Exploring the huge universe via unaided eyes could appear intimidating however there was an elevated curiosity amongst vacationers to discover the surreal expertise of stargazing! The Maharashtra Tourism Improvement Company (MTDC) is all set to launch a stargazing mission close to Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad by November 2022. This mission will probably be put in in a secluded space of the Ajanta View Level that may enable guests to stargaze. It additionally supplies a 270 diploma view of the age-old Ajanta Caves. Whether or not you’re utilizing charts, telescopes or the bare eye, one of the simplest ways to discover the constellation is to stare into the good depths of house and benefit from the thriller. Because the Fall season is taken into account to be the right time, listed here are a few of the locations that supply one of the best stargazing expertise in India for the house fans.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
A stargazing paradise, this stunning place is massively in style amongst vacationers for its scenic magnificence, monasteries, serene lakes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It’s positioned at an altitude of 13,450 toes above sea stage. With snow-capped mountains, long-winded stretches of roads and crystal clear views of the night time sky, Spiti is among the coldest locations within the nation. It’s bordered by the good Himalayan mountain vary on all sides and receives solely 250 days of sunshine in a yr.
Greatest Time to Go to: October to Could
Nearest Airport: Kullu
Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Strategically positioned close to the Siachen Glacier, it provides essentially the most spectacular views of the glittering skies. The Milky Approach will also be seen from this valley. Air pollution free and filled with tranquility, surrounded by excessive mountain ranges and flowing rivers, Nubra Valley is located on the banks of the Shyok River. This place is extraordinarily in style amongst vacationers for the biggest and the oldest Buddhist monastery known as Diskit Gompa, Bactrian camel safari and starry skies. Also referred to as the Orchard of Ladakh, the beautiful valley is legendary for its scrumptious orange berries, apricots and apples.
Greatest time to go to: September to June
Nearest Airport: Leh
Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Neil Island boasts of white sand seashores, coral reefs, tropical forests and shimmering skies surrounded by the Bay of Bengal. This picturesque island is a well-liked spot for its pristine seashores like Sitapur, Pure, Ram Nagar and so on. and is among the finest biodiversity habitats within the nation. It’s a tiny island with peaceable vibes, brightly lit up skies, clear seashores and calm seawater, which make it a perfect place for stargazing.
Greatest time to go to: January to April
Nearest Airport: Port Blair
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Among the best spots for astrophotography and visible astronomy, the Rann of Kutch provides a magical view of Ghost Lights (Chir Bhatti). These atmospheric lights change colors from pink, yellow and blue, and are a thriller as they appear to look out of nowhere within the moist grasslands of Banni. It is usually the biggest salt marsh on the earth.
Greatest time to go to: October to February
Nearest airport: Rajkot
Nearest Railway Station: Bhuj
Coorg, Karnataka
A shocking hill station that’s in style for its espresso plantations, Coorg is the right decide for stargazers, honeymooners and romantic getaways. This place boasts of unique landscapes, breathtakingly stunning rainforests and luxurious greenery surrounded by hills. A romantic night time out within the jungle is a good way to watch the twinkling stars.
Greatest time to go to: October to March
Nearest airport: Mangaluru
Stargazing 101
1) Selecting the spot/location from the place you may stargaze is crucial. A high-altitude place for open landscapes is at all times very best, away from town and free of sunshine air pollution that may be a hindrance for a seamless expertise.
2) Timing additionally issues as moonlight can act as a spoilsport for star gazers. Many astronomers in addition to stargazers want to look at the sky when the moon shouldn’t be seen, or the moonlight is minimal. The sky must be darkish to discover the great stars, galaxies, planets and extra. Therefore, the brand new moon is taken into account as one of the best time.
3) Hold a tab on the Climate Forecast earlier than planning for the day to keep away from cloudy or wet nights. A transparent night time sky is essential for an uninterrupted viewing expertise
4) No hurt in brushing up your information, learn lots concerning the stunning world of house to make your self extra conversant in it. Whereas on the day, take cues via fascinating apps equivalent to Google Sky for understanding extra of what you’re watching
5) Lastly, take pleasure in the entire expertise when it’s taking place and study from it, not simply attempt to tick off all the pieces out of your record
Inputs by journey entrepreneur, Gaurav Kushwaha