Why you should leave your room and go watch the stars

I think we have forgotten how the sky looks. In cities we only see smoke and orange lights. But if you travel far away you will see millions of stars. It is the most beautiful thing in the world. People call it Astro-tourism now. But for me it is just a way to feel alive again.

I was looking for some quiet places to see the stars and then I found BanBanjara. They have some really cool offbeat stays where you can just sit out and watch the galaxy.

Why the stars are disappearing from our lives

Our cities never sleep. We have street lights and big billboards everywhere. This is called light pollution. It hides the stars from us. When we go to "Dark Sky" spots we finally see the universe. It makes you realize how big the world is. It makes your problems feel very small. This is why everyone is talking about stargazing lately.

The best places to see the Milky Way in India

1. Hanle in Ladakh This is a tiny village. It is very high at 14,000 feet. The air is so thin that stars look very sharp. India has made its first Dark Sky Reserve here. You don't need any machine to see the stars. Just sit outside and look up. team told me that this is the best spot if you want to see the Milky Way moving. It is cold but it is worth it.

2. Spiti Valley in Himachal Spiti is a cold desert. Villages like Langza have almost no electricity at night. There is a big Buddha statue there. Looking at that statue with the Milky Way behind it is a dream. It is quiet and peaceful. You can hear your own heart beat. The sky looks like a black blanket with diamonds on it.

3. The Thar Desert in Jaisalmer Imagine lying on the sand. There is no sound of cars. Only the cold wind. The desert sky is very deep. If you go 50km away from Jaisalmer city the stars will look very bright. banbanjara has some hidden desert camps that are perfect for this. No noise and no crowds.

How to prepare for a star trip

Check the Moon phase This is the most important rule. If there is a big moon the stars will hide. Always go during the New Moon or Amavasya. The darker the night the better the view

Let your eyes adjust Our eyes are used to bright screens. When you go out in the dark don't look at your phone. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to see the faint stars. If you look at your phone for even one second you have to start again.

Take care of your body Stargazing spots are usually very cold. Even in summer the desert or the mountains get freezing at night. Wear many layers of clothes. Take a warm blanket with you. If you are shivering you cannot enjoy the view.

Questions people ask me

Is it safe at night?

Yes it is safe. But don't go too far from your camp. Stay with your group. Some places have wild animals. I always prefer going with a trusted team like banbanjara because they know the local spots and safety rules.

Do I need an expensive camera?

If you want to take photos you need a camera with manual settings. But honestly your eyes are better than any camera. Just enjoy the moment and don't worry about the perfect photo.

How long should I stay?

Try to stay for at least 3 nights. Sometimes it gets cloudy for one night. If you stay longer you will surely get a clear sky. It gives you more time to relax too.

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