The act of staring up at the stars and other celestial objects in the night sky is known as stargazing. People of all ages enjoy it, and it can be done from almost anywhere with clear, dark skies. Stargazing is a tranquil and serene activity that enables one to appreciate the wonder and size of the cosmos.
The fact that stargazing takes little equipment is what makes this an effortless activity! The only things you actually need are a clear night sky, a cosy spot to sit or lay down, and some familiarity with the constellations and other celestial objects that can be seen in the sky. However, if you want to take astronomy more seriously, you can get a telescope to obtain a better view of the stars and planets.
Secluded locales with little light pollution are typically the best locations for stargazing. It can be challenging to view stars and other celestial objects clearly when there is light pollution from streetlights, buildings, and other sources. For stargazing, it is therefore advised to choose a place far from any city lights.
While stargazing can be done at any time of the year, certain seasons provide better viewing chances than others. For instance, the Milky Way is visible in the night sky during the summer, and meteor showers are very frequent. The Orion constellation is visible in the winter, and the evenings are longer for stargazing. Observing the stars is always enjoyable, no matter the season.
Stargazing can be a soothing and serene hobby that offers a chance to unplug from the pressures of daily life and reconnect with the grandeur of the cosmos. Stargazing can create awe and amazement in the natural world as well as a sense of curiosity about the world around us.
There is always something new to discover when stargazing, whether you are an expert or a novice. India has a wide variety of terrains and sceneries, offering many opportunities for astronomy. There are several locations across the nation where one may view the majesty of the night sky, from the Himalayan highlands to the desert expanses of Rajasthan.
Here are the seven best locations for stargazing in India, as well as the best times to get there.
1. Ladakh
Ladakh, a high-altitude desert in the far north of India, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and pristine skies. Due to some of the clearest skies in the world, it is a well-known location for stargazing. The months of May to September are ideal for stargazing in Ladakh. One can drive from Manali or Srinagar to Ladakh or take a flight to Leh to reach Ladakh, the best place to stargaze in India.
2. Spiti Valley
A distant and beautiful area called Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh. It has a number of tiny villages and monasteries and is encircled by snow-capped mountains. It is the perfect place to go stargazing due to the pristine skies and low levels of light pollution. The months of May to October are ideal for stargazing in Spiti Valley. One can fly to Kullu and then drive from Manali to Spiti Valley. One of the best places to stargaze in India, Spiti Valley is a must-visit!
3. Jaisalmer
The desert city of Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan, is well-known for its ancient forts and golden sand dunes. The beautiful skies make it a great place to go stargazing because you can see the stars and planets clearly. The months of October to March are the finest for stargazing in Jaisalmer. You can fly to Jodhpur and then drive from there to get to Jaisalmer.
4. Rann of Kutch
Gujarat is home to the salt desert known as the Rann of Kutch. A unique experience, stargazing here is so special because of the huge expanse of white salt that extends as far as the eye can perceive. The months of November to February are ideal for stargazing in the Rann of Kutch. One can fly to Ahmedabad and then drive over the desert to the Rann of Kutch. This is definitely our top pick for the best place to stargaze in India.
5. Coorg
In the state of Karnataka, there is a hill station called Coorg, which is well-known for its coffee plantations and scenic beauty. As there is little light pollution and clear skies, it is also a fantastic place to view the stars. The months of October to March are ideal for stargazing in Coorg. One can fly to Mangalore or Bangalore and then drive to the hill station of Coorg.
6. Munnar
Kerala's Munnar is a hill town renowned for its tea plantations and natural splendour. Since there is little light pollution and the skies are clear, it is also a well-liked location for stargazing. The months of October to March are ideal for stargazing in Munnar. One can fly to Kochi and then drive to the hill station of Munnar to get there.
7. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a hill town in the state of Maharashtra that is well-known for its strawberry orchards and picturesque beauty. As there is little light pollution and clear skies, it is also a fantastic place to view the stars. The months of October to March are ideal for stargazing in Mahabaleshwar. One can fly to Pune or Mumbai and then drive to the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. This is definitely one of the best places to stargaze in Western India.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.