🌅 First Sunrise and Sunset in India – Discover the First Light and Last Glow of the Nation
Introduction
India, known for its rich diversity and natural beauty, experiences a unique geographical distinction — the first sunrise and the last sunset of the country occur at two opposite ends of the land. From the breathtaking dawn at Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh to the mesmerizing twilight at Guhar Moti in Gujarat, India’s geographical span offers a visual symphony of light and color every single day.first sunrise and sunset in india
In this article, we’ll explore the first sunrise and sunset in India, the science behind it, the best places to witness them, and how you can plan your trip to experience these magical moments.
🌄 Where Does the First Sunrise in India Occur?
📍 Location: Dong Village, Arunachal Pradesh
The first sunrise in India is seen from Dong Village, located in the Anjaw District of Arunachal Pradesh, near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar.first sunrise and sunset in india
Situated at an altitude of around 1,240 meters above sea level, Dong is often referred to as “The Land of the Rising Sun in India.” The village is nestled between snow-capped mountains and lush valleys, making it a serene spot for travelers and nature lovers alike.
🌞 Why Dong Village Gets the First Sunrise
India spans several longitudes, but the country uses a single time zone — Indian Standard Time (IST), which is based on the 82.5°E longitude passing near Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. However, Arunachal Pradesh lies much farther east (around 97°E), meaning the sun reaches it earlier.
In Dong Village, the sunrise occurs nearly 90 minutes before it reaches western parts like Gujarat or Maharashtra. This time gap explains why Dong experiences the first rays of the sun in India, often as early as 4:30 AM during summer months.
A JOURNEY THROUGH NATURE’S MAGIC
🌅 Where Does the Last Sunset in India Occur?
📍 Location: Guhar Moti, Gujarat
On the opposite end of the map lies Guhar Moti, a remote village in the Kutch district of Gujarat, near the India-Pakistan border. It is known for witnessing the last sunset in India.
The area is located in the westernmost point of mainland India, just a few kilometers from Narayan Sarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Hindu mythology.
🌇 Why Guhar Moti Has the Last Sunset
Since Gujarat lies far to the west of India, the sun sets there last, around 7:15 PM in summer, while it’s already dark in eastern states like Assam or Arunachal Pradesh.
The flat, salt-rich plains of Kutch reflect the fading sunlight beautifully, giving travelers a panoramic view of the fiery Indian sunset over the desert landscape.first sunrise and sunset in india
🗺️ A Quick Comparison: First Sunrise vs. Last Sunset in India
| Feature | First Sunrise | Last Sunset |
| Location | Dong Village, Arunachal Pradesh | Guhar Moti, Gujarat |
| State | Arunachal Pradesh | Gujarat |
| Coordinates | 28.06° N, 97.05° E | 23.68° N, 68.50° E |
| Time Difference | Around 90 minutes before IST | Around 60 minutes after IST |
| Altitude | 1,240 meters | 10–20 meters |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April | November to February |
🌏 Science Behind Sunrise and Sunset Timing
The time of sunrise and sunset is determined by Earth’s rotation and its position relative to the sun. Because the Earth rotates from west to east, the sun appears to rise earlier in the eastern parts of a country and sets later in the western parts.
India spans nearly 30 degrees of longitude, which means the difference between the easternmost and westernmost points can be up to two hours of sunlight variation.
However, since India follows one standard time (IST), people in the east start their day much earlier than those in the west — a phenomenon clearly visible in the case of Dong and Guhar Moti.
🏞️ Tourist Attractions Near Dong (First Sunrise Location)
1. Dong Valley Trek
A short trek from Walong, Dong village offers scenic mountain trails surrounded by pine forests and streams. The view of the first sunrise from the mountain top is unforgettable.first sunrise and sunset in india
2. Walong War Memorial
Dedicated to the brave Indian soldiers who fought in the 1962 Indo-China war, this memorial showcases India’s military history and pride.
3. Hot Water Springs
Natural hot springs near Dong are popular among visitors, believed to have therapeutic properties.first sunrise and sunset in india
4. Namti Plains
A beautiful meadow where significant battles took place during the 1962 war — a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
🌇 Tourist Attractions Near Guhar Moti (Last Sunset Location)
1. Narayan Sarovar
One of the five holy lakes of Hinduism, this sacred site is surrounded by ancient temples and scenic desert landscapes.
2. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
Located near the western tip of India, this temple offers a mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea sunset — truly one of the best sunset points in India.first sunrise and sunset in india
3. Great Rann of Kutch
Known for its white salt desert, this region becomes magical during the Rann Utsav with folk music, dance, and camel rides under the moonlight.
4. Lakhpat Fort
A historical fort town with a rich cultural legacy and panoramic views of the desert and sea.
📸 Best Time to Visit for Sunrise and Sunset Experiences
🌄 For Dong, Arunachal Pradesh
- Best Season: October to April (clear skies and pleasant weather)
- Sunrise Time: Around 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM
- Tips: Start early from Walong (4 km away) to reach the sunrise point on time.
🌇 For Guhar Moti, Gujarat
- Best Season: November to February (cool and comfortable)
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM to 7:15 PM
- Tips: Carry water and snacks; the area is remote with limited facilities.
🧭 How to Reach These Places
✈️ Dong, Arunachal Pradesh
- Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (Assam) – about 200 km away
- Nearest Town: Walong (reachable by road)
- Transportation: Hire local taxis or jeeps from Tezu or Hayuliang.
✈️ Guhar Moti, Gujarat
- Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport – about 180 km away
- Nearest Town: Narayan Sarovar
- Transportation: Buses and cabs available from Bhuj or Mandvi.
🧡 Experience India from Dawn to Dusk
Witnessing the first sunrise and last sunset in India is not just about seeing the sun — it’s about feeling the essence of India’s geography and spirit.
From the eastern mountains of Arunachal Pradesh to the western deserts of Gujarat, the journey connects two extremes of natural beauty and cultural diversity.first sunrise and sunset in india
These destinations symbolize the unity of India through time and light — one country, one time zone, yet different moments of daybreak and dusk.
🌤️ Fun Facts About Sunrise and Sunset in India
- India’s easternmost point is Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, not far from Dong.
- The first sunrise of the new year in India is celebrated with local festivals in Dong.
- The last sunset of the year in Gujarat often attracts travelers and photographers.
- The difference between sunrise times in Dong and Mumbai can be more than 90 minutes.
- India’s official time zone (IST) was set during the British era for administrative convenience.
