Golden Hours, Quiet Moments and New Adventures: Why Gen Z Loves Twilight Travel Like Deepika and Ranbir

Slow travel sunset dream

IIE DIGITAL: As the day slowly fades into evening, the city takes on a magical golden glow. The western walls of old buildings and the rooftops standing close together shine under the soft sunlight, creating a view that feels straight out of a painting. From the top of an ancient fort, the entire city appears wrapped in shades of gold. Amid this breathtaking setting, a quiet conversation between two people captures a beautiful thought about life and moments.

They are Naina and Bunny. The warm evening light gently touches Naina’s face as she sits mesmerised by the changing colours of the sky. Her hair moves with the breeze as she silently enjoys the beauty around her. When Bunny reminds her that they should leave soon to catch the light and sound show, Naina hesitates. For her, leaving that peaceful sunset behind means missing a moment that cannot be recreated ever.

The scene takes many viewers back to the unforgettable sunset sequence from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, where Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s characters share a quiet yet meaningful moment at a fort in Udaipur. The scene was not just about romance; it reflected a deeper understanding of life. It highlighted the importance of enjoying the present instead of endlessly chasing things that may never become reality.

That very thought is now finding a place in the way a new generation chooses to travel. Gen Z is embracing a unique travel style called dusk travel or twilight travel, where the purpose is not to complete a list of destinations but to slow down, observe and truly connect with a place.

Earlier, holidays often meant early morning starts, crowded sightseeing schedules and trying to cover every famous spot within a limited time. But the new generation is slowly moving away from this rushed approach. Instead, they are choosing slow travel, where the focus is on meaningful experiences rather than the number of locations visited.

The charm of twilight travel lies in its simplicity. It encourages travellers to take a pause and enjoy the beauty of doing less. There is no pressure to follow a fixed plan. One can spend a relaxed morning, step out during the peaceful evening hours and find a quiet location away from crowded tourist areas. It could be a riverside, a hilltop, a hidden waterfall or a historic fort where one can sit back and watch nature create its own masterpiece.

The highlight of such journeys is witnessing the sky transform slowly. The golden shades of sunset gradually turn into orange, pink and purple tones before darkness takes over. There is no hurry to move ahead or capture every attraction. The experience itself becomes the memory.

Although sunsets are closely connected with this trend, twilight travel is not only about a particular time of the day. It represents a feeling of calmness, freedom and mindfulness. It is about appreciating the small details that are often missed during fast paced vacations.

Choosing the right destination can make a twilight journey even more special. Places near rivers, lakes and beaches offer stunning views as the sun goes down. Hills, ancient forts and historical locations also create the perfect atmosphere for travellers looking for peace away from the usual crowds.

Planning the timing is equally important. Reaching the chosen spot around 45 minutes before sunset allows travellers to witness the gradual change in colours and atmosphere. Since weather plays an important role in creating the perfect evening view, checking the forecast before travelling can make the experience even better.

A little preparation can also make the journey smoother. As darkness arrives quickly after sunset, carrying a charged phone, power bank and a portable torch is always useful. Those travelling to hills or areas near water should also keep a light jacket or warm clothes as temperatures can drop after evening.

Safety should always remain a priority while exploring quieter locations. Although peaceful and less crowded places often create unforgettable memories, travellers should stay aware of their surroundings. Many forests, national parks and protected areas have restrictions after sunset, so checking local guidelines before visiting is essential.

Twilight travel is more than just a new holiday trend. It reflects a changing mindset where people are choosing experiences over schedules and emotions over checklists. Inspired by memorable moments like Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s iconic sunset scene, Gen Z is discovering that sometimes the most beautiful journeys are not about exploring more places, but about spending more meaningful time in one.