Dadar Flower Market at dawn

Why it's worth waking up at 5:30 — and how to visit without getting in the way.

Before sunrise, trucks from Pune, Nashik, Satara and beyond pull up under the flyover near Dadar station (West). Within minutes the pavement disappears under marigold, rose, aster, tuberose and lotus.

When to go

5:30 – 8:00 am. The days before Ganeshotsav, Dussehra and Diwali are the most spectacular — and the most crowded.

How to visit politely

• This is a working wholesale market. Keep to the side and keep moving.
• Ask before photographing people; most will smile and say yes.
• Wear closed shoes — the ground is wet.

After the market

Have chai and a hot breakfast nearby, then walk back to the hotel for a nap. It's a 10-minute walk.