Along with Ladakh, Ran Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat offers a wonderful night adventure.
Ladakh offers views of Aurora Borealis in winter.
In Bollywood, the allure of the night sky is often captured in songs like “The moon is my love“and”These nights, this season, the bank of the river“Where the moon and stars are a constant theme. This fascination with the night has persisted for centuries, with poets and songwriters using celestial imagery to express the beauty and serenity of the nocturnal world. But in recent years, Enjoying the night sky has turned into a growing global phenomenon, known as “noctourism,” attracting a new wave of nocturnal adventurers eager to explore the mysteries of the dark are
What is Noctourism?
According to travel influencer Ritika Saina, the term “noctourism” is derived from the word “nocturnal”, which refers to creatures that are active at night and sleep during the day. Although the idea of exploring at night is not new, its recent surge in popularity has captured the imagination of people around the world. Nocturnism involves traveling to places where visitors can experience the wonders of the night sky, free from the pollution of the city environment. In foreign countries, campers are already familiar with this practice. They head to the jungles, mountains or remote areas to spend the night under a starry sky and board a camper van equipped with everything they need.
In many parts of the world, including India, rising levels of urban pollution have made it more difficult to enjoy the beauty of the open sky, prompting more people to seek out nocturnal experiences. Whether it’s stargazing, chasing the moon, or even witnessing rare natural phenomena, nocturnism offers an escape into the quiet and peaceful world of night.
Northern Lights: The Inspiration Behind Nocturnism
The biggest draw for tourists is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This fascinating natural light display, with its dazzling array of red, green, blue, purple, and pink colors, can be seen in places like Norway, Iceland, and the Arctic. This happens when solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating beautiful, swirling lights 60 to 500 kilometers above Earth.
In recent years, the Northern Lights have also captured the imagination of people in India. Since 2020, tours to see this magnificent natural phenomenon have gained immense popularity, with special tours available that can cost millions of rupees. This increased demand has led to the rise of nocturnism, where travelers seek similar experiences, including chasing these eerie lights.
Clear skies of Ladakh
Ladakh, located in the northernmost region, offers its own version of the Aurora Borealis experience. Between November and March, visitors to Ladakh can witness these celestial lights as the region’s high altitude clear skies provide an unobstructed view of the heavens. Henle, a village in Ladakh, with its altitude (about 20,000 feet) and minimal light pollution, has become a popular destination for stargazers and tourists.
However, reaching this remote destination in winter is not for the faint of heart. Harsh weather conditions, heavy snowfall, and low oxygen levels present significant challenges, but the rewards are great for those who brave the elements. Henley is also home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, where visitors can watch the starbursts throughout the year. Other areas, such as Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, are also gaining attention for their clear skies and stargazing opportunities.
Night Safari and Wildlife Adventures
Another popular aspect of nocturnism is the night safari, which has become an exciting way to experience wildlife. Many national parks around the country offer night safari tours, where nocturnal animals are active and visible under the cover of darkness. In Madhya Pradesh, for example, Pench National Park offers a night safari from 6 pm to 9 pm, allowing tourists to spot a variety of wild animals that are rarely seen during the day. .
Other parks such as Bandhogarh, Kanha, and Satpura also offer night safaris, which provide an incredible opportunity to witness the nocturnal life of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Skywatching on the islands
Remote islands, such as Nile Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offer some clear skies for stargazing. Due to the island’s sparse population and minimal pollution, visitors can enjoy unspoiled views of the skies. The island, known for its pristine beaches and marine life, offers a beautiful setting for stargazing. While the natural beauty of the beach is a major attraction, tourists can also camp under the stars to fully embrace the nighttime experience. However, one should watch out for the occasional crabs and insects that are part of the island’s natural ecosystem.
The moonlit charm of Kuch Ke Run Utsav
Kuch, Run Utsav in Gujarat, provides another wonderful night adventure. Held from November to February, this cultural festival invites visitors to witness the vast salt desert of the Rann of Kutch under the light of the full moon. The salt desert, shimmering under the moonlight, offers a surreal and almost otherworldly atmosphere.
During a full moon, the landscape is bathed in a soft, silvery light, making it a perfect setting for nighttime exploration. The beauty of Chandni Run, coupled with the clear night sky, makes it a prime destination for those seeking a celestial experience. The festival attracts large crowds, and it is common for camp bookings to fill up quickly during the full moon phase.