Time to Get Starstruck: The Most Alluring Locations for Stargazing in India

The mysterious beauty of the cosmos never fails to amaze us. It is spectacular to see how the night sky is adorned with sparkling white stars and planets that peek at us from behind the layers of the atmosphere. If you go to the right places for stargazing in India, you can even get a glimpse of the fragments of the Milky Way that are otherwise not visible to the naked eye. It is very humbling to see how vast the universe is and how insignificant we can be in the bigger picture. 

Stargazing in India is an enthralling experience. It gives you unexplainable peace and relief to gaze at the silent night sky. While the subtle breeze will relax your body, the stars will cast a glow that can forever change your perspective of things! If you are looking forward to exploring this ethereal feeling, you must visit these 10 locations for stargazing in India. 

While you are here, book your stay at Treebo Hotels for an unforgettable travel experience. 

When you visit these locations, make it a point to check the weather conditions beforehand so that the cloudy skies do not interrupt your night out! 

Glorious Locations for Stargazing in India

Stargazing in these 10 places will fill your hearts with wonder and awe. Pack your bags and visit these sites as soon as possible! 

1 – Auli – Uttarakhand

Auli is a picturesque town in the state of Uttarakhand and is also popular as the skiing paradise of Garhwal. Initially, its layout was recognised as a strong asset and the place served as a paramilitary base. Now, it still has the Indian Army’s high-altitude training zone. Apart from the military atmosphere and skiing adventures, Auli is also famous for stargazing in India. This is the perfect place to get the best view of the second-highest peak in the country – Nanda Devi and also get to Tapovan. You can set up a camp anywhere near the bases and enjoy a bonfire followed by stargazing. If you have a telescope, you can see planets Jupiter and Saturn very clearly on the right days. Also, Venus is more clearly visible from Auli. The solar system lovers will have a field day if they decide to drop by Auli. 

Best Time to Visit: May to October
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport – Dehradun

2 – Kodaikanal – Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal is the honeymoon capital for the residents of India. Now, people from across the world are coming here to enjoy some secluded time amidst the mountains. Though the sunset at Coaker’s walk and sunrise at Kodaikanal Lake is mesmerising, stargazing in this hill station is out of the world! This is where you can see impressive constellations and a large number of stars gathered in the same place! They twinkle like diamonds and you can see all this while camping or staying on a hilltop stay/hotel. You can check out some of the best Treebo hotels in Kodaikanal and reserve your stay at a reasonable cost.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

3 – Binsar – Uttarakhand

Binsar is one of the finest locations that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. You will see snow-laden mountains that are partially concealed by the thick forests. Binsar has peaks that are easily trekable and you can set camp and enjoy the serene atmosphere at various places. The sky is absolutely clear most of the time and the stars shine brighter and better! Seeing how Binsar was once the summer capital of the rulers of the Chand Dynasty, the atmosphere is comparatively warmer than other places in Uttarakhand during the hot months. Stargazing in Binsar is a splendid experience because you also get to spot other planets with your naked eye! 

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Nearest Airport:  Pantnagar Airport

4 – Nubra Valley – Jammu and Kashmir

Are you planning on a Leh-Ladakh bike tour soon? Then head toward Nubra Valley which is one of the highest motorable roads in the country. This is where you get the chance to see the Milky Way with your naked eye! You can also spot several constellations and beautiful star formations on the right days. The Nubra Valley is a peaceful winter desert that sees several travellers passing by it every day. The valley is close to international borders so you might have to take permission from authorities to enter the zone or set camp for a short time. During the day, visit the peaceful monasteries and at night, gaze at the skies and enjoy the tranquil peace that the atmosphere offers. 

Best Time to Visit: April to June; September – October.
Nearest Airport: Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport

People Planning to Visit Monasteries Must Read: MONASTERIES IN LADAKH: A GLIMPSE INTO THE SOULFUL EXISTENCE OF HIMALAYAN BUDDHISM

5 – Pushkar – Rajasthan 

Rajasthan is one of the first states in India to offer astro-tourism! You will surprised to see that the government is going out of its way to dedicate some awesome tourist places for stargazing after sunset! Pushkar is one of the places where you can see the most number of stars at night while sipping on your evening beverage. Famous for the Brahma temple, Pushkar is a place that holds religious significance to the Hindus. Moreover, the nights are pleasantly cold and you can always go up to the terrace, lie down and stare at the impressive alignment of twinkling stars. Pushkar has impressive hills, ample vegetation and a calm atmosphere that is suitable for camping with your friends and family. And at night, probably grab a bowl of Maggi and enjoy being under the skies! 

