Astrotourism alert! Best places for stargazing in India
Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays
Discover the best stargazing spots in India for a magical night under the stars. Perfect for astro lovers, campers and photographers!
Astrostourism is trending and tourists are flocking to some beautiful places on earth just to observe the constellations in the sky. With increasing light pollution in urban areas, more people are seeking dark-sky locations to witness meteor showers, the Milky Way and other astronomical wonders. That’s why stargazing places in India are witnessing a rise in footfall in recent years.
According to a report in 2023 by Grand View Research, the global astrotourism market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030. This increase is because of a mix of scientific curiosity and the desire for unique travel experiences.
Stargazing has always been a hobby with many, but as more and more stargazing spots are opening up in India, people are enjoying the pleasure of looking up at the sky and being able to spot the planets or the stars up close. For that they are ready to take a flight or a train to a stargazing place in India and spend days there hence giving a spurt to astrotourism.
This blog explores India’s top stargazing destination where travellers can make most of the country’s dark sky treasures.
Jump to sections:
What is stargazing and why are people interested?
How Flying Squirrel Holidays can help you with stargazing
What is stargazing and why are people interested?
What exactly is stargazing? Do you look up at the night sky and keep staring at thousands of stars that glimmer in the darkness and derive joy from it or is there more to it? There is of course more to it. There is a science and art of observing celestial bodies that has been practised from time immemorial. Years back when there was no compass or GPS it was the stars that showed people the way through land and sea. So stars have a formation, the formations have names and they can be found in particular spots in the sky or they could be moving around.
Interest in stargazing is growing, leading to community building through formation of clubs and group tours. There is a joy in identifying constellations and many people are getting involved in citizen projects that are actually helping scientists understand the night sky better. Some people use equipment like telescopes to engage in stargazing, some just like to use their naked eye or binoculars to spot the stars.
How stargazing helps us:
- It is truly an enjoyable endeavour
- It is a great stress buster
- This could be a deeply spiritual experience
- To learn about the stars and to be able to spot the constellations gives a sense of satisfaction
- The brain functions better if we get involved in stargazing
Top stargazing spots in India
Astrotourism is booming in India because we have some of the best stargazing spots in this country. In fact, India has some unique stargazing locations starting from Coorg in Karnataka to Sandakphu in the Himalayas. We list the best stargazing spots in India exclusively for you.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg has been one of the most popular stargazing spots in India. Located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 900 – 1500 m, its crisp thin air and rolling plantations create the perfect dark skies for stargazing.
What you will see
- Star clusters like Beehive Cluster
- Planets like Mars and Venus
- Constellations like Orion, Leo and Ursa Major
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport (95 km)
- Nearest railway station: Mysuru and Mangalore
Best time to visit
- October to March: Cloud is less and weather is dry
Stays
- Coorg Wilderness Resort
- Evolve Back Coorg
Sandakphu, Darjeeling
Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal (3,636m), offers one of the most breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountains, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. But beyond its majestic daytime views, Sandakphu is also an exceptional astrotourism destination. Thanks to its high altitude, minimal light pollution and remote location, the night sky here is a dazzling spectacle of stars, planets, and the Milky Way.
What you will see
- The Milky Way (Best seen from November to February)
- Orion Nebula & Andromeda Galaxy (Visible with binoculars)
- Meteor Showers (Check for events like the Geminids in December)
- Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest in the moonlight
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra airport (110km).
- Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (100km).
- Permit: Inner line permit for Indian tourists and Protected area permit for foreigners.
Best time to visit
- October to February: Clear skies, minimal clouds, excellent visibility.
- April to May: Pleasant weather, flower blooming season (Rhododendrons)
Stays
- GTA trekkers huts
- Sunrise Hotel, Sandakphu
- Sikhar Lodge, Tumling
- Homestays in Gorkhey, Bhareng, Gurdum, Srikhola and Tonglu
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Nestled in the Mahadeo hills region of the Satpura range, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh’s only hill station, is a hidden astro gem. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, its pristine forests, high-altitude plateaus and minimal light pollution make it one of the best stargazing places in India. Unlike crowded commercial spots, Pachmarhi offers serene, unpolluted skies where constellations, planets and the Milky Way shine brilliantly.
