Uttarakhand Tourism Launches Astro Tourism Campaign

Astronomy and tourism have given rise to a new form of sustainable and responsible travel known as astro-tourism. In India, various organizations are working on expanding terrestrial astro-tourism. Some places have even established astro-stays. For instance, visitors can capture the scenic beauty of Pangong Lake in Ladakh during the day. At night, locals share their traditions and folk tales while guiding them to identify constellations.

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has partnered with Starscapes, India's leading Astro tourism company, to launch 'Nakshatra Sabha'—India's first-ever annual campaign dedicated exclusively to promoting Astro tourism. The campaign aims to provide a holistic Astro tourism experience with activities such as stargazing, special solar observations, astrophotography contests, camping under the stars, and much more.

Nakshatra Sabha is designed to bring together astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and travellers from across the globe to witness the beauty of the cosmos. It will begin in early June at George Everest, Mussoorie, and will continue until mid-2025, offering immersive events at various locations throughout Uttarakhand. The initiative will cover Dark Sky potential sites in Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli, along with seminars and webinars with experts.

The campaign aims to develop skills and provide professional training to residents, which will help enhance the local economies. In addition, it seeks to preserve dark skies and create a community of ambassadors committed to promoting Dark Sky conservation efforts throughout Uttarakhand. This involves developing a policy supporting Dark Sky preservation and its implementation throughout the region annually.

The Starscapes team will closely collaborate with local communities, travel and tourism partners, and homestay communities. They will provide training and support to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. According to the Secretary of Tourism of Uttarakhand, the state has tremendous potential to become the go-to destination for all things related to astronomy-focused travel. It is uniquely positioned to be the choice for astro-tourists with its extensive forest cover, nature-based tourism, easy access to all major cities, and a well-developed hospitality sector, including homestays.

 Key highlights of the Nakshatra Sabha include:

• Stargazing through specialized equipment: Participants will have access to various specialized equipment and trained guides, providing unparalleled opportunities to observe the stars and celestial bodies.
• Expert talks on astro-tourism: Renowned leaders from the travel industry and academia will lead engaging sessions, sharing insights and knowledge about the universe's wonders.
• Astrophotography contest: An upcoming competition will challenge participants to capture stunning night sky images. The winners will receive prizes.
• Remarkable solar observations: In alignment with peak solar activity and the Aditya mission, Nakshatra Sabha will offer solar telescopes for exploration.
• Dark Sky policy: Astro tourism benefits local communities by preserving dark skies and creating economic opportunities. The campaign aims to raise awareness, train volunteers, and make Dark Sky ambassadors.