Nothing is more magical than stargazing. In big cities, we almost cannot see the night sky full of stars because of pollution and various lights, but in the quietest places across the country , the night sky is still there with its ancient stories . If you like astronomy or are simply looking for a calm place beneath the starry sky , it is India where one can enjoy the most amazing types of stargazing on earth.
India’s varied landscape is perfect for watching stars from the sandy deserts of Ladakh to the lush jungles of Coorg . You can watch the stars not only as a hobby but also as a way of traveling deep into space by visiting various places across the earth.
1. Ladakh – The Best Place for Stargazing in India
It is safe to say that Ladakh is the best place in the whole country to watch the night sky, because of its great altitude, arid atmosphere, and almost non-existent contamination, the sky in Ladakh is always very clear. This is why the likes of Pangong Lake and Hanle are in great demand among those who take pictures of the stars and those who love space the most.
The Hanle observatory, situated in Ladakh , is among the highest observatories on earth and hence the perfect place to have a close look at the stars.
The best time to visit : May to September.
Don’t miss : The experience of taking a night walk alongside Pangong Lake whose surface is reflecting the stars above you.
At times , the night sky of Ladakh seems to be so full of stars that it feels like being out of this world and it makes you realize how huge the universe really is.
2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is another paradise for star lovers in India. It is surrounded by high ridges and located at a distance from the city lights. The thin atmosphere of Spiti makes it possible to get an uninterrupted beautiful view of the night sky.
One can see the Milky Way without any instrument. Villages like Komic, Kibber, and Langza are not only good to bring your telescope but also if you want to lie down under the starry sky.
The best time: May to October.
Highlights: To embrace the night sky along with visiting ancient monasteries and hiking up the mountain.
Tip: It will be better if you come to watch the stars at night in Spiti valley and then stay overnight in a homestay to enjoy the cozy hospitality of Spiti people.
3. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
What can be more fantastic to the eyes than the moonlight shining on the white salt desert of the Kutch area? Yet only after the omen is gone can a stargazer make the most of it since the desert is then transformed into an empty canvas for the stars.
Rann of Kutch is by far one of the best places to go stargazing as the wide open space and the clear sky give an astronomer or astrophotographer the opportunity to get closer to their stars of interest.
The best time: from November to February when the Rann Utsav is being celebrated.
Highlight: You will find nothing more amazing than stars watching on a white desert that stretches endlessly.
The deafness of the desert and the bright of the sky are what make the Kutch a destination for the lovers of the night that are always longing for the next one.
4. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is known as the Scotland of India, and it not only gets a lot of attention from the fact that it has coffee plantations and hilly areas covered in mist but also is one of the best places in South India for stargazing. The sky observation in night goes on in different parts such as Mandalpatti and Galibeedu where the sky is clear, the temperature is cool, and light pollution is minimal.
The best time : October to April.
Highlight : Watching stars one by one while sipping on a cup of our locally grown coffee.
Tip: For darker skies, avoid weekends and instead stay in homestays or ecolodges away from the main town.
5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer’s golden dunes are not only popular with touristsnot alone are they an ideal natural observatory as well . The dry atmosphere of the Thar Desert and the unrestricted horizons make it possible to get a fantastic view of what’s going on in the sky. Nowadays, a lot of desert camps are holding stargazing events in order to welcome tourists.
Best Time : October to March.
Highlight : Observation from the dunes of sand and listening to Rajasthani folk music by the fire.
The atmosphere of the desert at night is so calming and comprehensive, that it almost seems like you are surrounded by a multitude of shining stars which continue endlessly.
6. Matheran, Maharashtra
Matheran is located only a few hours away from Mumbai and acts as an ideal getaway from the chaos of the city . Since the location is a no vehicle zone, the air is always fresh , and the sky is clear and bright as compared to other hill stations. Matheran is a perfect nakedeye stargazing spot on a clear winter night.
Best Time : November to February.
Highlight : Closest spot to Mumbai yet with the cleanest sky.
Tip: For a giant and unaffected view, check out Panorama Point.
7. Neil Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
For lovers of both the sea and the stars, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is nothing less than a dream. Due to the very low amount of artificial light combined with the vast open beaches, Neil Island is a perfect place to see the stars.
Best Time : December to April.
Highlight : It is an amazing experience to see the stars sparkling over the Bay of Bengal while you are lying on the sand.
Tip : For a night sky experience without any hindrance, head to Sitapur Beach.
8. Mt. Abu, Rajasthan
Except for being a mountain in the middle of a desert state, Mt. Abu is a wonder for its spectacular night sky . The Guru Shikhar Peak which is the highest point of the Aravalli range presents a breath taking view of stars along with the city lights that are twinkling below.
Best Time : November to March.
Highlight : Go to the Mount Abu Observatory to have a much closer view of the universe.
9. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Munsiyari denotes “location with snow” and is a peaceful village laid down in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is a very remote place from the modern world where you can see the Milky Way as well as other stars with the naked eye, and the view will be so spectacular that it can hardly be believed.
Best Time : March to June and September to November.
Highlight : Nigh-time observations from the Panchachuli base.
10. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud is a calm hill station of Eastern-Ghats and has always been an underrated location for stargazing in Southern India. The clean mountain air and the absence of a huge town have resulted in a perfect place for watching the stars and the occurrence of meteorites.
Best Time : November to March.
Highlight : Around here, Salem Astronomy Club commences several public stargazing events periodically.
Tips for Stargazing in India
1. Do not go at the time of the full moon: Light of the full moon can completely cover faint stars.
2. Preview the Weather: What you need for a perfect experience are clear skies.
3. Take along a pair of binoculars or a telescope: Even with the simplest binoculars the difference can be very noticeable.
4. Use the star-tracking application: One of the applications that can make it very easy to locate the stars is the Sky Map.
5. Be careful: Only set off on a camping trip if you are sure that the spot is safe and authorized .
Also check:- The Evolution and Growth of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism in India