What you will see
- The Milky Way core
- Jupiter’s moon and Saturn’s ring (visible with binoculars)
- Look for Leonids in November and Geminids in December
- Naked-eye visibility of Orion Nebula and Pleiades Cluster
- Zodiacal light is a rare phenomenon seen before dawn
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (195km)
- Nearest railway station: Pipariya (47km)
Best time to visit
- October to March: Crisp, clear skies with excellent visibility (Winter nights are ideal).
Stays
- Pachmarhi Camping (near Bee fall)
- MPT Glenview
Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
A vast salt marsh and desert wilderness, the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) is one of India’s most surreal stargazing destinations. While the Great Rann of Kutch is more famous, for best stargazing in India you should head to the Little Rann because it has less light pollution, making it suitable for observing and photographing celestial events. Its flat, open terrain and clear dark skies transform into a 360-degree planetarium, which makes it an astrotourism paradise.
What you will see
- The Milky Way (Galactic core)
- Orion, Taurus and Sirius
- Meteor showers of Geminids (Dec), Quadrantids (Jan)
- Jupiter bands and Saturn rings
- Zodiacal light
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Ahmedabad (120km)
- Nearest railway station: Viramgam (60km)
Best time to visit
- October to March: Pleasant weather, crystal-clear winter skies.
- April to June: Extremely hot but excellent night sky.
Stay
- Rann Riders Eco Camp, Dasada)
- Desert Coursers, Zainabad
- Shaam-a-Sarhad Village Resort, Hodka
Munsiyari (Khaliya Top), Uttarakhand
Munsiyari (The little Kashmir), perched at a height of 2200m in the Kumaon Himalayas, is a stargazing wonderland. Its high altitude meadows, especially Khaliya Top (3600m), offer panoramic views of the Panchachuli range. Munsiyari comes under the darkest night sky location in the state with zero-light pollution, making it one of India’s best spots to witness the Milky Way arching over snow-capped giants.
What you will see
- The Panchachuli range creating an ethereal backdrop
- Jupiter’s moon is usually visible with binoculars
- Andromeda galaxy is visible to the naked eye on moonless nights
- Meteor showers of Perseids (Oct) and Geminids (Dec)
How to reach
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (300km)
- Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (280km)
- By road: From Delhi take NH9 to Almora via Berinag and Tejam
Best time to visit
- October to November: Post monsoon clarity, chilly but clear skies
- December to February: Pristine skies, excellent visibility but freezing cold (-5 degree celsius)
- March to April: Crystal clear skies best for milky way photography
Stay
- Milam Inn, Munsiyari
- The Kumaon House, Munsiyari
- Khaliya Top camps
Pin Valley & Kibber, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The trans-Himalayan wilderness of Spiti Valley, Pin Valley and Kibber, perched at a height of 4270m, offers India’s most amazing night skies and the best stargazing spots. Mars-like terrain of Pin Valley National Park, with its minimal atmosphere, zero light pollution and high altitude clarity, creates such perfect conditions that the universe unveils its glory.
What you will see
- Vertical Milky Way. The galactic core rises perpendicularly over Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is visible to the naked eye
- Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is visible with 8” telescope
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Kullu (Bhuntur) – 250km from Kaza
- Nearest railway station: Shimla and Chandigarh
- By road: Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza or Manali – Kunzum Pass – Kaza
Best time to Visit
- June to September: Accessible roads, Milky Way core visible nights
- October to November: Clearest sky but brutal cold
Stay
- Spiti sarai camps, Kibber
- Tara homestay, Mudh
- The Spiti Heritage, Kaza
Laitlum Grand Canyon, Meghalaya
Laitlum (“End of hills”) offers one of North East India’s most dramatic stargazing spots. Located at 1880m in the East Khasi hills, it offers the clearest views of night skies due to its relatively remote location. Its emerald-green canyon walls and rolling clouds create a scene straight from The Lord of the Rings. By night, the absence of city lights reveals a sky so dense with stars that the Milky Way casts its shadows.
