Attention stargazers! This month, consider heading to Uttarakhand. In collaboration with Starscapes, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is organising a conclave in Corbett, Ramnagar.
This three-day event is an integral part of the Nakshatra Sabha astro-tourism campaign, aimed at bringing together astronomers, astro-photographers, researchers, industry professionals, and night sky enthusiasts.
This series has drawn strong interest from stargazing enthusiasts across India, and from as far as France and Norway. It features astronomy activities and talks on sustainable tourism and dark sky preservation. The March 2025 event in Uttarakhand will emphasise the significance of preserving dark skies and encouraging sustainable practices in astro-tourism.
At the astro-tourism event, attendees can look forward to an engaging programme that includes expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and technical training sessions. The event will provide valuable insights on topics such as night sky conservation, telescope usage, astrophotography, and strategies for developing astro-tourism as a sustainable industry.
Additionally, there will be policy discussions focused on the future of astro-tourism in India. A primary goal of the conclave is to train attendees to become Dark Sky Conservation Ambassadors. These individuals will play a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of the night sky while promoting eco-friendly, sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and local communities.
The conclave will feature tours of observatories and celestial shows, enabling high-powered telescopic observations of celestial bodies. Expert panels will discuss India's dark sky conservation policy, while hands-on workshops will provide training in telescope handling, sky navigation, and astrophotography, including a masterclass with top astro-photographers.
Sessions on astrotourism will explore how to integrate astronomy into tourism and education, and a guided night sky safari will allow participants to practice their skills. The event will conclude with the induction of participants as Dark Sky Conservation Ambassadors.
The combination of astronomy and tourism has led to a new form of sustainable and responsible travel known as astro-tourism. In India, various organisations are working to expand terrestrial astro-tourism, with some places even establishing dedicated astro-stays. For example, at Pangong Lake in Ladakh, visitors can enjoy the lake's scenic beauty during the day. At night, locals share their traditions and folklore while guiding guests in identifying constellations.
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board partnered with Starscapes, India's leading astro-tourism company, to launch ‘Nakshatra Sabha’—India’s first-ever annual campaign exclusively dedicated to promoting astro-tourism. This campaign aims to offer a comprehensive astro-tourism experience through activities such as stargazing, special solar observations, astrophotography contests, camping under the stars, and much more.
The campaign also aims to enhance local economies by developing skills and providing professional training to residents. Additionally, it seeks to preserve dark skies and create a community of ambassadors dedicated to promoting dark sky conservation efforts throughout Uttarakhand.
