A Galactic Endeavor: 10 Best Stargazing and Astro Photography Locations in India

A Galactic Endeavor: 10 Best Stargazing and Astro Photography Locations in India 1

Remember when as a child you would sit on the roof in your house and try to count the stars in the sky. Every time you would begin the stars kept on increasing. They would feel uncountable, but your glittering eyes and curious mind kept going on. Somewhere the peace of being under a sky full of stars was inexplainable. Like you wanted nothing more but to just fit all of them on your little fingers.

Well, this time we are giving you a chance to be that child again. But mind you, the stars are still uncountable and the fun is just the same. Below is a list of some of the best Stargazing and Astrophotography destinations in India. 

1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh:A Galactic Endeavor: 10 Best Stargazing and Astro Photography Locations in India 2

Situated high in the Himalayas, Spiti valley is a mountain desert in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. All you need is a clear sky and the experience of stargazing at Spiti Valley will leave you in awe. 

As Spiti Valley is 10,000 ft above sea level the experience becomes even more wonderful. Kibber is the highest motorable pass here and a perfect spot for experiencing the night sky. Chandratal lake is another place where you can camp for the night and live your moment.

2. Lonar Crater, Maharashtra:A Galactic Endeavor: 10 Best Stargazing and Astro Photography Locations in India 3

Located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, Lonar Crater is a National Geographic monument. Lonar Crater was created by a meteorite and is one of the largest craters in the world. 

Surrounded by thick forests this saline salt lake is one of the best destinations for stargazing. Thus, stargazers visit this place to have a view of the Milky Way. The mountainous ranges here are also loved by trekkers. All in all, Lonar Crater is a package for the star-struck souls and the adventure seekers.

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3. Katao, Sikkim:

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Katao is called Switzerland of India because snow continuously falls here. This snowfall makes your trip to Katao even more mesmerizing. Katao is about 15,000 ft above sea level and is a favourite spot for adventure lovers.

The beautiful white snow, treks, and campings allow you to witness a sky of uncountable stars. You can camp at Katao to experience these glittering skies and fall deeper in love with nature. 

4. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh:

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The Pangong Tso is a sparkling blue lake in Leh-Ladakh. Located at a height of 4350m this lake is a prime location for many film shoots. The lake is about 5kms from Leh and is a perfect destination for stargazing and astrophotography. 

Pangong has such clear and dry air that the view of the Milky Way becomes spectacular. The best time to visit Pangong is in April, May, September or October.

All in all, a starlit clear night sky, breathtaking views, and tranquillity await you at Pangong. 

5. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat:

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The Rann Of Kutch is a salt desert spread over an area of 7000sq km. It is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The Rann of Kutch has a beauty of its own, but a beautiful white desert with a sky full of stars is definitely a sight for the sore eyes. 

 Moreover, once the view of the sunset is over the Rann of Kutch becomes a paradise with millions of stars shining up and the beautiful white sand glistening under your feet.

In addition, visiting the Rann during a full moon is basically like icing on the cake. The best time for your star trek to Rann of Kutch is from November to February. 

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6. Coorg, Karnataka:

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Coorg is the beautiful hill station in the southern state of Karnataka. It’s lush green coffee plantations, majestic sceneries, seamless mountain ranges make it Karnataka’s pride. As magical as it is during the day; nights at Coorg are equally mesmerizing.

Coorg is one of the best stargazing destinations that India has to offer. The view from the top of the valley will definitely bring a tranquil pause in your life. Tadiandamol is the major spot to experience stargazing in Coorg. Book yourself a hotel or a treehouse, sit back and indulge in the view above you.

7. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan:

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Jaisalmer has the title of being the Golden City of India. Mainly famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, the desserts here are worth exploring too. Being completely away from city lights and pollution the stunning skies here just should not be missed.

A walk through the Thar desert under the silver sky is an experience of a lifetime. Altogether you can choose to take a night safari or just roam in the desert, there will be stars everywhere the eyes can see. Though Jaisalmer can be visited throughout the year the months from November to February have just the right temperatures.

8.Neil Island, Andaman, and Nicobar:

A Galactic Endeavor: 10 Best Stargazing and Astro Photography Locations in India 9

Known for its magnificent beaches, azure waters full of marine life Andaman and Nicobar have another gem. Located 40 km from Port Blair, Neil Island is a perfect spot to enjoy a galactic escapade. Moreover, the island is secluded during the night and with practically no light pollution this place is ideal for a night of stargazing.

 Neil island offers some magical scenes at night. Its exotic beaches can surprise you with its calm surroundings and a huge blanket of twinkling stars above. Although there can be some unexpected rains, the months from January to April are perfect to get the best of the island as well as the night sky.

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9. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir:

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Sonamarg which can be translated as the ‘Meadow of Gold’ rightfully holds its name.  Many astronomers and stargazers visit this place and its magical night sky makes them fall head over heels. The valley of Sonamarg has the snowy Himalayan peaks in the background and a breathtaking view of the Milky way above.

You can prefer to stay in hotels but a night in the camps will bring you even closer to nature. Certainly, the serenity of this place has made many people fall in love with it and you too will be one of them.

10. Nubra Valley, Ladakh:

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The last magical destination on our list is the Nubra valley in Ladakh. Nubra is located to the northeast of Ladakh valley. This desert with its snowy mountains and the remarkable night sky is a perfect example of serenity and beauty.

Stargazing in Nubra valley is an experience of a lifetime. The captivating mountains and a peaceful environment will bring you to a state of calm. In fact, the sky at Nubra in all its glory is everything you need for a tranquil escape.

Choose any of these stargazing and astrophotography destinations in India and get going. Each one of them is an experience you will love as a photographer, astronomer or that child we told you about. To sum up all these places have a lot to explore and none of them will disappoint you. 

Happy Exploring😊

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