"Wake! For the Sun, who scatter'd into flight
The Stars before him from the Field of Night,
Drives Night along with them from Heav'n,
and strikes
The Sultan's Turret with a Shaft of Light."
― Omar Khayyám, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
Sun, the giver of life and light, is one of the most incredible creations of nature. A silent witness to all happenings in the Universe, the mighty ball of fire quietly follows its path each day, rising from the east and setting in the west. When it sets each evening, it is certainly a sight to behold but then, the darkness of the night takes over, and life tends to come to a standstill. And then, it rises again the next morning, illuminating the world, bringing hope, and rejuvenating life.
It is absolutely divine to see the Sun rising over the horizon, and to see its first rays illuminate all that lies in seemingly uninterrupted darkness. It feels as if nature has suddenly given mankind, an open access to all her treasures.
Seeing the Sun rise is truly enchanting and yes, romantic, if you are accompanied by a loved one. Many people from across the world are seen flocking to certain places, merely for experiencing the spectacle. If watching the sunrise early in the morning seems just as heavenly to you as well, you have landed on the right page. We, at Buzzle, have brought you a list of some of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise, which will set your spirits soaring.
Angkor Wat
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
The ancient Khmer temple of Angkor Wat has always been a symbol of power and might, but the early morning spectacle at the site is absolutely overwhelming. It is indeed very fascinating to watch this historic monument illuminate with the first rays of the Sun, and the still water of the lake in front of it getting colored with different beatific hues. Tourists trek to the temple early in the morning to watch the magic happen.
Ahu Tongariki
Location: Easter Island, Chile
The sensational Chilean site lined with 15 colossal statues of the
maoi is famous all over the world. It is one of the most impressive sites on the Easter Island, and it is so for more reasons than one. One of the most breathtaking sunrises in the world can be seen at Ahu Tongariki, as the Sun's first rays unhurriedly peek from behind the massive statues, and seem to unravel their mystery before the world.
Stonehenge
Location: Salisbury, England
One of the most magnificent astronomical edifices of the ancient world, the Stonehenge (according to research) was deliberately planned in such a way that the first rays of the midsummer morning's Sun shone into the monument's center, and illuminated the heel stone. And so it does, even today! Special tours are arranged to watch this spectacle come alive, and all visitors are truly mesmerized by the sight of the red rim of the Sun rising over the silhouetted horizon. It feels as if the mighty boulders have suddenly come to life!
Giza
Location: Al Omraneyah, Egypt
As majestic and timeless as the pyramids of Giza are, it is just as spellbinding to watch the Sun slowly creep upwards from behind their silhouetted forms. It is absolutely awe-inspiring to observe how the first rays of the heavenly ball of fire brighten the peaks of the mighty Egyptian pyramids, giving them a slightly golden hue before lighting up the immense desert landscape that lays ahead.
Surfers Paradise
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Home to one of the most iconic beachfronts in Australia, the Surfers Paradise beach is also a great place to see the world come to life. Everything from the waters to the sky to the high-rise buildings lining the shore, suddenly take on bright shades of orange, yellow, and gold. Numerous tourists assemble on the beach early in the morning to say "hello" to the morning Sun.
Grand Canyon
Location: Arizona, USA
One of the most splendid sunrises in Continental United States can be seen across the Grand Canyon. When cool purples seem to melt into the warm shades of orange and red, all one can do is admire. It is utterly fantastic to see the valleys of the Canyon suddenly lighten up as the Sun's rays make their way through them. Watching the breathtaking scenery coming into view is just heavenly.
Tower Bridge
Location: London, United Kingdom
When it comes to world's most spectacular sunrises, London's Tower Bridge certainly deserves a place. The silhouette of the bridge slowly starts glowing in the shades of bronze and red, and the water of the Thames also acquires similar hues, only to bewitch the human mind. One of the most picture-perfect locations in the world, the Tower Bridge seems even more enchanting at sunrise.
The Great Wall of China
Location: China
The Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic landmarks of China and the world, is spreads across numerous parts of modern-day China. An undisputed haven of hikers, it also boasts of having several spots from where tourists can have spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. To watch the spectacle, people start climbing really early in the morning, when it is pitch dark, in order to reach the spot from where they can see the Sun rising upwards. The way in which the surrounding countryside lights up with the morning rays of the Sun is remarkable.
Nagarkot Village
Location: Bhaktapur District, Nepal
The mighty Himalayas have always been a subject of great curiosity and fascination, and if there is one place that offers glorious views of these imposing peaks in the early morning hours, it is unarguably, Nagarkot. A popular destination with honeymooners, the village boasts of one of the most romantic sunrises in the world. The first rays of the Sun lighting up the Himalayan peaks with tints of orange, red, and gold is a sight to behold. Simply mesmerizing.
River Ganges
Location: Varanasi, India
Unlike any other place on earth, Varanasi is a different world in itself. Among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is closely hugged by Hinduism's holiest river, the Ganges. The sunrise over the divine waters of the Ganges is spectacular in its own right. It livens up its banks, as people enter the waters to bathe and perform their first prayers, and boats start ferrying up and down the river. Unlike anywhere else in the world where sunrise might be viewed as a serene spectacle, this one is accompanied by early morning chants and prayers of people, an altogether different experience.
The Turkish playwright and novelist, Mehmet Murat ildan, has very aptly quoted,
"Sunrise looks spectacular in the nature; sunrise looks spectacular in the photos; sunrise looks spectacular in our dreams; sunrise looks spectacular in the paintings, because it really is spectacular!" So, kick off to one of these amazing places, and we bet that you won't be disappointed.
