Explore the cosmos: Visit Indian destinations for stargazing experience

Stargazing is a wonderful experience. But with a sky full of smog, city people are often deprived of this bliss. However, somewhere far from artificial light, such as a rural area, a national park, or hills, one can get acquainted with cosmic mysteries. And, remember darkest nights produce the brightest stars.  

Avoid looking at bright lights or screens before stargazing to give your eyes time to acclimatise to low light conditions; this will help you to fully enjoy the peaceful and meditative effects of the pastime.

It is an opportunity to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves and to marvel at the splendour of our galaxy, so slow down, take in the awe-inspiring view of the night sky, and make some unforgettable memories.

Leh, Ladhak

If you want to see stars as you've never seen them before, you need to visit Ladakh. Ladakh, in India's far north, has some of the best stargazing in the world due to its high altitude and lack of light pollution. You can see the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and maybe even a shooting star if you're lucky. The nearest airport is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in the city of Leh.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

The city of Jaisalmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan is well-known for its impressive golden fort and surrounding sand dune landscape. On the other hand, stargazing is spectacular here. The Thar Desert's proximity to the city makes for a dark sky at night. Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades are only some of the constellations that are visible. To get there, fly through Jodhpur Airport, which is the closest one to Jaisalmer. It's a little over 200 miles distant.

Also read: Amazing summer wedding places in India are dazzling destinations

Coorg, Karnataka

The hill station of Coorg in the Indian state of Karnataka is well-known for its verdant landscape and coffee plantations. On the other hand, stargazing is spectacular here. Because of its location in the Western Ghats, the town has a clear view of the night sky. The Southern Cross, Scorpio, and Sagittarius are all visible. The closest airport to Coorg is Mangalore airport, which is located about 135 kilometres away.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is a valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that is well-known for its extreme altitude and rocky topography. The beautiful skies and high altitude make it an ideal location for stargazing. The Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way are all visible. The closest domestic airport is in Bhuntar, which is around 245 kilometres distant, near Kullu.

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

The southernmost Indian town of Kanyakumari is renowned for its stunning beaches and religious sites. On the other hand, stargazing is spectacular here. The town has a clear view of the stars thanks to its location between the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, and the North Star are only some of the constellations that are visible. Transportation options include international Trivandrum Airport and domestic Tuticorin Airport. Approximately 82 and 89 kilometres separate these two airports from Kanyakumari.