After Kausani and Bhimtal, Starscapes has launched its third observatory in Uttarakhand, aiming to make the pristine location of Sargakhet in Mukteshwar a hotspot for astro photographers and stargazers.
One of the fastest emerging travel trends in India, astro tourism is encouraging people to escape to remote areas, track everything from constellations, stars, to galaxies, and simply enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Starscapes, one of India’s leading astro tourism companies, is expanding its footprint by setting up observatories in different locations.
After beginning their journey from an observatory in Kausani, and later successfully expanding to Bhimtal (both locations are hotspots for astro photographers now), Starscapes has now launched its third observatory in Uttarakhand. Located amidst sprawling organic kitchen gardens surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in Sargakhet, Mukteshwar, the new observatory will offer tourists a holistic astronomical experience, with a variety of experiences, ranging from stargazing excursions to astrophotography and sun observation.
The observatory is easily accessible from all the main tourist sites in the area. Additionally, it is only an eight-hour drive from Delhi for anyone looking to spend a peaceful weekend away from the bustling capital. Expect to be guided by a trained astronomy expert on your stargazing journey.
Commenting on the new launch, Paul Savio, CEO and co-founder at Starscapes, said, “A few months ago, we conducted an astro-camp in Mukteshwar, for which we got an incredibly positive response from tourists as well as from the local community. The response we received was the deciding factor for opening a permanent observatory in Mukteshwar. A picturesque and charming location like Mukteshwar offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of the night sky and explore the great outdoors.”
The new observatory in Mukteshwar has an astronomy experience centre where a number of engaging sessions will be conducted round the clock. It has a virtual room that explains constellations and the night sky, using Mukteshwar’s precise GPS coordinates. You can also safely observe the sun to discover its fascinating aspects, experience the enigma of the cosmos with an up-close-and-personal viewing of the moon, and even strike a pose for the camera with a star-studded night sky acting as the perfect backdrop.
Visitors can also take part in beginner-level astrophotography classes that would teach them how to take stunning pictures of star trails and constellations. There is also an on-site cafe, a dedicated activity zone for kids, and a sit-out patio offering stunning panoramas of the Himalayas.
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