Ever wish you had a superpower to translocate to anywhere you want? Well, after reading this blog, you will. As you read this, close your eyes and imagine that you are translocated to a place with no civilisation in sight. It is just you lying under the night sky in its full glory. Thousands and thousands of stars illuminating the sky, and whoosh! You see a meteor pass by, then another, and so many transcending the sky in their different colours!
credits: Stargazing Mumbai
The minute you experience this, you forget about your deadlines, emails and everything beyond the experience itself. This transformative experience is what you call Astrotourism. Let’s “look it up” in more detail!
What is Astrotourism?
Astrotourism, or astronomical tourism or stargazing, is a travel experience focused on observing celestial objects and events in the night sky, particularly in areas with minimal light pollution. Away from light pollution means travelling to remote locations, away from the cities, experiencing nature in its truest form!
Specifically, it can include some of the following engaging activities:
- Naked-eye stargazing
- Using telescopes
- Meteor shower watching
- Constellation identification
- Astrophotography
- Mythology associated with the stars
You can enjoy a camp stay while experiencing the wonders of the night sky.
credits: purewow
Astrotourism is thus a perfect mix of adventure, learning, fun and peace, the required characteristics of an ideal holiday!
Why is 2025 the best year for Astrotourism?
2025 is packed with astronomical events that will interest astronomers and stargazers for their scientific importance, and just as much for their sheer beauty when observed in the night sky. Here are the top 5 reasons to start your astrotourism journey in 2025:
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Supermoons
Credits: NASA Science
As the moon approaches a point in its orbit closer to the Earth, it appears bigger and brighter than usual. This phenomenon is known as a Supermoon and will be visible four times this year. Read more about supermoons in 2025 here.
What a fantastic stargazing experience it must be to sit on a beach and experience a supermoon with its reflection in the sea, radiating nothing but serenity!
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Meteor Showers
Several meteor showers will grace the night sky throughout the year. Right from the Eta Aquarids in May to the Perseids in August, Draconids and Orionids in October, to the Geminids in December, there are plenty of opportunities to experience nature’s fireworks yourself!
Stargazing Mumbai organises astrotourism tours throughout the year, with meteor shower-special events organised at some of the best stargazing locations in India.
Check out our website to book your next astrotourism destination today!
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Rise of the Dark Sky Movement
As international organisations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and UNESCO advocate for recognised dark-sky zones for astronomical and ecological conservation purposes, more and more locations are being declared as Dark Sky Reserves.
credits: Indus Dispatch
India has its first very own Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, Ladakh. Home to one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle offers a night sky with almost zero light pollution.
Next time you visit Ladakh, make sure to dedicate a night to Hanle.
Or you can simply book Stargazing Mumbai’s next Ladakh astrotourism tour!
Astrotour at Ladakh is a 8 night/9 days unique experience involving one of the best night skies in the world, mesmerising views during road trips, delicious local cuisine and much more. You get to explore the night skies of Hanle, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley with our professional telescopes and expert astronomers. You are sure to enjoy some amazing scenery on your way to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road. If all of these things do not tempt your friends for their next trip to Ladakh, the captivating photos of the Milky Way you take with our expert guidance on mobile astrophotography, definitely will.
Know more about Astro-Tour@Ladakh, Click Here.
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More Accessible than Ever
With guided stargazing tours, easy-to-learn mobile astrophotography, and even affordable telescopes, it’s the right time to begin your cosmic journey. Astronomy is one of the fields loved by scientists and commoners alike, and in 2025, it is just so accessible to everyone!
credits: BBC Sky at Night Magazine
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Opportunity to Connect with your Past
Stargazing tours also involve sessions on mythological storytelling about the stars observed in the night sky. Be it Greeks, Romans or Indians, every culture has different interpretations of the sky, and it is really exciting to know how our ancestors viewed the night sky!
What makes Astrotourism a transformative experience?
- Perspective Shift: When you are lying under the open sky, lost in the sheer vastness of the universe, you move beyond your mundane worries and understand how small they are, or how small we are!
- Mindfulness: Stargazing for a night encourages you to slow down and observe. You come to realise that when you become silent, nature speaks volumes.
- Ignite your cosmic curiosity: Knowing about the rings of Saturn or light-years is always fascinating, no matter how much you loved or disliked science in school. And what’s more, you start to ask questions!
- Chance to Socialise: Stargazing is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, discover shared interests and build genuine connections with new people across the world. Even if you go solo, you are sure to leave with a bunch of friends.
- Digital Detox: Going away from the cities, civilisation, and network is the perfect chance to unwind and relax.
Top Astrotourism Destinations in India
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Mumbai
If you are in Mumbai and do not have time to spend weeks travelling to far-away places but still don’t want to miss out on this experience, Stargazing Mumbai requires one weekend of yours.
We mainly have our events at Mahuli and Bhandardara.
Mahuli village is located just 1.5 hours away from Mumbai, in Asangoan. Our Overnight Stargazing Sessions at the Mahuli event is the perfect start you can give to your stargazing journey. Starparty at Mahuli is an ideal weekend experience, including overnight stargazing sessions, camp stay, and local food.
Less than 200 kilometres from Mumbai, Bhandardara is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra and offers the best night sky in and around Mumbai. Starry Night at Bhandardara gives you a night of stargazing with the scenic views of the Sahyadri range. Bonus: You can also spot the Milky Way with your naked eye in Summer here!
Check out our events page to learn more about the location, itinerary, and other details of all events.
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Away from Mumbai
It’s time to explore beyond the city and see the sky in its glory!
Stargazing Mumbai’s Astrotour to Spiti Valley and Stargazing tour to Leh, Ladakh, and Hanle Observatory are the perfect packages to enjoy scenic beauty and local cuisines throughout the day and stargazing during the nighttime.
credits: Stargazing Mumbai
Spiti Valley is the dream of every stargazing enthusiast. Nestled in the scenic Himalayas, Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh and offers one of the best night skies in India. Explore the scenic beauty of Chandratal Lake, Langza, Pin Valley, Dhankar Lake, and Kaza during the day and see the spectacular sky during the night. Listen to some fantastic local mythological stories associated with the places and the stars, and take away breathtaking pictures of the Milky Way back home.
Say Yes to Stars!!
After reading this blog, you must have been convinced that the best travel experience does not always come from five-star resorts or parties. Sometimes it is all about a clear night sky, simple food, and great stories.
Hope to see you at our upcoming events!
Consider reading more about Astronomy and Astro-adventures here:
- May 2025 Astronomy Events: A Celestial Guide for Monthly Sky Adventures
- Best Time to See Milky Way Galaxy in India, 2025
- 5 Hidden Wonders of the Spectacular Spiti Valley Stargazing
- 9 Spectacular Astronomical Events in 2025
- 6 Best Places to Go for Stargazing Near Mumbai
- Top 5 Best Places to Stargazing Near Mumbai
