscape contains centuries of ruins, tombs, stepwells and old pathways close to the Qutub Minar area.
The park is particularly good in early morning because the low sun creates strong shadows through broken arches and stone structures.
Popular places inside and around the park include Balban's Tomb, Jamali Kamali, Rajon ki Baoli and Quli Khan's Tomb.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park timings#
Delhi Tourism currently lists the park at approximately 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open all days.
Because the park opens early, it can work very well for sunrise.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park entry fee#
The park is no longer universally free.
Current DDA rates include approximately:
| Visitor | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| General public | ₹50 |
| Senior citizens above 60 | ₹25 |
| Foreign nationals | ₹200 |
Prices can change, so check the latest rate before visiting.
Since May 2026, DDA parks and heritage sites including Mehrauli Archaeological Park charge no entry fee till 10 AM, so an early-morning or sunrise visit is currently free. Verify the arrangement on the day of travel.
How to reach#
Take the Yellow Line to Qutub Minar Metro Station.
From there, use an auto or walk depending on which park entrance and monument you want to start from.
The archaeological park is large, so do not assume every monument is a 10-minute walk from the metro.
Read our full guide on whether Mehrauli Archaeological Park is worth visiting.
4. Jama Masjid: Best Early-Morning Old Delhi Photography#
Best for: architecture, pigeons, Old Delhi atmosphere and street photography Nearest metro: Jama Masjid or Chawri Bazaar Cost: Entry to the mosque is generally free
Jama Masjid often appears on lists of Delhi sunrise locations, but there is an important problem:
Tourist visiting hours generally begin around 7:00 AM.
In summer, Delhi sunrise can happen before 5:30 AM, so you cannot rely on entering the courtyard for the actual sunrise.
Instead, treat Jama Masjid as an early-morning photography location, not a guaranteed sunrise viewpoint.
Around 7 AM, the area is considerably calmer than it becomes later in the day.
You can photograph the mosque exterior, surrounding lanes and the beginning of morning activity around Old Delhi.
Tourists should avoid prayer periods and dress respectfully.
Read our Jama Masjid visitor and etiquette guide before going.
Best Places to Watch Sunset in Delhi#
Our top sunset picks: Humayun's Tomb for Mughal architecture, Sunder Nursery for a relaxed garden evening, and India Gate for a free iconic sunset. Details for each are below.
1. Humayun's Tomb: Best Monument Sunset in Delhi#
Best for: Mughal architecture and golden-hour photography Timings: Sunrise to sunset Nearest metro: Jangpura or JLN Stadium, followed by a short auto Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
If you want one classic Delhi monument for sunset photography, choose Humayun's Tomb.
The red sandstone, white marble dome, arches and formal gardens become warmer as the sun gets lower.
The best light usually begins around 45 to 60 minutes before sunset.
Do not arrive at the official sunset time. The monument is a sunrise-to-sunset site, so you need enough time to enter and explore before closing.
Humayun's Tomb entry fee#
Delhi Tourism currently lists approximately:
| Visitor | Entry |
|---|---|
| Indian visitor | ₹40 |
| Foreign visitor | ₹600 |
Ticket rates can be revised, so verify the current ASI ticket price before your visit. Online tickets are usually priced slightly lower than counter tickets.
Best photo strategy#
Enter around 90 minutes before sunset.
Explore the gardens first, then position yourself around the main tomb as the light becomes warmer.
This gives you time to photograph both wide symmetrical views and details in the arches.
2. Lodhi Garden: Best Free Sunset in Delhi#
Best for: golden hour, tombs and quiet evening walks Cost: Free Nearest metro: Jor Bagh Opening time: Normally 5 AM (Apr-Sep) / 6 AM (Oct-Mar), closes around 8 PM — see the sunrise section above
Lodhi Garden is not only a sunrise location.
It is also one of the best free places in central Delhi for golden hour and sunset.
The combination of old tombs and large trees creates softer photographs than the open landscapes around India Gate.
