Imagine gazing into an abyss of twinkling stars, planets in their silent orbits, and the ethereal glow of the Milky Way, unspoiled by the intrusion of city lights. Now, picture this cosmic spectacle framed by the tranquil majesty of the Himalayas. Welcome to Benital, the emerging Astro Village of India that combines awe-inspiring astronomy and breathtaking natural beauty. Kicking off with a dazzling Astro Party, the Government of Uttarakhand and Starscapes organise a month-long celestial journey into the heart of the cosmos.
The Astro Camp, co-hosted by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes, began with a grand ‘Astro Party’ that included a host of activities such as stargazing, astrophotography, and other astro-related activities guided by telescopes and astronomy experts. Participants were able to spot constellations, planets, moons, and even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. But astronomy wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. To immerse visitors in the natural beauty of Benital, the camp also organised hikes, cycling groups, and birdwatching expeditions
