There’s no time to stop and stare at anything in Mumbai, even the skies. For one, you’ve got to keep your eyes trained on the ground to navigate the crush of humanity on the streets. Then, there’s that pesky problem of light pollution in a city as densely populated as ours. Budding astronomists needn’t lose hope. Just a few hours away, towns along the lush Western Ghats offer starry nights Van Gogh would yearn to paint. Full moons, meteor showers, eclipses, you can see them all unobstructed from these 5 stargazing spots near Mumbai.
1. Mahuli
Nestled in the Sahyadri mountains, this village offers a clear view of the sky far away from the madding crowds of Mumbai. On a clear night, the sky lights up with constellations, planets and even a glimpse of the Milky Way visible with both telescopes and just the naked eye. Surrounding expanses of vast flatlands and the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary cloaks Mahuli with a blanket of silence that magnifies the beauty of the stargazing experience. Check out the Mahuli Fort, a popular trekking destination, if you want to make a weekend getaway of it.
Distance from Mumbai: 74.3 km (approx.)
Travel time: 2 hrs
Best time to visit: October–May
2. Naneghat
Once a trade route between Kalyan and Junnar, Naneghat is now a popular camping site. With no buildings or city lights to get in the way, it’s just you and twinkling gas giants located light-years away. Perched 2,461 feet above sea level, you can see a sky full of stars, clusters of constellations, colourful clouds of Nebulae more such celestial formations in this mountain pass town. While you’re there, explore ancient caves with inscriptions from the 1st century, or stick around for a peaceful sunrise the next morning.
Distance from Mumbai: 163 km (approx.)
Time taken: 4 hrs 40 mins (approx.)
Best time to visit: Summer and winter months when skies are cloud-free; avoid monsoons
3. Matheran
Once the sun sets and the mist clears, Matheran puts up a mesmerizing celestial show. Just a short trip from Mumbai, this lush green hill station free of motorised vehicles, provides a charming, pollution-free atmosphere for stargazers. Head to Panorama Point, Matheran’s highest spot, for starry-eyed vistas. It’s also perfect for night sky photography. Other spots like Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, and Garbett Plateau also offer excellent stargazing vantages.
Distance from Mumbai: 56 km (approx.)
Time taken: 2 hrs (approx.)
Best time to visit: November–February
4. Bhandardara Dam
Tucked away in the rain-kissed slopes of the Sahyadri hills, this dam is a well-kept secret of stargazers. The incandescent glow of suburban life is replaced by fireflies in this serene, nature-filled spot. Arthur Lake mirrors the twinkling stars, amplifying the magic and majesty of the night sky. Breathtaking views of the occasional shooting star streaking across the sky with Kalsubai Peak – Maharashtra’s highest peak – in the backdrop are the kind that begs to be immortalised in poetry.
Distance from Mumbai: 165 km (approx.)
Time taken: 3 hrs 50 mins (approx.)
Best time to visit: March-May; October–February
5. Dehne Village
Practically cut off from civilisation’s trappings, this rustic Maharashtrian village in Nashik District, is a hidden gem for stargazing. Hemmed by verdant green hills on all sides, vast open fields here are perfect to camp out in and watch the skies. The Milky Way, shooting stars, and constellations make an appearance in the small hours of the night. Astrophotography enthusiasts can capture star trails and if you time your trip right, you might even catch the Geminids meteor shower.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 km (approx.)
Time taken: 3 hrs (approx.)
Best time to visit: October–February