We all must have tried counting the stars while looking up at the sky and wishing we could have a closer view or even pick them like berries. While catching them in our hands might not be possible, having a closer is! These places in India take looking up at the stars from our terrace to another level by giving you a closer look into the planets and burning stars.Some places are even recognised under the "International Dark Sky Places." This program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.From constellations like Orion, Cancer, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Aries, Lyra, and Pegasus to the entire Milky Way galaxy can be seen with just the help of a telescope and a good place. Have a great time camping and stargazing and unwind at any of these places with your loved ones. Read on to learn more about all these destinations that allow you to take a closer look at the elusive solar system and start your first-ever astro tourism today!

<h3>8) Mt Katao, Sikkim:</h3>Sometimes, called the Switzerland of India, this place does not just stop taking your breath away during the day but during the night too. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and its pollution, the small village is a much more offbeat place to choose for stargazing in India. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;March to June.</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Trekking, Photoshoot at Gangtok</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Tsomgo Lake, Banjhakri Water Falls, and Himalayan Zoological Park.</li></ul>

<h3>9) Mandarmani, West Bengal:</h3>Mandarmani is a lesser-known spot for stargazing but has the most romantic night skies in India. The best time to watch the night sky with almost zero pollution is around Mahalya (New Moon). Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Water sports activities</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;October to February, July to September.</li><li>Duration: 2 Days</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Trekking, Camping</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Shankarpur Beach,&nbsp;Amravati Temple, and Mandarmani Eco Park.</li></ul>

<h3>10) Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir:</h3>Sonamarg, meaning 'Meadow of Gold,' with its snowy mountains and pollution-free environment creates a sky so clear that by nighttime, campers lie dazed under the stars that look like they have come out to sparkle for its guests. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Picturesque Valleys and Snow Mountains</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;May to October</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Trekking, Camping, Snow Cycling</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Zojila Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Gadsar Lake ·</li></ul>

<h3>11) Yercaud, Tamil Nadu:</h3>Though not many people know of this destination, Yercaud is one of the best places for you to plan a getaway and stargaze into the night sky. It is called the 'Jewel of the South', perhaps because of the strings of stars that appear in the nighttime. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Waterfalls, green meadows and stunning views of the hills.</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;October to June</li><li>Duration: 2 Days</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Trampoline, Archery, Boating</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Emerald Lake,&nbsp;Pagoda Point&nbsp;Botanical Garden</li></ul>

<h3>12) Kuari Pass, Uttarakhand:</h3>Locally known as the Curzon trail, it is home to five rivers and offers viewers a spectacular view of the Himalayas during the day and night. The peaks of the Himalayas and the starry sky combine to create a breathless view of the night sky. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Clearest view of Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest mountain (located entirely within the Indian Territory).&nbsp;</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;December to March&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Trekking, Bungee Jumping</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Auli Hill Station,&nbsp;Badrinath Dham.</li></ul>

<h3>13) Lake Shirota, Maharashtra</h3>Its banks serve as a campsite for Fort Rajmachi. Shirota is a convenient spot for stargazing both in terms of its closeness to Mumbai and Pune as well as its thick forest cover and beautiful bankside. An offbeat location and free from pollution, it’s an ideal place for stargazing in India. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Breathtaking Views and clear waters</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;November to March</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Rafting, Camping</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Pavana Lake, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves</li></ul>

<h3>14) The Sundarbans, West Bengal:</h3>The Sunderbans not only offer views of the mangroves but clear skies for stargazing with shooting stars said to be spotted every 10 minutes and bioluminescent water. This place is pure nature with a unique ecosystem. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Royal Bengal Tiger, Ganges and Irawadi dolphins, Estuarine Crocodiles&nbsp;</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;October to March&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: 3 Days</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Triveni Camping, Teesta River Rafting</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Dublar Char</li></ul>

<h3>15) Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan:</h3>Located 64 km from Ajmer, on National Highway 8, Sambhar Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India. Catch a view of the Milky Way galaxy without any observatories or telescopes. Traveller Information<ul><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;October to March&nbsp;</li><li>Duration: Half a day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: &nbsp;Motorcycle Ride, Sambhar Lake Camping</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Mantri Bhawan, Ranwa Agriculture Land, Birds Watching Point Naliasar Lake.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Astro tourism in India is slowly but steadily developing and gaining prominence and it is never too late for you to go in search of today's night sky India!

