“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, they'd live a lot differently!”
What is so enchanting and magical about stargazing that it just elevates your experience to a whole other level of bliss? We may not be able to answer that right away but, spending a few nights in these 10 lesser-known stargazing spots across India might get us closer to it. If you’re a stargazer, you’ll know that it is addictive and something that grows on you a little more each day!
1. Taregna, Bihar
What better place to stargaze than a town whose name literally means 'Counting Stars'? Located just a few kilometres from the capital city of Patna in Bihar, Taregna holds significance for its night wonders!
Get a unique opportunity to witness the splendour of the celestial realm here. Esteemed astronomer Aryabhatta is believed to have dedicated much of his time to this place and also established an astronomical observatory within the Sun Temple, further enhancing Taregna's astronomical significance.
2. Katao, Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Although often overlooked by many travellers, Katao is a hidden gem! Few visitors venture to this secluded destination, and even fewer spend the night here. However, this translates to fewer travellers, resulting in minimal light and sound pollution.
As a result, Katao offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the beauty of the night sky undisturbed! Nestled quietly in the Yumthang Valley 15,000 feet above sea level (requiring Army permit to enter), with its tranquil surroundings and limited human presence, this offbeat location provides an unparalleled experience for stargazing enthusiasts!
3. Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
How does the idea of laying on a pristine beach with clear water and a sky full of stars sound to you? Pretty perfect, doesn’t it? Otherwise known for its diverse marine life, white sand beaches and its unspoilt corals, Neil Island’s transformation from dawn to dusk is spell-binding!
While the day offers a much needed respite from the cluttered city life, the evenings transform into a completely magical experience with thousands of stars glimmering over the pristine waters! The serene ambience and the natural spectacle of the starry sky make evenings on Neil Island an unforgettable part of the island's beauty.
4. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Tamil Nadu
Owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is located nearly 4kms from the town and at the southern tip of the Palani Hills.
While here one can take various astronomy tours, along with access to the astronomy library housing literature of archival value, and night time telescopic sky viewing — all of this guided by experts. Not only this, one can also visit the astronomy museum which is open to visitors all seven days, including government holidays!
5. Churu, Rajasthan
Churu, also known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, is a desert region celebrated for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere. While it may not be widely known for its dark-sky experiences, Churu offers a unique opportunity to explore the night sky! Far away from city life, this tranquil destination provides a perfect setting to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos.
One can opt to camp out in the desert or find a local homestay to stay the night, to immerse oneself in the experience fully! Look out for meteor showers, as Churu's clear skies offer a great chance to witness these celestial displays.
6. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The infinite expanse of the white salt marsh in Kutch, Gujarat has long been on the list of stargazers in the country. Particularly during winters, one can witness the beautiful night sky while attending the Rann Utsav festival. With no intervention of light and pollution from vehicles, the sky reveals every constellation, every planet and star like a bejewelled bride! Besides the light phenomenon of Chir Bhatti (aka Ghost Lights) 6 magnitude stars are visible even to the naked eye here at Kutch!
7. Coorg, Karnataka
No one thought that a walk through the coffee plantations at night could offer much better sightseeing than the day, as Coorg has one of the most promising stargazing spots in the country!
The view from the top of the valley is sure to bring your life to a halt. With photographers fancying the place for their night projects, travellers can treat themselves with some of the dazzling sights above. Plan your days in Coorg anytime from March till May and enjoy staring endlessly at the starry sky while taking in the invigorating smell of the coffee beans from the nearby plantations!
8. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Stargazing in the middle of the Thar Desert is always a special experience! The mystery of the night sky as seen from the desert will remain unparalleled. When you take the safari through Jaisalmer, spend a night in the middle of the desert in a camp and you will come back as a new person! Certainly a must-visit for those in India who are addicted to stargazing.
9. Kibber and Kaza, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Gazing at the stars from a mountain is an experience like none other! Much has already been said about the barely polluted night sky of Spiti Valley! An altitude as high as the Spiti Valley (10,000-15,000 ft above sea level) ensures almost zero light and sound pollution for an unreal viewing experience. Apart from simply stargazing one can also spot the Milky Way and if you’re lucky, a couple of shooting stars too!
10. Pangong Tso, Ladakh
Imagine sitting around a bonfire, surrounded by the majestic Karakoram mountain range with your best friends, and a sky full of stars! Sounds almost dreamy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s actually a reality in Ladakh’s Pangong Tso area. All thanks to its high altitude, you can get a clear view of the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy here! If you are lucky, you might even spot a shooting star!
Explore the gleaming sky around India and surrender yourself to the starry nights! Let us know which off-beat places have you been to in India for star-gazing? Comment below!
Also Read:
A Detailed Guide For Wildlife Enthusiasts To Explore The Best Of Karnataka!
Did You Know About The Largest Monastery In India Which Is Also Second Oldest In Asia?
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