Space and stars are always the greatest mysteries for human beings, and we all know that a mystery always attracts a curious heart. As toddlers gazing at the sky with our glittering eyes and mouth open was always the best thing to do. Guess what? With time we grew up but this feeling didn't go away. Whether it is a child or a younger sibling or oneself also, questions about the cosmo side of life never end. Although, when we grow old and fall in love, then these stars look more beautiful and we become more romantic in the magical twinkling exquisiteness.
Getting a chance to witness the beauty of a starry night sky is no longer an everyday affair when you step outside. Even when the sky is the clearest, artificial lights don't let the natural darkness to prevail, making night canvas of the sky look a lot less majestic than they should be. Although pollution has been one of the significant problems in witnessing these beautiful elements, there are 10 best places for stargazing in India where you're sure to awestruck as you gaze up.
1. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Residing in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is the one heck of a place. With barren landscapes and towering heights, Spiti valley has a night sky so ethereal that you might feel like its a dream. A cloudless sky is what you have to pray for, and the rest will be taken care of by the universe-its great canvas laid out in all its glory in front of you. The Milky Way cluster and the shooting stars are an experience. For those wanting to capture their perfect star trail to those appears to lie down and stare at infinity, a cloudless night spent stargazing in Spiti is time well spent. Although, if you're looking to add more beautiful moments, watch the starry skies camping at Chandratal Lake. It is absolutely magical!
2. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh
Remember the last scene of the famous Bollywood blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’? Yes, we are talking about Pangong Lake. Located at the height of 4,350 m, Pangong Tso lake is the world's most noteworthy saltwater lake. Its water, which appears to be coloured in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains encompassing it. Guess what? Not just in the daylight, Pangong continues to amaze the travellers in the night with the canvas up in the sky. With no pollution and artificial lights to alter, you can see the constellations twinkling in front of your eyes. If you haven't planned a trip to Ladakh, make sure you stay a night at Pangong as you get to sleep beside this serene lake sheltered by the millions of stars.3. Coorg, Karnataka
Being the charming hill station of Karnataka, Coorg remains the pride of the state. The serene landscapes of this hill station mesmerised the Britishers to such an extent that they decided to call it 'The Scotland of India'. True it is, the unspoiled sceneries of Coorg have every element to be known so. But, it isn't just the alluring nature's vistas that Coorg has to offer. Coorg is home to one of the best stargazing spot in India too. In South India, there are a few right spots for star gazing, but Coorg is where an incomparable view of the night sky would be possible. The lofty peaks like Tadiandamol are the major spots where star gazing is simply easy. Book a hotel or even a tree house in the middle of the forest as you get to enjoy this original cosmo movie played in front of your eyes while the adoring the green side of life.4. Lonar Crater, Maharashtra
Located in Maharashtra, Lonar Crater is a major attraction not only in India but around the globe. A result of a meteorite falling on our planet years ago, astronomers have titled it not only as one of the largest crater in the world but also the perfect place to do star gazing. If you are one of those who loves astronomy, you'll be bombarded with the beauty up in the sky. It's like a live video of Milky Way played in front of you, but there is no camera or screen but your eyes and starry skies.
Encompassed by the thick forests and mountainous formations, this lake is the ideal place for the adventure hidden. Trekkers, mountaineers, nature lovers and many others are repeatedly come here to enjoy some unique moments.
5. Neil Island, Andaman & Nicobar
A smattering of islands off the coast makes up the beautiful beach getaway that is Andaman & Nicobar. Known for its gorgeous beaches, azure waters rich in marine life, it’s real secret is hidden in another (midnight) blue swathe. Located 40 km from Port Blair, Neil Island is a secluded spot to enjoy the painting of nature in the sky during the night. With practically no light pollution, the deserted beaches are ideally suited for a night of stargazing. Just imagine, the ocean in front of you, the quietness, and of course this fantastic canvas above your head. Well, you have your answer! Although, the solitude can be disturbed by like-minded people who have also come to do the same thing( but who minds a company with same interest).6. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The Great Rann of Kutch is a vast salt desert that lies at the top of the Kutch district in Gujarat, the westernmost state in India. Spanning over 7,000 sq. Km, the beautiful white expanse is a surreal sight for tourists. We all have watched scenes of a person standing on the white soil with no one around as far as the eyes can see, you can experience the same at Great Rann of Kutch. Once the day show of this barren land is over, the stars come out to play and mirror the shimmering stretch of white salt all the way to the horizon. If you want to have the best experience, make sure you come here on a full moon. We can bet you that it will definitely add up in the best moments of your life list.7. Katao, Sikkim
Perched 15,000 ft above the sea level, Katao is one of the most spectacular places in India. Due to the heavy snowfall, this is place wears a white sheet over it and hence, it is also known as the Switzerland of Sikkim. The lesser number of tourists has kept this place away from commercialisation which means less artificial lights, less pollution and of course clear sky to tempt your eyes. It seems as if you can touch the glittering astral circles with your hands and the breeze floating over the canopies (if you choose to camp) will surely spread a smile on your face and peace in your heart. Still, have some doubts? Let the picture speak for itself!8. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Another gem of the rooftop of India who deserves to be on this list is none other than the Nubra Valley. This desert between snow-capped mountains is genuinely magical. Offering the tourists Arabian Nights like experience and it is home to double-humped Bactrian camels. A day at Nubra Valley is a day well spent, but when the sun goes down, this surreal desert offers the best dessert to the astronomy lovers. Peace is the synonym you can confer on to Nubra especially when the moon is up above the sky playing games with its friends and family consisting of trillions of stars cluttered in circles, rectangle and unknown shapes.9. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Sun shines in the world, but it paints gold in Jaisalmer. Well, this comes as no surprise. Yellow sand and sandstone used to make the structures in this city have entitled it to the name of the Golden City of India. Although, the fort and palaces are magnificent here, when it comes to the desert night sky, you shouldn't dare to miss it. Being free of light and pollution, it offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the stunning constellations and spectacular pathway of the Milky Way as it spans over the sky. If you stay there for long, you are sure to see many shooting stars. Not just the night show but the camp stay in the desert is also one of a kind experience. So, it's a Win-Win thing!10. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Sonamarg, literally translated, means “Meadow of Gold,” and understandably so. Not only is this tranquil valley set against the backdrop of snowy white Himalayan peaks, but at night, these mountaintops provide the perfect frame for the arc of the Milky Way. Stargazing in Sonamarg is a whole new level as the beauty of the surrounding mountains, captivating streams and chilled air enhances it. Astronomers who come here, fall in love with the sky again. Although there are many hotels in Sonamarg, we prefer you to stay in the camps as you can connect with nature in a far better way.
Relive your childhood watching the stars dancing over your heads with the Milky Way. Choose any place to watch stargazing, you won't be disappointed. Moreover, there are so many things to do at these places, either its day or its night, you are going to have a good time for sure.
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