What you will see
- The Milky Way “Dark rift”(Also known as “Ka briew lament” in Khasi sky lore)
- The dwarf galaxies Magellanic clouds which are satellite galaxies of the Milky Way
- Orion and the Southern Cross
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Guwahati airport (120km)
- Nearest railway station: Guwahati
Best time to visit
- October to April: Post-monsoon clarity
- December to January: Clear skies, but chilly weather
Stays
- Laitlum Cliff camps
- Deluxe camping at Cherrapunji
- Ri Kynjai Resort- Serenity By the Lake
Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Perched at 3,500–5,000m in the Trans-Himalayas, Ladakh offers Asia’s clearest night skies, certified by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). Hanle in particular is a highlight boasting the Indian Astronomical Observatory and being India’s first dark sky reserve. With <1% humidity, zero light pollution and 300+ clear nights per year, this is where professional astronomers and NASA come to study the cosmos. By day, lunar landscapes and turquoise lakes are stunning, by night, the Milky Way appears in 3D clarity and Jupiter’s moons are visible with binoculars making it one of the ultimate stargazing spots in India.
What you will see
- Andromeda galaxy (M31) visible naked eye
- Saturn’s ring and Jupiter’s cloud belt
- Rare electric blue atmospheric waves
- Meteor shower
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport (Leh)
- Nearest railway station: Srinagar
- Permit: Inner line permit for Indians and Protected area permit for foreigners
Best time to visit
- June to September: Warmest, clear skies
- October to November: Crispiest skies with magical views
Stays
- Woosah Hostel, Leh
- Nomadic Camp, Tso Kar
- The Grand Dragon, Leh
Bhandardara, Maharashtra
Stargazing at Bhandardara offers you a night engulfed in the scenic ranges of Sahyadris. Just 180km from Mumbai, this region boasts the Arthur Lake with zero light pollution and clear skies for eight months every year and unique celestial reflections in Kalsubai Waterfall.
What you will see
- The Milky Way appears like a silvery cloud here
- Major constellations like Scorpious and Sagittarius
- Jupiter’s Galilean moons and Mars
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai
- Nearest Railway station: Igatpuri
Best time to visit
- October to February: Crystal clear winter sky
- March to May: Best for Milky way photography
Stays
- MTDC resorts
- Anandvan Resort
- Bhandardara Camps
- River Ranch
Green Lake, North Sikkim
Hidden at 5,000m in the Kanchenjunga Biosphere, Green Lake is India’s most exclusive stargazing site. Accessible only to 200 visitors per year (per strict permits), this glacial basin offers the clearest atmospheric window in the eastern Himalaya, with the surrounding 6000m peaks blocking the natural light, which makes this place as one of the best stargazing spots of the eastern Himalayas.
What you will see
- The green flash is a rare phenomenon after sunset over Kanchenjunga
- Horsehead nebula
- Meteor showers of Quadrantids (Jan). More than 100 meteors fall per hour
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Best time to visit
- April to May: Pre-monsoon clarity
- October to November: Post monsoon clear sky
Stays
- The Apple Orchard Resort, Lachen
- Army Huts at Thangu
- Green Lake Camps expedition tents
Goechala Pass, West Sikkim
Often referred to as the nearest to the Kanchenjunga, it is renowned for the stunning views of not just one but 14 prominent Himalayan peaks including the majestic Kanchenjunga. At 4,940m in the Kangchenjunga National Park, Goechala Pass offers one of the world’s most dramatic celestial stages. The high altitude and zero light pollution sky reveals cosmic wonders which are unseen in most of India. This place is where the Milky Way vertically aligns with the world’s third-highest peak, and the Sacred Samiti lake mirrors constellations perfectly in windless nights.