Best time#
Arrive around one hour before sunset.
Stay until the sky begins turning blue after the sun goes down.
Because the garden closes around 8 PM, sunset is comfortable even during Delhi's longer summer evenings.
Why choose Lodhi over India Gate?#
Choose Lodhi Garden if you want:
- greenery
- historical architecture
- quieter photographs
- less traffic around you
- an easy walk
Choose India Gate if you want a more iconic Delhi city scene.
3. Sunder Nursery: Best Relaxed Sunset#
Best for: gardens, monuments, lakes and picnics Location: Next to Humayun's Tomb Nearest metro: JLN Stadium, then a short auto ride Entry: Paid Best time: 1-2 hours before sunset
Sunder Nursery is one of Delhi's strongest sunset choices if you do not want to rush between monuments.
It combines landscaped gardens, water features, restored monuments and large open lawns.
It also stays open later than many ASI monuments, making the experience less stressful around sunset.
Current official ticket prices are approximately:
| Visitor | Entry |
|---|---|
| Indian / SAARC adult | ₹50 |
| Child age 5-12 | ₹25 |
| Foreign visitor | ₹200 |
| Child under 5 | Free |
Opening hours can change seasonally.
In summer, the official Sunder Nursery site currently lists opening from 7 AM to 10 PM, with last entry earlier in the evening.
Always check current timings before going.
Humayun's Tomb or Sunder Nursery for sunset?#
Choose Humayun's Tomb for iconic Mughal architecture.
Choose Sunder Nursery for a slower evening with gardens, walking and more time after sunset.
You can also visit both on the same day because they are next to each other.
See how to reach Humayun's Tomb and Sunder Nursery by metro for exact station exits and the last stretch.
4. India Gate and Kartavya Path: Best Sunset for Iconic Delhi Views#
Best for: city atmosphere, landmark photography and evening walks Cost: Free Nearest metro: Central Secretariat Best time: Sunset through blue hour
India Gate works best when you treat sunset as the beginning of the visit, rather than the end.
Arrive before sunset to see the changing light around Kartavya Path.
Then stay into the early evening when India Gate and the surrounding ceremonial area are illuminated.
This gives you two different looks:
Golden hour: warmer sky and softer daylight Blue hour: deep blue sky with illuminated monuments
For first-time visitors, this is one of the easiest sunset experiences because you do not have to worry about a monument ticket counter closing at sunset.
Read our complete India Gate and Kartavya Path guide.
5. Agrasen ki Baoli: Best for Late-Afternoon Shadows#
Best for: architecture, steps, symmetry and shadows Cost: Free Nearest metro: Barakhamba Road or Rajiv Chowk
Agrasen ki Baoli is not a traditional open-horizon sunset viewpoint.
You will not get a large sunset over Delhi's skyline.
What makes it interesting is the way late-afternoon sunlight falls across the stone steps and arches.
This creates strong lines, shadows and contrast that work especially well for architectural photographs.
Delhi Tourism lists the monument as open from sunrise to sunset, so arrive well before sunset rather than at the last minute.
Best time#
Try roughly 60 to 90 minutes before sunset.
After visiting, you can walk towards Connaught Place for dinner or continue toward India Gate for evening views.
6. Qutub Minar Complex: Best Sunset on the Minar#
Best for: the minar glowing in low sun, iron pillar, cloistered ruins Entry: ₹35 Indian / ₹550 foreign, open sunrise to sunset Nearest metro: Qutab Minar, then an auto Time needed: 60–75 minutes
Late afternoon is the best light on the Qutub Minar — the red sandstone bands catch the low sun far better than at noon. Enter at least 90 minutes before sunset: the complex is large, and the entry gates stop admitting visitors before closing. Pair it with how to reach Qutub Minar by metro for the station exit and last stretch.
