Move over stargazing, 'Dusking' is the new travel trend: Here are 5 places in India to try it

For many travellers, waking up before dawn to catch a mountain sunrise is a bucket-list experience. Equally popular is watching the sunset. But as travel trends evolve, simply watching the day fade into night, is evolving as a larger travel phenomenon.

Known as "dusking", the practice involves slowing down and observing the subtle transition between daylight and darkness.

Far from the noise of traffic, crowded attractions and packed itineraries, dusking invites people to pause, sit still and take in the changing colours, sounds and atmosphere of twilight.

The trend is gaining momentum as part of the broader rise of noctourism, which focuses on travel experiences after dark, from stargazing and night safaris to moonlit walks and celestial events.

More from Lifestyle

What does travel trend dusking?

While Instagram reels and Tiktoks are making dusking a latest travel fad, it has a long drawn tradition which has been forgotten by many.

Dusking has its roots in the Netherlands, where the practice, known as schemeren, was once a common evening ritual. Families would gather together to quietly observe the end of the day before artificial lighting became a central part of daily life reports the BBC.

Speaking to The Guardian, Dutch poet and author Marjolijn van Heemstra, who has been working to revive the tradition, explained what makes dusking different from simply watching a sunset.

"You need a horizon for a sunset, and a lot of people don't have that, especially in urban places," she said.

"There is a grandeur with sunset, but it's still a spectacle of light. Dusking is much more subtle: it asks more of your attention, but triggers your imagination. Twilight has always been that way. It's a time of shape-shifting," Van Heemstra told The Guardian.

The trend also has wellness benefits. According to The Conversation, the idea behind dusking aligns with studies suggesting that spending even a short period focusing on natural surroundings can improve wellbeing and relaxation.

"Simply observing changes in light, sound and atmosphere may also encourage a shift from the constant hustle of the work day to winding down, potentially moving people towards sleep," the publication noted.

As more travellers seek slower and more mindful experiences, here are five places in India that are perfect for embracing the art of dusking.

1. Ladakh

Ladakh is one of India's best destinations for stargazing and night tourism. Places such as Shanti Stupa in Leh, the Hunder Sand Dunes in Nubra Valley and Hanle offer wide open views of the sky and surrounding mountains. Watching the fading sunlight here is a peaceful experience.

2. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located on Swaraj Dweep, Radhanagar Beach is known for its white sand, clear waters and quiet surroundings. As the day comes to an end, the beach offers uninterrupted views of the horizon, making it a great spot to sit back and watch the light change.

3. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya

A short drive from Shillong, Umiam Lake is surrounded by hills and forests. The calm waters reflect the changing colours of the sky during twilight. Its peaceful setting makes it ideal for travellers looking to slow down and relax.

4. Varkala Cliff, Kerala

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala Cliff is one of Kerala's most popular coastal destinations. The elevated viewpoint offers clear views of the sunset, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to spend the evening.

5. Marine Drive, Mumbai

Marine Drive offers a unique dusking experience in the middle of a busy city. As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea and the city's lights begin to appear, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the calm waterfront and Mumbai's fast-paced life.

In a world where travel often revolves around ticking destinations off a list, dusking offers something different. It asks travellers to do less, not more.

Whether in the mountains of Ladakh, on a beach in the Andamans or along Mumbai's coastline, sometimes the most memorable travel experiences come from simply sitting still and watching the day fade into darkness.