A Lifetime visit at India’s First Astro Village-Benital

I recently had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Astro Camps held at Benital, organized by Uttarakhand Tourism in collaboration with StarEscapes. From May 19th to 22nd, this astronomical extravaganza brought together astrophotography enthusiasts, stargazers, and nature lovers from various corners of the world. As one of the four privileged astro photographers attending the event, I embarked on a journey that would fill my heart with awe, wonder, and a deeper connection to the cosmos.

Day 1: Setting Up Camp and Glimpses of the Sky

Upon arriving at the campsite on the first day, I wasted no time pitching my tent amidst the tranquil surroundings. Eager to immerse myself in the celestial wonders, I headed to the main astro show site. As evening fell, Mr. Ramashish, a knowledgeable astro guide, gave a comprehensive briefing to all the attendees. His insights kindled the excitement for the nights ahead.

A memorable highlight followed, as Mr. Himanshu Khurana, the District Magistrate of Karanprayag, inaugurated the event. The evening sky rewarded us with glimpses of planets and celestial wonders from distant galaxies. Although the weather played a trick on us, denying us clear skies for photography, our determination was unshaken.

Embracing the Challenge: A Night of Hope and Music

Astro photographers are no strangers to resilience. With fellow photographers Rohan Shahi and Shivanshu Negi by my side, we refused to give in to the weather’s whims. Despite the clouds, we patiently awaited a chance to capture the stars. Alongside us was Shivang Aryan, a talented singer among the camp participants, serenading us with his melodious songs late into the night. Our passion for the skies was shared by local villagers who joined us, their curiosity piqued by our craft.

As the late hours passed, the clouds gradually parted, revealing the elusive Milky Way. Our shutters clicked in harmony with the universe, capturing the ethereal beauty above. With our spirits lifted, we retired to our campsite, eager for the following day’s adventures. Before sleep me, Rohan & Shivanshu decided to wake up early in the morning at 4:30 am to see the mesmerizing view of Himalayan Peaks from Benital meadows.

Day 2: A Sunrise among Peaks: Beneath the Himalayan Majesty

It was not easy to woke at the little cold condition with just 1 and half hour of sleep but we woke and visit to the site the sky was still little dark but within 15 mins it started being blue and we got to see dim view of beautiful Himalayan peaks, as the sun was raising the peaks become more visible we were really enjoying the view, clicking each other photos, we were even not feeling tired in the fresh air of benital meadow that we we running walking up to down and down to up so many times for a single good shot.

Later we also got to see the two three mountain fox together on the other side of Benital Lake so we clicked some pictures as we never seen the fox that much closer to us.

The sheer energy of the surroundings invigorated us, and despite the lack of rest, we explored every angle to encapsulate the Himalayan beauty. Our enthusiasm was matched only by our hunger, and as local villagers prepared breakfast, we eagerly lent a hand in the culinary process, forming bonds beyond the cosmos.

Chasing Dreams, Connecting Hearts

The weather again continued its unpredictable dance, but our spirits remained undeterred. Afternoon rains paved the way for a sky that shimmered with stars at twilight. Our cameras captured the peaks in ways that only the heavens could paint.

Evening snacks became an occasion for camaraderie, as villagers joined the participants in celebration. Our stories intertwined, merging urban and rural perspectives.

In the midst of an unpredictable climate, we persevered. Finally Late into the night, the sky got clear and stars was visible to us, we shared tales and knowledge with the locals, painting the sky with our lenses.

Through laughter and conversations, the local villagers discovered a newfound passion for astrophotography. Together, we bridged gaps, connecting the cosmos to our lives.

A Journey to Remember

Lastly as the camp drew to a close, participants departed with more than just memories. Life-long friendships blossomed under the stars, uniting us in our shared fascination for the universe. The weather may have been capricious, but our experiences were steadfast and enriching. The Benital Astro Camps of 2023 etched an indelible mark on our souls, leaving us eager for more stargazing adventures in the future. This journey proved that even when the skies are uncertain, our dreams remain unwavering. Until next time, Benital.

How to Reach Benital?

By Flight: Dehradun Jolly grant Airport is the nearest Airport for Benital, from here you can hire a taxi directly to Benital which is in a distance of 214km and it will take 6-7 hrs to reach there.

By Train/ Road: Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway station is the nearest Railway station to Benital, hire a taxi at Rishikesh and drive to Benital is the best way to reach there, you can also use public transport like bus or shared taxis to reach there. At Rishikesh bus station you will find many buses going to Karnaprayag, take that Bus. Next After reaching Karnaprayag hire a cab to Benital which is 30 kms from here.

Where to stay in Benital?

Well right now there are no camps and stays available there at Benital Meadows. However, you can join Astro camps organized by Tourism board of Uttarakhand Government every year in the month of may or June. You can’t go there and pitching tents by own.

Also you can join our village Astro tours where we provide stays at locals Homes of the village, teaching you basic and advance techniques of Astro photography

Best time to Visit Benital:

May- June is always the best time to see milky way in its full bloom every where, so if you are thinking to visit this place to see the milky way then the best time if May -June, However, you can visit Benital throught the year except during monsoon season