Best Places for Stargazing in India.

“Do not look at stars as bright spots only.
Try to take in the vastness of the universe.”
~ Maria Mitchell, Astronomer

Ever wanted to touch the stars and look at other planets? There’s no better place in the India to stargaze than one of the spots mentioned below. Have you been to any of them? Are there other places that you would put on the list? Leave your answers in the comments below!


Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The only kinds of lights I want in my night.

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 more than 7,000 square kilometres, the striking white expanse is a surreal sight for tourists used to the hustle and bustle of more conventional Indian tourist sites like Mumbai and New Delhi. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a camel ride, or simply watch the sun go down, though if you take a stroll in the day make sure to bring sunglasses and load up on the sunblock. At night, watch the stars come out to play and mirror the shimmering stretch of white salt all the way to the horizon.

The great Rann of Kutch is the largest salt marsh in the world. Here, one can experience a strange light phenomena known as Chir Bhatti (Ghost lights) as well as beautiful views of the night sky. A lot of visual astronomy and astrophotography is possible from here, and most who have visited say that they can see nearly 6 magnitude stars with the naked eye.

Practical tips to experience Chir Bhatti(Ghost Lights) in Gujarat:

  • Stay: Stay at Devjibhai Ka Kooba opposite the Little Rann of Kutch desert. There are no other accommodations in the vicinity, so it gets pretty dark at night. Devjibhai’s son is well acquainted with these parts and has some ideas for really dark spots for intrepid stargazers – inform them in advance about your interest in stargazing.
  • Getting there: The Little Rann of Kutch is a 6-7 hour bus ride from Ahmedabad.
  • When to go: Winter months from November to February see cool temperatures and clear skies. Carry a light jacket for chilly nights.

Ladakh – Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh is one of the best places for stargazing in India. Fulfill your stargazing dreams with unparalleled views of the night sky at Nubra Valley, Ladakh. Your mornings filled with mesmerizing lakes and beautiful landscapes, and your nights filled with glittery skies.

Like Spiti(a place in jammu & kashmir also well known for stargazing), all of Ladakh is incredible for stargazing – although unlike Spiti, it is also thronged by mindless tourists who think it’s okay to play loud music at night at the serene Pangong Lake. The bane of every stargazer.


Practical tips for stargazing in Ladakh:

  • Stay: Opt for a homestay with traditional Ladakhi facilities.
  • Getting there: The easiest way to get to Ladakh is flying in to Leh. Set aside a few days to acclimatise to the high altitude.
  • When to go: The summer months from May to August are the warmest, though also pretty busy.


Shnongpdeng – Meghalaya

Starry skies amid the clouds in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya, home to the wettest place on earth, is seldom associated with stargazing. But besides cloudy skies, the lush green countryside often opens up to moments of pure silence with clear dark skies above, full of stars! In the small hill village of Shnongpdeng, close to the Bangladesh border, on a new moon night, find an isolated spot, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and watch the canvas above fill with twinkling lights – a most magical experience.


Practical tips for stargazing in Meghalaya:

  • Getting there: Fly to Guwahati, from where Shillong is 2.5 hours and Shnongpdeng further 3-4 hours drive.
  • When to go: The best time for stargazing and clear, cloudless skies is mid December to mid January.


Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

The real night sky – better than anything technology could create!

Don’t be under the impression that starry nights are available only in the north, no sir not at all.Our beautiful south is blessed with this place called Yercaud in Tamil Nadu,one of the most underrated hill stations in India with sights like these!

Yercaud in the south too offers beautiful opportunities for stargazing in India. Adorned by trees on all sides, it is called the Jewel of the South, maybe because of the strings of stars that appear in the night time.


Practical tips for stargazing in Yercaud:

  • When to go: The best time for stargazing and clear, cloudless skies is October to June.
  • Getting there: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport.