Stargazing destinations in India 2025
India is home to some of the clearest night skies in the world, and 2025 is the perfect year to witness them. These lesser-known stargazing destinations are far from city lights and let you the see the Milky Way and shooting starts like never before. These skies will blow your imagination as they glow even brighter. Here are some lesser-known stargazing spots in 2025 and these spots will make you fall in love with the stars.
1) Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya (Dawki region)
Shnongpdeng is a scenic riverside village in Meghalaya, India known for its crystal-clear Dawki river. It is amazing for stargazing and perfect for astro-photography and serene riverside camping.
- Best time for stargazing: Oct–Feb for the clearest skies
- How to reach: Fly to Shillong or Guwahati → drive to Dawki → 8 km further to Shnongpdeng village
- Why it’s special: Stars reflecting on still water = surreal photos
- Where to stay: Riverside camps and homestays run by locals in Shnongpdeng village
2) Bhandardara, Maharashtra (Sahyadris)
Bhandardara is a hill station located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra. Its night sky is pure magic and a joy to watch. The place is known for its stunning natural beauty, serene lakes and lush green forests.
- Best time for stargazing: Oct–Jan for crisp skies
- How to reach: Drive from Mumbai/Pune (3–5 hr)
- Why it’s special: A rare combo—firefly season (May–June) and, later, dark post‑monsoon skies over Arthur Lake and Randha region.
3) Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro valley is far from city lights and known for its pine-covered hills, and crystal-clear skies. The wide open landscapes make it perfect for both the naked eye and astrophotography.
- Best time for stargazing: dry, cloud-free nights, pleasant weather in October–March
- How to reach: Fly to Guwahati or Dibrugarh → connect via Naharlagun/Itanagar → road to Ziro
- Permits: Indian travelers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP); foreign travelers require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
- Where to stay: Stay at homestays and eco-camps or away from the central market area for the least light pollution.
4) Kareri Lake & Meadows, Himachal Pradesh
Kareri lake is a popular trek route leads to the lake, located in the Dhauladhar mountain range at an altitude of 9626 feet. It offers crystal‑clear, low‑light skies, and perfect for wide‑angle astro shots over the lake’s mirror‑like surface (when not frozen).
- Best time for stargazing: May–June and September–October (stable weather, crisp skies)
- How to reach: Dharamshala → Kareri village → 6–7 hr trek to the lake
- Why it’s special: Alpine lake + meadows above the last village lights
5) Velas Beach, Maharashtra (Ratnagiri)
Velas beach is know for its natural beauty, great for naked‑eye stargazing and nightscapes. Ocean breezes keep haze low on clear winter nights, and the shoreline makes beautiful silhouettes for astrophotography.
- Best time for stargazing: November–March
- How to reach: Drive from Mumbai/Pune (5–7 hr) via Mandangad.
- Why it’s special: Quiet Konkan shoreline with minimal light
- Where to stay: Homestays run by local villagers – simple, clean, authentic Konkan meals
If you’ve been craving a travel experience that’s truly magical and away from the usual tourist crowds, these lesser‑known stargazing destinations in India will blow your mind in 2025. Each one offers clear, unpolluted skies where the Milky Way and meteor showers feel close enough to touch.
At Top Travel Journeys, we bring you authentic, hand‑picked travel experiences that help you see India differently. From offbeat mountain treks to hidden coastal escapes.
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- This River in Meghalaya Is So Clear, You Can See the Bottom Like Glass
- Triund Trek – A Perfect Getaway for Every Traveler