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Along with Ladakh, the Rann Utsav in Gujarat’s Kutch provides a stunning nocturnal adventure.
Ladakh offers views of Aurora Borealis in winter.
In Bollywood, the allure of the night sky is often captured in songs like “Chand-si Mehbooba Ho Meri” and “Ye Raatein Ye Mausam Nadi Ka Kinara,” 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 tranquillity of the nighttime world. But in recent years, the trend of enjoying the night sky has evolved into a growing global phenomenon. This emerging trend, known as “Noctourism,” is attracting a new wave of night-time adventurers eager to explore the mysteries of the dark.
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. While the idea of exploring the night is not new, its recent surge in popularity has captured the imagination of people around the world. Noctourism involves travelling to places where visitors can experience the wonders of the night sky, untainted by the pollution of city environments. In countries abroad, campers are already familiar with this practice. They set off in camper vans equipped with everything they need, heading to forests, mountains, or remote areas to spend the night under a sky full of stars.
In many parts of the world including India, the increasing 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 spotting rare natural phenomena, noctourism offers an escape into the quiet and peaceful world of the night.
Northern Lights: The Inspiration Behind Noctourism
One of the biggest draws for noctourists is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This mesmerising natural light display, with its stunning array of red, green, blue, purple, and pink hues, can be seen in places like Norway, Iceland, and the Arctic. It occurs when solar particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating beautiful, swirling lights at altitudes of 60 to 500 kilometres above the ground.
In recent years, the Northern Lights have captured the imagination of the people of India as well. Since 2020, trips to see this spectacular natural phenomenon have gained significant popularity, with specialised tours available that can cost lakhs of rupees. This increasing demand has sparked the rise of noctourism, where travellers seek similar experiences, including the pursuit of these awe-inspiring lights.
Ladakh’s Clear Sky
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 ethereal lights as the region’s high-altitude clear skies provide an unobstructed view of the heavens. Hanle, a village in Ladakh, has become a popular spot for stargazers and noctourists, with its high elevation (about 20,000 feet) and minimal light pollution.
However, reaching this remote destination in winter is not for the faint-hearted. The harsh weather conditions, heavy snowfall, and low oxygen levels present significant challenges, but for those willing to brave the elements, the rewards are immense. Hanle also houses the Indian Astronomical Observatory, where visitors can witness the brilliance of the stars throughout the year. Other areas such as Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, are also gaining attention for their clear skies and stargazing opportunities.
Night Safaris and Wildlife Adventures
Another popular facet of noctourism is the night safari, which has become an exciting way to experience wildlife. Many national parks across the country offer night safari tours, where nocturnal animals are active and visible under the cover of darkness. In Madhya Pradesh, for instance, 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 daytime.
Other parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Satpura also offer night safaris, providing an incredible opportunity to witness the nocturnal life of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Sky-Watching on the Islands
Remote islands like Neil Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, offer some of the clearest skies for stargazing. Due to the island’s sparse population and minimal pollution, visitors can enjoy an unspoiled view of the heavens. The island, known for its pristine beaches and marine life, offers an idyllic setting for stargazing. Though the beach’s natural beauty is a major draw, tourists can also camp out under the stars to fully embrace the nocturnal experience. However, one must be mindful of the occasional crabs and insects that are part of the island’s natural ecosystem.
The Moonlit Charm of Kutch’s Rann Utsav
The Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat, provides another stunning nocturnal adventure. Held from November to February, this cultural festival invites visitors to explore the vast salt desert of the Rann of Kutch under the light of the full moon. The salt desert, which glows under the moonlight, offers a surreal and almost otherworldly atmosphere.
During the full moon, the landscape is bathed in soft, silvery light, making it a perfect setting for nocturnal exploration. The beauty of the moonlit Rann, coupled with the clear night skies, makes it a prime destination for those seeking a celestial experience. The festival attracts large crowds, and it’s common for camp bookings to fill up quickly during the full moon phase.