What you will see
- The Kanchenjunga Milky Way
- Andromeda Galaxy is visible to the naked eye as the largest object in the night sky
- Airglow waves
- Meteor showers
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra (6hrs away from Yuksom, the base)
- Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri
- ILP + Restricted area permit for Indians, Foreigners currently prohibited as per the rules of 2024
Best time to visit
- April to May: Pre-monsoon clarity, perfect skies for astro photography
- October to November: Post monsoon, unbeatable views
Stays
- Trekkers’ huts at Dzongri/Sachen/Tshoka
- Homestays in Yuksom
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The Thar Desert’s endless dunes and zero light pollution make Jaisalmer one of India’s best stargazing spots. With 360-degree unobstructed views in the desert the Milky Way stretches horizontally in one of the clearest skies in Rajasthan.
What you will see
- Constellations like Ursa Major
- Planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Mercury
- Meteor shower
- Moon rise and moonset
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Jaisalmer airport
- Nearest Railway station: Jaisalmer railway station
Best time to visit
- October to March: Clear skies, pleasant weather
- April to May: Hot, but the best skies
Stays
- Luxury desert camp like The Serai, Jailsalmer
- Eco-friendly tents of Kanoi
- Luxury havelis in Jaisalmer
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal offers South India’s clearest night skies away from coastal humidity. Located at a height of 2133m in the Palani Hills, it boasts the rarest views of both northern and southern constellations. Kodaikanal is also known for its astronomical heritage, home to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory since 1899.
What you will see
- Milky Way core vertical over Palani Hills
- Omega Centauri, Southern hemisphere’s brightest globular clusters
- Saturn’s rings
How to reach
- Nearest airport: Madurai (120Km)
- Nearest railway station: Kodai Road
Best time to visit
- October to March: Crystal sky at night, with pleasant weather
Stays
- Sterling Kodai
- Tamara Kodai
- Carlton Hotel
Upcoming Astro events
| Event | Dates (IST) | What to Expect | Best Viewing Locations in India |
| Perseid Meteor Shower | August 12–13, 2025 (pre‑dawn) | Bright fast fireballs, 50–100 meteors/hr | Dark-sky areas like Hanle, Spiti, and Rann of Kutch |
| Leonids Meteor Shower | Nov 17–18, 2025 (post-midnight) | 10–15 meteors/hr, low moonlight background | Remote rural sky spots |
| Geminids Meteor Shower | Dec 13–14, 2025 (night to early morning) | Up to 120 meteors/hr; colorful displays | Accessible from most of India’s dark zones |
| Ursids Meteor Shower | Dec 21–22, 2025 | 5–10 meteors/hr with minimal moonlight | Quiet countryside skies |
| Total Lunar Eclipse | March 02–03, 2026 (after 8 AM IST)* | Blood Moon for 58 minutes; total visible from India | Anywhere with a horizon view |
| Annular Solar Eclipse | Feb 17, 2026 | Ring‑of‑fire visible outside India (partial view at tips) | India sees faint partial coverage only |
Astro camps in India
Seeing people’s interest in stargazing, these astronomy-themed camping retreats are being organised in different locations in India. These are great places to learn about astronomy through workshops and you are taught to handle equipment also.
| Camp / Organizer | Best For | Region |
| Astro Summer Camp (Astropathshala) | Families, students | Nainital & Jim Corbett |
| Astro Space Camp | STEM-interested teens | Uttarakhand |
| AstroCamps (Solang, Jibhi, Billing) | Comfort seekers, couples | Himachal Pradesh |
| Sandhan Valley AstroCamp | Adventure seekers | Maharashtra (Sandhan) |
| Stargazing Mumbai / Amateur Clubs | Casual weekend skywatchers | Near Mumbai |
| Khagol Mandal / Khagol Vishwa | Enthusiasts, amateur astronomers | Maharashtra region |
| ARIES Observatory Public Nights | Visitors, learners | Nainital |
| Spiti State Astro-Tourism Initiative | Dark-sky lovers | Kaza, Spiti Valley |
Essential tips for stargazing in India
- Choose dark sky locations: Always look for remote areas with zero artificial light. National parks and high altitude spots offer the clearest night sky views.