<h3>1) Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh:</h3>Recognised as India's first and&nbsp;Asia’s fifth <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/products/paramotoring-in-pench-national-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Dark Sky Park,</a> the National Reserve has two fully equipped observatories that allow you to gaze into the elusive night sky; you can see Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s mole. This place makes stargazing in India quite easy and very interesting! The Pench Reserve is practically a night sky sanctuary in India. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;&nbsp;Bengal Tigers&nbsp;</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;November, December, January, February</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Camping, Ziplining, Jeep Parasailing</li><li>Other Places to Visit: Kohka Lake, Sukla Dam, Alikatta</li></ul>

<h3>2) Nubra Valley, Ladakh:</h3>With mountains as the backdrop, and an equally beautiful lake reflecting said mountains creates a stunning view, especially during the night. You can catch a glimpse at the stunning sky lit with stars and moon so far away from all the pollution of the city. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;&nbsp;Orchards, Scenic Vistas, Bactrian camels and Monasteries</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;April to June and September to October</li><li>Duration: 3 Days</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Camping, Ziplining, Jeep Parasailing</li><li>Other Places to Visit: Hunder Village, Maitreya Buddha, Samstanling Monastery.</li></ul>

<h3>3) Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands:</h3>The tiny island is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal 40 kilometres northeast of Port Blair. The endless clear waters of the sea create stunning scenery with the starry night sky after sunset. With the sky being so clear all year long, it appears as though the stars are only a hand's length away from this location. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;October to May</li><li>Duration: 2 Hours</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/products/scuba-diving-in-andaman-islands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Scuba Diving</a>, Kayaking, Parasailing</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach</li></ul>

<h3>4)&nbsp;Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:</h3>Mudflats and marshlands are not the only well-known features of Rann of Kutch but also their clear night sky views. You can identify six magnitudes of stars visible from this location with the naked eye. Astrophysicists capture stunning astrophotography due to the desert's eerie silence. It is best to visit during winter, or the months from October to February. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;White salty desert sand&nbsp;</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;October to February</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Scuba Diving, Kayaking, <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/products/powered-paragliding-in-rann-of-kutch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Parasailing</a></li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary</li></ul>

<h3>5) Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh:</h3>Situated 4270 metres above sea level with clear skies and a far distance from air and light pollution, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best destinations for stargazing in India. Catch the glittering displays of the Milky Way and stars.If you have been wondering how to see Andromeda galaxy from India, Spiti Valley is the best place to go. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Buddhist monasteries and Stunning Natural sites</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;March to June</li><li>Duration: A week</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Jet ski, Speed Boat Ride, Go Karting</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Key Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Kunzum Pass</li></ul>

<h3>6) Hanle, Ladakh:</h3>Hanle stargazing is best because of its moonscape-like terrain. The high-altitude Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), is one of the highest observatories in the world. Hanle is well-known for its clear skies, it is best to camp out with a thick quilt and a cup of hot tea staring into space. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Indian Astronomical Observatory</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;May to September</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Camping, Ziplining, Jeep Parasailing</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Hanle Monastery, Diskit Gompa, Pangong Lake</li></ul>

<h3>7) Coorg, Karnataka:</h3>While most people talk of the famous features of the hill station, they just stick to the daytime attractions but what they don't know is that Coorg is mesmerising during the night, with stars twinkling and shining providing for a romantic night among the lush greenery. Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Coffee plantations</li><li>Best Time to Visit:&nbsp;September to June</li><li>Duration: 1 Day</li></ul> Things To Do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Jeep Parasailing, Trekking, Surfing</li><li>Other Places to Visit:&nbsp;Madikeri, Tala Kaveri</li></ul>

Stargazing in India: Discover the Top Destinations

India

Kalyani Lanke 19 Feb 2026

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