Where to catch the world’s best sunrises

Waking up in the middle of the night is a real chore but when you’re greeting by the amazing experience of the sun rising over ancient temples, ruins or as the golden rays creep up and over the horizon, there really is nothing like it. If sunrises are your thing, these are your destinations.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was built in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu. Although today he is more known as a protecting god, in ancient scriptures he was the god of the sun. This place is without a doubt one of the most magical sites to watch the sun rise. Catch a daybreak tour of the grounds and plan a breakfast picnic once the sun is up.

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Bali

The world has fallen in love with Bali ever since Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love was published. It’s a gorgeous place to escape for some peace and quiet or a romantic retreat with your sweetheart. Why not join a sunrise yoga class or take a sunrise cruise as the sun tips over Mount Rinjani, the volcano on Lambok Island?

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Santorini

Go postcard shopping on this island and you’re more likely to see the typical white-washed, blue-rooved houses photographed mid-day but wake up early enough to see the village of Fira at sunrise and the houses turn the most incredible shade of gold. The Aegean Sea has never looked so breathtaking. The best views are from the top of the hills near Oia.

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Machu Picchu

If you want the best views of the sun rising over the Inca’s Lost City, then get yourself up to the Sun Gate. Sunrise is also one of the best times to visit as there are few tourists around so you can really get nice shots of the ruins without hoards of other visitors in your viewfinder. Take a morning hike and then relax the rest of the day at the nearby hotel spa.

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Taj Mahal

If it’s a romantic experience you’re after, maybe the perfect setting to finally pop the question, then book your flights to Agra. The gorgeous 17th century mausoleum is the most impressive example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is stunning a sunrise. There’s no way she could say no as the golden light spills over the towers and dome.

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Do you wake up for the sunrise while on holidays? Where was the best sunrise you’ve ever seen? 

Imgs: inottawa, to2hov, koshyk, tinou bao, eGuide Travel / Flickr cc.