6 Best Stargazing Spots To Explore Near Udaipur
1. Jaisamand Lake
Largest artificial lake in India, Jaisamand Lake is situated 58 km from Udaipur and is also known as Dhebar Lake. An unmatched stargazing destination which reflects shimmery stars making the night sky look precious and gem-like. The vast open waters of the lake makes it a very peaceful retreat away from the brimming city lights.
Being away from the city gives clear visibility on tranquil nights helping you spot shooting stars, countless constellations and the Milky way all at once. The cool breeze touching your face provides the perfect complement for the unmatched scenery.
2. Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
Sajjangarh aka the Monsoon Palace is built on a hill, famous for the panoramic views of the sunset on the horizon. However, what remains concealed from a majority of people is that after sunset is when the spectacular sight begins. Standing on a Palace, one gets an unobstructed view of a huge sky and the Udaipur city sparkling below.
This location is a heaven for star gazers on a moonless night. The height of the palace does help in lowering the light pollution, thus allowing users to spot celestial bodies such as Jupiter and Saturn with the help of a good telescope. What's the best way to enjoy it? Pack a few warm clothes, arrive at the Palace before it closes and just sit back and recline in clothes while on a high point that overlooks the surrounding ground.
3. Kumbhalgarh
In case you are looking for a weekend getaway, Kumbhalgarh has a mind-blowing stargazing experience waiting just for you. The Kumbhalgarh fort which is approximately 85 kilometers from Udaipur is also famous for having the second-longest wall in the world, which has now been expanded to a fortress that is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. The fort has an inexplicable altitude which results in little to no light pollution.
When the nights are cloudless, the sky above the fort's old walls gets filled with vibrant stars, making the view pleasant to behold. Along with the relaxing breeze from the mountains, it makes for the perfect getaway. If you are lucky, you might also spot the Andromeda Galaxy through your naked eyes.
4. Badi Lake
Badi Lake is located at a distance of approximately 12 kilometers from Udaipur. It is a secret spot for people who love to spend quiet nights under the stars. The lake is uninhabited and rests on all sides with hills, which makes the view more beautiful which makes for an undisturbed stargazing session.
People often visit Badi Lake during the day, so, unlike other famous lakes, Badi Lake is usually uninhabited at night. This results in providing a very peaceful experience for people who seek it. You can set a mat, seat yourself near the water and stare into the universe which is above you. At times you wish to forget everything, this is the place to be.
5. Jawai Hills
Jawai Hills–The Stargazer's Paradise Jawai Hills, whose main attraction are leopards, is a not so burnt out area for stargazing. It is located away from Udaipur which makes its surroundings seem untouched by artificial light, setting the stage for your gaze.
Villagers from surrounding areas often recount stories of their witnessing immense meteor showers lighting up the cliffs. For adventurous people, camping lies at the heart of the woods, along with the relaxing sounds of nature present in the distance. Imagine hearing these sounds while surrounded by a sky full of stars… the bliss.
6. Mount Abu
Though it is a little out of the way, Mount Abu (165 km from Udaipur) deserves a mention as it is one of the few locations in Rajasthan that has an actual astronomical observatory! The mount Abu Observatory even lets visitors look at stars through telescopes, making this an absolute must-visit for space lovers.
The peak of Rajasthan, Guru Shikhar, has an amazing view of both the sun and moon rise. In addition to these factors, the low temperatures and high altitude also allow for perfect stargazing.
Final Thoughts
In case you're an amateur looking to observe the skies, or looking to spend some peaceful time, Udaipur and its surroundings will not disappoint you as there are ample of enchanting locations where one can get mesmerized by the night sky. It is unreal to imagine that there are thousands of stars and each of them has a unique story.
So, the next time you find yourself in Udaipur, step away from the city lights and gorge yourself in the beauty of the cosmos at one of these remarkable places.
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