Sunset in Kolkata (2025): Painting the Sky Over the City of Joy

There’s something magical about watching the sun melt into the smoky horizon of Kolkata — where colonial buildings cast golden shadows, the river turns to liquid gold, and the city seems to pause for a moment. Whether you're a romantic traveler, a photographer, or a dreamer chasing the last light — Kolkata offers unforgettable sunset experiences.

📍 BEST SUNSET SPOTS IN KOLKATA (2025)

🌉 Howrah Bridge & Millennium Park (Hooghly Riverfront)
Why Visit: Watch the sun set behind the iconic Howrah Bridge as ferries and boats pass underneath. The skyline turns orange, pink, and purple — breathtaking for photos.
How to Reach: Take a ferry from Babu Ghat or Fairlie Place to Howrah and walk to the riverside. Or take a yellow cab/toto to Millennium Park on Strand Road.
Best Time: Arrive by 5:15 PM (October–March), 5:45 PM (April–September)
🏞️ Prinsep Ghat
Why Visit: Historic colonial-style ghat with beautiful pillars and river breeze. Couples, locals, photographers all gather here for that golden hour.
How to Reach: Take a yellow taxi or Metro to Maidan Station → walk or ride a toto to the ghat. There's also a small railway station called 'Prinsep Ghat' on the circular line.
Best Time: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Tips: Grab a cup of tea or snack from the riverside stalls. Book a paddleboat if you want water views.
🌇 Maidan & Victoria Memorial Gardens
Why Visit: Watch the setting sun reflect off the white marble of Victoria Memorial with the wide open Maidan greens in front. Peaceful and photogenic.
How to Reach: Metro to Maidan or Esplanade → walk to Victoria Memorial through Elliot Park.
Best Time: Entry closes around 5:00 PM — arrive early to catch the sunset from inside the gardens.
🌄 Princep Ghat Riverside Walk to Babu Ghat
Why Visit: A longer, quieter walk where you can follow the fading sun along the riverfront. Great for uninterrupted photography.
How to Reach: Start at Princep Ghat, walk north along the Hooghly riverside promenade to Babu Ghat.
Best Time: Golden hour between 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
🌁 Outram Ghat & Ferry Point
Why Visit: From the ferry jetty, watch the last rays hit the waters with Howrah Bridge in the distance. Ideal for boat lovers and candid city scenes.
How to Reach: Take a ferry to Outram Ghat or walk down from Babughat Bus Stand.
🌿 Eco Park Lake Sunset View (New Town)
Why Visit: Sunset over the large central lake with paddleboats and skyline silhouettes.
How to Reach: Take a cab/OLA/Uber from central Kolkata (~40 minutes). Nearest landmark: Gate 1 of Eco Park.
Best Time: 5:00 PM onwards. The park remains open till 8 PM.

⏰ SUNSET TIME IN KOLKATA (BY SEASON)

Winter (Nov–Feb): 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM
Spring/Summer (Mar–June): 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Monsoon (July–Sept): Skies often cloudy, but clear days offer dramatic light — plan around 5:30 PM

📸 HOW TO GET THE BEST SUNSET EXPERIENCE

Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best light
Bring a power bank for your camera/phone — you'll be shooting a lot!
Hire a ferry ride at sunset from Outram Ghat or Princep Ghat for golden-hour river views
Don’t rush — sunsets are best enjoyed when you're still
Watch for birds, boats, reflections on water — Kolkata sunsets are full of visual layers
Buy tea in a bhnaar (clay cup) and just sit on the steps like the locals do

🧭 QUICK DIRECTIONS

To Princep Ghat: Metro to Maidan → 10 min walk
To Millennium Park: Metro to Chandni Chowk or Ferry from Babu Ghat
To Victoria Memorial: Metro to Maidan or Esplanade → Walk 5–7 minutes
To Eco Park: Cab or app taxi from anywhere in city → use Gate 1 entrance
To Howrah Bridge view: Ferry from Fairlie Place to Howrah or walk down Strand Road

⚠️ THINGS TO REMEMBER

Keep valuables safe — especially at crowded ghats
No drones allowed in most public spaces
Entry to some gardens (like Victoria) may close by 5 PM sharp
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot
Best days: Weekdays for fewer crowds. Sundays are lively but busy.

🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE A KOLKATA SUNSET

The magic of a Kolkata sunset isn't just in the colors — it's in the sounds of temple bells across the river, the call of ferry horns, the sight of birds flying home in V formations. It’s about slowing down. Watching light soften the old city. And realizing — this moment, this stillness — is why you travel.

From riverside to rooftops, Kolkata offers a hundred golden goodbyes every evening. Don’t leave the city without witnessing at least one.