A growing number of Indians are seeking out dark skies away from city lights, fueling a surge in “astrotourism.” Driven by increasing light and air pollution, travelers are venturing to remote, high-altitude locations like Ladakh to witness celestial events, such as meteor showers, with a clarity rarely possible in urban areas.
A Rising Trend
Stargazing, once largely confined to amateur astronomy clubs, is now attracting a wider audience. Tour operators report a significant increase in demand, despite the challenges of cost and accessibility. The village of Hanle in Ladakh, designated India’s first dark-sky reserve in 2022, saw visitor numbers jump from around 5,000 to over 30,000 in the following year. Astroport Global, a company offering stargazing experiences, has seen visitor numbers climb from a few hundred to approximately 20,000 annually.
The Science of Darkness
The appeal lies in visibility. Astronomers use the Bortle scale to measure sky clarity, with lower numbers indicating darker skies. Delhi typically ranks between eight and nine, meaning only the brightest stars are visible. When PM2.5 levels – fine particulate matter harmful to lungs – exceed 100, even those stars can be obscured. In contrast, regions like Ladakh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand offer clearer views due to colder temperatures that keep pollutants closer to the ground.
What’s Driving the Change?
The increasing popularity of astrotourism is a direct response to diminishing visibility in urban areas. As cities expand and light pollution increases, the natural night sky is becoming a rare sight for many. This has created a demand for experiences that offer a connection to the cosmos.
Workshops near Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve, for example, draw participants from Delhi eager to experience a truly dark sky. These workshops can cost around 1,200 rupees ($13; £10) for a few hours, with longer stays at resorts ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 rupees.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the growing interest, astrotourism in India remains in its early stages. High travel costs and limited infrastructure pose challenges. Currently, Hanle is the only officially recognized dark-sky reserve, with Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh emerging as another. Expanding this infrastructure and addressing light pollution in urban areas will be crucial for the continued growth of this niche tourism sector. State authorities in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are beginning to offer training programs in telescope use and skywatching, signaling a growing awareness of the potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is astrotourism?
Astrotourism is a form of tourism centered around experiencing dark skies and astronomical observation, often in remote locations with minimal light pollution.
Why are people traveling to see the stars?
Increasing light and air pollution in cities are obscuring the night sky, making it difficult to see stars and other celestial objects. People are traveling to remote areas to experience the natural beauty of a dark sky.
Where in India are the best places to go stargazing?
Ladakh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are all mentioned as regions offering darker skies and clearer air for stargazing, with Hanle in Ladakh being India’s first designated dark-sky reserve.
As urban areas continue to expand, will the demand for these escapes to dark skies continue to grow, and will India be able to capitalize on this emerging form of tourism?