7. Hauz Khas Lake: Best Sunset Over Water#
Best for: lake reflections, fort ruins, cafes right after Cost: Free park entry Nearest metro: Hauz Khas, then a walk Best time: Arrive an hour before sunset
The sun drops behind the Hauz Khas fort ruins across the water — Delhi's easiest sunset-plus-dinner combo, since the village cafes sit minutes uphill. Park gates shut in the evening, so treat sunset as the end of the walk, not the start, and head up to the village as the light fades.
8. Purana Qila Lake: Easiest Family Evening#
Best for: boating, an easy stroll, kids Cost: Lakeside is free to stroll; boating and the fort ticketed separately Nearest metro: Supreme Court, then a short auto Best time: Late afternoon into the evening
No climbing, no tickets queue for the lakeside itself — pedal boats on the water with the Old Fort walls behind. It is the lowest-effort sunset on this list and works well with children or elders. Boating runs daytime into the evening; confirm hours on arrival, and combine with the Humayun's Tomb area afternoon since the two sit minutes apart.
Best Spot by Type of Traveler#
| You Want | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Most dramatic sunrise photo | Yamuna Ghat |
| Easy first-time sunrise | Lodhi Garden |
| Historical sunrise | Mehrauli Archaeological Park |
| Old Delhi morning photography | Jama Masjid |
| Best monument sunset | Humayun's Tomb |
| Best free sunset | Lodhi Garden |
| Best relaxed evening | Sunder Nursery |
| Most iconic Delhi evening | India Gate |
| Best architectural shadows | Agrasen ki Baoli |
| Best sunset on the minar | Qutub Minar complex |
| Best sunset over water | Hauz Khas lake |
| Easiest sunset with kids | Purana Qila lake |
Best Season for Sunrise and Sunset Photography in Delhi#
October to November#
One of the better periods for comfortable temperatures and warm evening light.
However, air pollution can sometimes reduce visibility.
December to February#
Excellent for Yamuna Ghat bird photography and atmospheric winter mornings.
Fog and pollution can sometimes completely hide the sun, so check visibility before leaving.
Winter sunrise is late, often close to 7 AM, which makes early-morning travel easier.
March to April#
A very good balance.
The days are clearer than deep winter, temperatures are still manageable and sunrise is not extremely early.
May to June#
The sunrise can happen close to 5:20 AM.
If you want the actual sunrise, you will probably need a cab because normal metro services will not get you to many locations early enough.
Sunset is late, sometimes after 7:20 PM.
Temperatures can remain extremely hot even in the evening.
July to September#
Clouds can produce dramatic sunsets, but monsoon rain makes conditions unpredictable.
Avoid river edges and flooded areas after heavy rain.
Can You Use Delhi Metro for Sunrise?#
Sometimes.
It depends on the month.
During December and January, sunrise is close to 7 AM. Delhi Metro is already operating on most major lines, so reaching places like Lodhi Garden or Mehrauli becomes much easier.
During May and June, sunrise can happen around 5:20 AM.
Most regular Delhi Metro services will not get you to a sunrise location early enough.
For summer sunrise photography, use:
- pre-booked cab
- hotel taxi
- trusted app cab
- your own vehicle
Read our Delhi Metro timings guide before planning an early journey.
One-Day Sunrise and Sunset Photography Plan#
If you want to see both in one day without rushing across Delhi continuously, try this:
Sunrise#
Lodhi Garden
Spend about 60 to 90 minutes walking around the tombs.
Breakfast and daytime#
Continue towards central Delhi, Khan Market or your planned sightseeing route.
Late afternoon#
Travel to Humayun's Tomb around 90 minutes before sunset.
Sunset#
Photograph Humayun's Tomb during golden hour.
Evening#
Walk or take a short ride to Sunder Nursery if its current closing hours allow, or head to India Gate and Kartavya Path for illuminated evening views.
For a complete sightseeing route, see our Delhi 1-day itinerary for first-time visitors.
Photography Tips for Delhi Sunrise and Sunset#
Arrive early#
For sunrise, reach 20 to 30 minutes before sunrise.
For sunset, arrive 45 to 60 minutes before sunset.
