Stargazing in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is promoting Astronomy Tourism. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture Department, Madhya Pradesh & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, highlights the new and innovative stargazing activity at five tourist places in the state that are appealing to both domestic and international tourists.

Hazel Jain

Tell us about the stargazing activity that Madhya Pradesh is promoting.

Stargazing project is being implemented in tourist places to promote Astronomy Tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Under this project of tourism board, employment opportunities are being created mainly by providing skill training to the youth in the field of Astronomy Tourism. The state has been experimental in terms of offering vivid travel experiences and this project has been started on the similar lines. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board paves way for the visitors to embark on a thrilling stargazing adventure at five tourist places Pachmarhi, Mandu, Orchha, Khajuraho and Madhai. The idea came in to offer the visitors a matchless experience of unveiling the universe and enjoying the magic of stargazing at MP’s extraordinary destinations.

Does it have many takers in India? Is it more popular with international tourists?

Stargazing tourism in destinations of Madhya Pradesh is a fresh and promising initiative and the awareness is likely to be higher among domestic tourists than foreigners. Madhya Pradesh has great potential for stargazing tourism due to multiple factors, including minimal light pollution and the rich astronomical heritage. Many areas, especially outside major cities offer pristine night skies perfect for stargazing. Apart from this, Madhya Pradesh is home to ancient observatories like the one at Ujjain, showcasing India’s long history with astronomy. Madhya Pradesh offers some of the best stargazing experiences during festivals, including Kuno forest retreat, Chanderi Festival and Gandhisagar Forest retreat. Here you can find a spot away from the crowds and enjoy the stunning views of star-filled sky. The board has been working into proper promotion and development of infrastructure like stargazing camps and workshops. Madhya Pradesh is an outstanding Astro Tourism and stargazing destination for both domestic and foreign tourists interested in a unique travel experience.

Tell us about the homestay owners you are partnering with and training them.

The stargazing project is not limited to homestays only; rather it is a wide-reaching initiative with a motive to promote night tourism activities in Madhya Pradesh. Under stargazing project, training of 105 days is provided in five phases, which includes 30-day classroom training, 60-day on-job training, three refresher trainings of five days each. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board works in holistically developing its destinations as multi-specialty tourist destinations. With the training programme, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board kickstarts an astronomical adventure at the majestic destinations from Ranchha and Dobha villages near Tala Gate at Bandhavgarh to Chedka and Dhaba at Madhai, as well as Khajuraho. The state welcomes its visitors to experience a cosmic journey where every star has a tale and every constellation has a series.