India's First 'Astro Resort' Is Now Welcoming Stargazers

With the city skies shrouded in air and light pollution, getting the perfect glimpse of the starry sky can be challenging. If you’re craving an unobscured view of the night skies, speckled with zillions of bright stars, head straight for the ‘Astro Resort’. India has pioneered the ‘Astro Resort’, named Astroport Sariska where uninterrupted stargazing is guaranteed.

Founded and created by ardent astronomer and wildlife enthusiast, Sachin Bahmba, the ‘Astroport’ is located about 5 kilometres (3 miles) away from the Sariska National Park, near the Aravalli Range in Alwar District of Rajasthan, overlooking the historical Tehla Fort. This astronomy resort is nestled in a place labelled the second darkest site in India, along with having the least polluted air, thus making it a go-to destination for stargazing and night-time photography. The resort is easily approachable via the roads from Jaipur, Agra and Delhi (India’s Golden Triangle).

According to its Facebook page, Astroport Sariska touts itself as the first Space and Astronomy themed resort and adventure center in South Asia and India. This is a place where you can experience the breadth of the universe, amidst a lovely setting, whilst enjoying delicious organic food.

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Trained educators/guides are on hand to give a detailed tour of the celestial bodies and help visitors catch a glimpse of everything that streaks across the night sky using astronomy equipment and sky charts. Edutainment sessions on zodiac, telescope making and astrophotography add to the experience.

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During the daytime, visitors can indulge in a wealth of activities, like jungle safari, rock climbing, wildlife photography, bird watching, nature trekking, an organic farm tour, pottery, horse riding, aerobics, yoga or a cycling tour to nearby historic sites, including Ramgarh Lake and Bhangarh Fort. At night-fall all eyes turn upwards to the star-studded night skies.

Away from the noise, light and air pollution, three kinds of luxurious yet eco-friendly stay options are available here – pitchable tents, which costs INR 5,400 per night ($83 per night), the Swiss tents with en suite bathroom called ‘Galaxia’ that can accommodate four people, and cost around INR 13,000 per night ($200), and the third one is ‘Nebula’ which can accommodate eight people and costs up to INR 20,000 ($ 308). Other amenities include fresh organic food from the in-house organic farm, dining hall, and swings on the lush green lawns. There is also a swimming pool, which is currently under construction.

**The prices include meals and awe-inspiring views of the inky night dotted with gazillions of stars.

Stargazing in the lap of mother nature, accompanied by an orchestra of diverse wildlife and the melodies of birds – who could ask for more?

Astroport, Roopbas, Tehla, Rajasthan, India +91 092787 67700

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