If you never leave the city you can rarely admire the night-sky, the other face of mother nature which has its own charm way more better than the other i.e. the daytime.
Experiencing the night time is one of the most beautiful sights one can have in its lifetime. Many of us don't even know that the Astronomical Galaxies can be captured and visible by high end cameras these days, which are purely a bliss to watch and experience once in a lifetime. Thousands of professional astronomers and Astro-photographers treks and travel to these places to bring out the glimpse of the space.
Not only the cameras, these astronomical events or ( Milky way Galaxy ) can be seen through naked eyes as well, provided with zero light pollution on the location which are mostly at high altitudes .
But now the question arises is, Where to find such dark places? Well the most popular stargazing sites in India are Ladhak ( J&K) , Spiti Valley ( Himachal Pradesh ) ,etc.
But there are many more such places in our very own Devbhoomi ( Uttarakhand ) which are much cheaper and economical to travel to that won't make holes in our wallet compared to popular mainstream places.
Uttarakhand has many locations with almost zero light pollution for stargazing in the state.
Some of the most popular among all locations are listed below.
1. Majkhali, Ranikhet
Almost 12 km from Ranikhet, Majkhali village is famous for its beautiful scenic landscapes with almost zero light pollution, making it one of the best locations in the state for stargazing.
Most of the astro-photographers visit Majkhali often during the summer season for capturing the full arc of the gigantic Milky-way observed from the location.
Ranikhet Golf Course is also a good spot for stargazing situated in the same location.
2. Kedarkantha, Uttarkashi
Kedarkantha Trek one of the best winter trek of the country is also one of the best locations for stargazing in the state. Kedarkantha trek, which is almost 12,500ft above the sea level, daubed through pine trees also offers the best sites for stargazing due to zero light pollution throughout the trek.
3. Nanital
Nanital being the most commercialized hill stations of the country, This lake city also is one of the best locations for stargazing in the state.
Nanital also have largest telescope in India, which is a part of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational sciences (also known as ARIES), at Manora peak, 9 kilometres from the main city, from where these astronomical events are observed and recorded.
4. Munsiari, Pithoragarh
Munsiari also known as the Himnagri(Himalayan Town), which is almost 5 hours from the main city Pithoragarh, comes under the darkest places in state suitable for stargazing. Places offers beautiful scenic landscapes with the backdrop of Panchachuli Peaks, which are magical to see during the night time.
5. Deoria Tal, Ukhimath
Deoria tal, the magical mirror lake almost at the height of 2500 meters above the sea level with the back drop of Himalayan snow-caped mountains, the lake which is almost 7km from the Ukhimath town is one of the best places for stargazing and beautiful night camping for amazing night-sky experience in the state.
6. Kuari Pass
The Kuari pass is popularly known as the home to five rivers. It offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas, both in the time of the sun and the moon. At night time, the peaks of the Himalayas are accentuated leaving the trekker breathless. Gigantic Milky Way is also observed at the place during the no moon day or after the moon set, which makes the place more beautiful during the night time.
7. Roopkund
Roopkund also know as the skeletal lake is situated at almost 16900 ft above the sea level with almost zero light source making it the darkest places in the state for stargazing. Roopkund is also one of the best treks in the state which lies n the foothills of Mt. Trishul, which looks more magical during the night time.
8. George Everest Peak, Mussoorie
George Everest Peak is situated about 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Gandhi Chowk, Mussoorie. George Everest one of the most popular picnic spots of the area offers a beautiful panoramic landscape of the Dehradun city, which looks more beautiful during the night time with the backdrop of beautiful milky way observed during the no moon days or after moon set. The peak is one of the most beautiful sites for stargazing in the state.
9. Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar, a small town located almost 72kms from Haldwani at an elevation of 2100 meters above the sea level is also one of the best locations for stargazing in the state. Many Astro- photographers in the country conduct their workshops in this location for observing the beautiful night-sky. Mukteshwar also is a beautiful hill station of the state that makes it a romantic location for stargazing that you can visit with your love-mates.
10. Chaukori, Berinag
Chaukori a small hill station almost 10-km from the Berinag town is famous for its beautiful landscape and scenic views with the backdrop of Mt. Nanda Devi, which makes it so beautiful to watch at night-time. Chaukori comes under the darkest places in the state with almost zero light pollution, making it best for Astro-photographers to visit the place.
Uttarakhand is blessed with such locations which are free from light pollution and suitable for night sky experience which everyone should do once which just makes you remember that magical night for your whole lifetime.
So What waiting for? Book your Tickets Asap. Lets experience these magical nights.
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