11 March,2010 07:27 AM IST | | Kasmin Fernandes
The Mumbai skyline has some glorious sunrise and sunset locations, if only you look closer. Mid Day photographers and Kasmin Fernandes wandered between dusk and dawn to bring you the best views of the rising and setting sun
Three sexy sunsets
"I would give the greatest sunset in the world for one sight of New York's skyline," author Ayn Rand wrote in The Fountainhead, "The sky over New York and the will of man made visible. What other religion do we need?" she asked. "Come to Mumbai," we say.
At Banganga, Walkeshwar
Banganga is a site of paradoxes a sacred ancient tank surrounded by 400-year-old temples and modern skyscrapers of Malabar Hill. The water in it is supposedly from the holy Ganga.
Legend has it that Rama stopped here 5,000 years ago in search of a kidnapped Sita. Overcome with fatigue and thirst, he asked his brother Laxman to bring him some water.
Laxman shot an arrow into the ground, and water gushed forth from the Ganga, more than a thousand miles away. A rare site you witness at dusk is temple bells ringing as the sun fades out of the sky, and a man feeding a group of geese.
How to get there: Coming up via the Walkeshwar slope from Chowpatty, take the straight road to Teenbatti Junction. From Teenbatti, go further ahead to reach Walkeshwar Bus Depot. Banganga Tank is a 10-minute walk away.
At Haji Ali dargah, Worli
It's said that the saint Haji Ali died on a pilgrimage to Mecca and his casket miraculously floated back to Mumbai.
There was a note attached to his dead body that it should be buried wherever it lands. The body landed at the rock island in the middle of the sea where Haji Ali dargah now stands.
The beauty of viewing the sunset at the shore is, during high tide the narrow connecting path gets submerged into water; lending the impression that the mosque and tomb are floating in water.u00a0Follow up the sanctifying experience with Fruit Cream at Haji Ali juice.
How to get there: A short taxi ride from either Mumbai Central or Mahalaxmi railway station will take you there.
At Powai Lake
Lucky sods having access to the IIT campus would be fools not to visit the hilltop at dusk. It overlooks the Powai lake and gives way to a breathtaking sunset that would leave a quantum theorist speechless.
If you aren't that lucky sod, stash your pockets and head down to the Renaissance Hotel across the lake. Horizon viewing by the Lake View Cafu00e9 is a costlier but richer experience. Plus, they toss a great Marriott Burger. Italian restaurant Fratelli Fresh upstairs offers the same view and wood-fired pizzas.
How to get there: From the international airport at Sahar, travelling north on the Western Express Highway, turn right on the Sahar Road, then left. From Saki Naka proceed to Larsen & Toubro Junction. Continue straight beyond the signal and L&T gate No. 1.
Take the first right. IIT Powai and Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel are beside Chinmayanand Ashram.
Crack of dawn drama
"For me, optimism is two lovers walking into the sunset, arm in arm. Or maybe into the sunrise whatever appeals to you," believed influential Polish filmmaker and screenwriter Krzysztof Kieslowski. People who wake late miss one of the greatest feats of nature, repeated in full stereovision each and every day.
At Bandra Reclamation
There is a spot along Bandra Reclamation where the sun emerges with both, Bandra-Worli sea link and Worli sea face visible in the background.
This is the point where passengers in car back seats whip out their phone cameras in anticipation. The road naturally leads to the sea link that took years in the making.
u00a0
Yet, watching the sun cast its light on the high beams is a jaw-dropper. Too premature a time for a bite at sweet spot Candies, the Vada Pav and mobile chaiwalla will have to do.
Unless, you don't mind trudging it to American Express Bakery opposite Holy Family Hospital for a hot croissant.
How to get there: A zigzag through a narrow shortcut from Hill Road in Bandra, leads towards Lilavati Hospital. Bandra Reclamation is a stone's throw away.
At Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon
Morning bikers and joggers swear by the fresh air that miles of virgin green pump into the system. Spread over 3,200 acres, the colony has 27 adivasi settlements.
A jog on the stretch between amusement park Chhota Kashmir and the "picnic point" particularly during the monsoons is time-off in beautiful forest land in the midst of concrete.
u00a0
No man-made structures in the foreground here; you can watch the sun rise in blazing glory, cast light on the trees. Roadside stalls provide cutting chai and biscuits.
How to get there: Easily accessible by bus and autorickshaw, Aarey Colony is situated off the Western Express Highway near the massive Mahanand Dairy in Goregaon (E). There is a toll fee of Rs 15 at the entrance.
View Timings
Sunrise timing for the coming days u2013 At 6.50 am on March 11, and approximately a minute earlier every following day.
Sunset at 6.47 pm on March 11 and 12, and 6.48 pm on March 13, 14 and 15.