- Use sky viewing applications: Apps such as Night Sky, Star Chart, or SkyView can assist you in recognizing celestial objects and constellations as you observe them.
- Carry proper gear: While telescopes provide the best views, a good pair of binoculars works well for beginners. Remember, many celestial objects are visible to naked eyes too.
- Pack properly: Nighttime temperatures will be extremely cold in the mountain region. Pack warm clothes (5 layers suggested).
- Plan according to the Lunar cycle: For optimal stargazing, schedule your outing during a new moon phase when the sky is darkest.
- Check the weather conditions: Clear and cloudless nights are essential for stargazing. Always check the weather before going for stargazing (Suggested app: Meteoblue)
- Practice stargazing responsibly: Respect nature, follow the rules of the protected areas and be mindful of your surroundings.
How we can tailor your stargazing experience
Our country offers some of the most spectacular night sky viewing opportunities in the world. From the thin, crisp air of the Himalayas to the vast openness of desert landscapes, each destination provides a unique window to the universe.
Tell us what you want:
- Where do you want to go stargazing?
- What kind of hotel/resort/camp do you want to stay in?
- Do you want to travel by air and then by road?
- What else do you want to do apart from stargazing?
We will curate the most amazing stargazing experience for you. You just make a call to us, tell us what kind of experience you are looking for, we will do the rest.
The universe is yours to explore.
Your stargazing journey starts here.
Call us at +91 33 40525777 / +91 833 697 8737
Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com
FAQs
1. Where is the best place for stargazing in India?
The best stargazing spots in India are Coorg, Hanle (Ladakh) and Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh). These locations offer minimal light pollution, high altitude clarity, and stunning celestial views. Hanle is particularly special as India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.
2. When is the Milky Way visible in India?
The Milky Way core is visible from March to October across India, with peak visibility between April-July. The best viewing times are typically between 10 pm to 2 am during new moon phases when skies are darkest.
3. Can you see stars clearly in Indian cities?
Most Indian cities have severe light pollution, making only the brightest stars visible. However, some outskirts like Nandi Hills (Bangalore) or Sanjay Van (Delhi) offer better urban stargazing. For proper astronomy, rural locations are recommended.
4. What equipment do I need for stargazing in India?
Beginners can start with just a red flashlight and star chart app. For better viewing, 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars (₹3,000-5,000) work well. Serious enthusiasts should consider 70mm-90mm refractor telescopes (₹15,000-30,000).
5. Which Indian hill stations are best for astronomy?
Top hill stations for stargazing include:
- Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
- Munsiyari (Uttarakhand)
- Laitlum (Shillong
These offer high altitude advantages with relatively easy accessibility compared to Himalayan extremes.
6. Are there any dark sky reserves in India?
Yes, Hanle in Ladakh was declared India’s first Dark Sky Reserve in 2022. The area around the Indian Astronomical Observatory has strict lighting controls to preserve night sky quality for both research and tourism.
7. How to photograph stars with a smartphone in India?
Use these smartphone settings:
• Night mode with 15-30s exposure
• ISO 1600-3200
• Wide-angle lens
• Tripod or stable surface
• Timer to avoid shake
• Edit RAW files in Lightroom
8. What are the best stargazing months in South India vs North India?
- North India (Oct-Mar): Dry winters provide crystal clear skies
- South India (Dec-Feb): Less humid post-monsoon months are ideal
- Avoid the monsoon season (Jun-Sep) nationwide for astronomy.
9. Can beginners do astrophotography in India?
Absolutely! Start with a basic DSLR with kit lens, an inexpensive tripod is just fine. Use free stacking software like DeepSkyStacker. Many Indian astronomy clubs offer beginner workshops in major cities.
10. Where can I see meteor showers in India?
Best meteor shower viewing spots:
• Rann of Kutch (Geminids in Dec)
• Coorg (Perseids in Aug)
• Khajjiar (Quadrantids in Jan)
Remote locations with open horizons work best like deserts or high altitude areas.