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Nearest Airport: Kishangarh Airport or Jaipur Airport

6 – Rann of Kutch – Gujarat

Rann of Kutch is a barren land of absolute beauty! The salt marsh is a visual treat during the daytime and a gorgeous beauty at night. With absolutely no sound, nothing to see for lengths – you are alone with the stars and the endless sky. Astrophysicists often come here to capture terrific pictures of the Milky Way, the alignment of stars and the position of the planets on special days. You can come here, have a small picnic in the evenings and snuggle with your blankets in the camp once the sunsets. You can lie down on your camping mattresses and gaze at the magnificent stars that sparkle like gems. If we speak scientifically, these stars shine with a magnitude of 6 – brighter and bigger! The lack of pollution is the reason you can see them very clearly in this region of Gujarat. We suggest that you come here on a full moon day to see the gloriousness of the moon along with the stars. 

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport – Ahmedabad

7 – Sambhar Lake – Rajasthan

Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is the biggest saline lake in the country and is the source of 80% of Rajasthan’s salt production. The lake has a charm to it, a wide-spread waterbody that stares right back at the sky. If you come here for stargazing, you won’t be regretting it at all! In the right season, you can clearly see planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. You will see that these planets look like bright spots amidst the sparkling stars. Mars has a distinct redness to it that you can easily notice when you compare it with the surrounding stars. The night sky above Sambhar Lake is fascinating and you can see constellations like Big Dipper, Cassiopeia and Orion very clearly. 

Best Time to Visit: March to September
Nearest Airport: Jaipur Airport

Also Read: A MELANGE OF TRADITIONS: HERE ARE THE 10 MOST EXCITING FESTIVALS OF RAJASTHAN

8 – Tirthan Valley – Himachal Pradesh

If you are planning on a Kullu and Manali trip, consider visiting Tirthan Valley as well. It is a splendid place for stargazing in India and you will be surprised to see the number of stars in the sky! We definitely were! On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way appear as a luminous band that is absolutely remarkable! Orion and Ursa Major are the main constellations that are clearly visible from Tirthan Valley. If you have a telescope, you can also see Saturn and Jupiter clearly. Cloudless nights are perfect for studying the rings of gas around Saturn. Tirthan Valley offers a silent atmosphere that you will come to love. The slow breezes coupled with the majestic dark nights are a visual treat that you do not want to miss out on. 

Best Time to Visit: March to June

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport

9 – Spiti Valley – Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is one of the most peaceful places for stargazing in India in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is popular for its rugged terrains, monasteries and breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. To get to Spiti Valley, you have to pass some of the most dangerous roads to drive on in India! This is absolutely exhilarating and the adrenaline rush will definitely make you feel accomplished! Spiti Valley is peaceful and devoid of any pollution. That is why, the night skies are clear and you can see the dim outline of the Milky Way with your naked eye. Moreover, you can also spot the Orion Nebula, Ursa Major and Scorpius! When you are in Spiti Valley, you can either camp or stay at a monastery and enjoy the magnificence of the wide-spread night sky. 

Best Time to Visit: September to February
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport

10 – Wayanad – Kerala 

Wayanad recently started gaining a lot of acclaim for its canopies of green bushes, dense forests and impressive vegetation. It is also one of the best places for stargazing in India. This mountain plateau is the perfect place where you can enjoy a dip in the waterfalls, boat ride on the backwaters, bird-watching sites, and also go on a nature walk to explore the flora and fauna. You can also go on trekking trails and place your tent in a secluded and gorgeous place. At night, Wayanad is a magical place with a positively overwhelming night sky that has millions of shining stars. If you come here on the right night, you can see the captivating constellation, Pegasus! Along with Orion and Big Dipper, you can find Leo and Cygnus constellations as well. It depends upon the location you are choosing for stargazing.

Best Time to Visit: September to April
Nearest Airport: Calicut Airport

Stars are only a small part of the cosmic mysteries of our universe. The sky is fascinating, an endless wonder that will keep us hooked to our spot. You can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy being much closer to the creations of the Universe. Stargazing in India is a great experience, especially for those who are night owls and enjoy everything that the world offers once the sun sets. You can visit any of these 10 locations and you are sure to have the time of your life! Though these stars are very hard to capture in digital images, they will definitely leave a lasting impression on your mind.