If it’s time for meteor showers, you won’t just need a telescope, binoculars, or a high mountain to have a star gazing party. You only need a warm sleeping bag and an alarm clock to wake you in the middle of the night. However, the dense cloud of pollution in the city rarely gives us a chance to witness these natural miracles. That does not mean you have to miss witnessing these meteor showers.
There are several places around your city that you can visit to experience this enthralling event.
Mumbai
Lonavala
Lonavala is a town and a hill station in the Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is about 96 km to the east of Mumbai. From the Pune suburbs, local trains are available from Pune Junction. Both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway pass through Lonavala. As both Lonavala and Khandala hill stations are 622 meters above sea level in the Shayadri ranges, these hill-stations are amongst the best places around Mumbai to witness meteor showers, during monsoon and winters.
How to get there:
You can either take the many trains from Mumbai or Pune and get down at Lonavala or Khandala, from there you can take an auto or cab to the many campsites. Alternatively you can also travel by road it is about 100 km from the city.
Where can you stay:
Mindpeace Camping and The Forest Farm are some of our favourites. You can also set up your individual camp after trekking to one of the many mountains there.
Matheran
Matheran is one of the smallest hill stations in India, but still beautiful. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 2,625 feet above the sea level. It is about 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran means “forest on the forehead”. The trees form a cover over a large variety of shade-loving herbs, climbers, ferns and mosses. The place is amongst the most beautiful places and around Mumbai to witness meteor showers.
How to get there:
The best way to reach Matheran is by road, it’s about 90 Km from the city. You can either book a seat on the many buses that commute there every day or can take your personal vehicle or cab.
Where to stay:
BODA Stargazing is one of the best places to witness the meteor showers.
Delhi
The Maria’s Braveheart
The campsite is located close to Gotoli, Rajasthan, about 10 km from Bhiwadi, and closer to Patan Kalan village. The location has clear skies which is much needed respite from the polluted air of Delhi-NCR. And needless to say, ideal for setting up astronomical observations.
How to get there:
The best way to get there is by hiring a cab or taking your private vehicle, the best route is by following the NH48 towards Jaipur.
Where to stay:
The Maria’s Braveheart campsite offers very comfortable tents for the visitors, you might have to book in advance though.
Astroport Sariska
Astroport is India’s first astro-resort, close to Aravalli Hills. This is a luxurious camping facility and there are guides for budding astronomers as well. Astroport also happens to be in the 2nd most darkest region in India it offers a breathtaking view of the sky, with great opportunities for night sky observation, stargazing, meteor showers and also an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
How to get there:
You can either take a bus or a cab, it’s about 220 Km from the city.
Where to stay:
The Astroport Sariska campsite offers very comfortable tents for the visitors, you might have to book in advance though.
Bangaluru
Anthargange
Have you ever gone on a night trek? Clutching torches in your hand as you explore the deepest secrets of a hidden mountain cave and finally camping under the stars, is just one of the extraordinary experiences you can have in Anthargange. There are also a series of caves here situated at an altitude of 1712 m above sea level.
How to get there:
You can take state transport buses or a cab to the base, it’s about 80 Km from the city and then move ahead on foot.
Where to stay:
The best way is to do this short trek in the late evening and reach the peak before the stars began to shine. You will have to carry all your camping equipment and set up your own camp once you’ve reached the top.
Ramnagara
Morning treks at Ramnagara offer you a wide range of activities like rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. But it’s the night treks at Ramanagara that steal our hearts. For the showstopping event, sit quietly and meditate as you watch the black sky twinkling with cosmos, and forming beautiful constellations. This is definitely one of the most beautiful meteor showers and stargazing spots near Bangalore.
How to get there:
You can take state transport buses or a cab to the base, it’s about 50 Km from the city and then move ahead on foot.
Where to stay:
The best way is to do this short trek in the late evening and reach the peak before the stars began to shine. You will have to carry all your camping equipment and set up your own camp once you’ve reached the top.
Kolkata
Kolkata Astronomy Center
Whether it’s the diamond ring of the solar eclipse or observing the space beyond the limits of our atmosphere and witness the planets up close, Kolkata Astronomy Centre is all about breaking the myths of the night sky and making sure that the world beyond the observable scope continues to entice everyone.
How to get there:
The best way is to take your private vehicle or any state transport, it’s about 10 Km from the city center.
Where to stay:
There are many hotels nearby for you to relax before you report to the center’s stargazing spot at night.
Sky Watcher’s Association
This place is one of the best hubs if you are an astronomy enthusiast and space baffles you. Whether it’s about imparting knowledge or looking at the night sky, the milky way arms, planets or the moon, this place is a must-check out.
How to get there:
It’s about a 45-minute drive via Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose road.
Where to stay:
There are many hotels nearby for you to relax before you report to the center’s stargazing spot at night.
Here’s what you need to be on the lookout for this month:
12 August, Thursday – Perseids Meteor Showers – More than 100 meteors per hour.
19 August, Thursday – Jupiter, largest and closest as seen from the earth this year.
22 August, Sunday – Blue Moon, a very rare full moon.
So, pack your bag packs and get ready to experience the enthralling beauty of the cosmos.
Read more: Copenhagen To Go Carbon Neutral By 2025
Like & Follow ThinkRight.me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram to stay connected