Winter haze can help or ruin the photo#
Light haze can create soft orange light.
Heavy smog or fog can completely hide the sun.
Check visibility and air quality before travelling far for a sunrise.
Do not depend on birds at Yamuna Ghat#
The large flocks seen in photographs are seasonal.
Winter gives you a better chance, but there is no guarantee.
Respect religious places#
At Jama Masjid, dress appropriately, remove shoes where required and avoid tourist photography during prayer.
Check closing time before sunset#
This is especially important for Humayun's Tomb, Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Agrasen ki Baoli.
A 6:45 PM summer sunset is useless if the place you want to photograph closes before you can see it.
Avoid isolated places alone before dawn#
If you are unfamiliar with Delhi, use a cab directly to your sunrise location and stay around areas where other walkers, visitors or photographers are present.
“I am staying near Connaught Place and have one evening. Should I watch sunset at Lodhi Garden, Humayun's Tomb or India Gate, and how should I reach there?”
FAQ#
What is the best sunrise spot in Delhi?#
Yamuna Ghat is the most dramatic option for photography, especially during winter when migratory birds may be present.
For a simpler first-time visit, choose Lodhi Garden.
What is the best sunset point in Delhi?#
For architecture, Humayun's Tomb is one of the best sunset locations.
For a relaxed garden experience, choose Sunder Nursery.
For an iconic free Delhi evening, choose India Gate.
Where can I watch sunrise in Delhi for free?#
Good free options include Yamuna Ghat and Lodhi Garden.
Jama Masjid is good for early-morning photography, but its normal tourist entry starts too late for the actual sunrise during much of the year.
Which is the best free sunset spot in Delhi?#
Lodhi Garden is the best all-round choice.
India Gate and Kartavya Path are better if you want an iconic city view and want to stay through blue hour.
Is Yamuna Ghat worth visiting at sunrise?#
Yes, particularly between November and February.
The combination of sunrise, boats, winter mist and migratory birds can make it one of Delhi's most photogenic locations.
Birds and boats are not guaranteed, and river conditions can change.
Is Yamuna Ghat safe in the morning?#
Go around sunrise rather than in complete darkness, use a reliable cab if you are unfamiliar with the area and avoid entering the river or walking close to unsafe river edges.
Can I visit Lodhi Garden at sunrise?#
Yes.
Lodhi Garden normally opens at 5 AM from April through September and 6 AM from October through March, making it one of Delhi's easiest sunrise locations.
Can I see sunrise from Jama Masjid?#
Do not plan Jama Masjid for the exact sunrise.
Normal visitor hours begin around 7 AM, while Delhi sunrise occurs much earlier during spring and summer.
Visit it for beautiful early-morning light and Old Delhi photography instead.
Is Humayun's Tomb better at sunrise or sunset?#
Both can work, but late afternoon and sunset are easier to recommend because the warm light suits the red sandstone and white dome particularly well.
Remember that the monument operates from sunrise to sunset, so arrive well before closing.
What is Delhi's sunrise time in winter?#
Around December and early January, sunrise is generally close to 7 AM, sometimes slightly earlier or later depending on the date.
What is Delhi's sunrise time in summer?#
During late May and June, sunrise can be as early as approximately 5:20 to 5:30 AM.
What time is sunset in Delhi?#
It varies throughout the year.
Winter sunsets can happen around 5:20 to 5:50 PM, while summer sunsets can occur after 7:20 PM.
Can I do Yamuna Ghat sunrise and Lodhi Garden sunset on the same day?#
Yes.
They are far enough apart that you should treat them as separate morning and evening outings, but there is no problem doing both in one day.
For a more comfortable first visit, do Yamuna Ghat at sunrise, daytime sightseeing, and Lodhi Garden or Humayun's Tomb at sunset.
Last verified: 18 September 2026.
Sunrise and sunset times change every day. Monument opening hours, ticket prices, river access and park timings can also change. Check the current opening time before making an early-morning or late-evening trip.