Corbett, Uttarakhand to Host Astro-Tourism and Dark Sky Conclave 2025 in March

In an exciting development for space and nature enthusiasts, Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, is set to host the Astro-Tourism and Dark Sky Conclave 2025 in March. 

Being organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) in collaboration with Starscapes the event will begin from March 21 and will last till 23, 2025.

Part of the Nakshatra Sabha Campaign, the three-day conclave aims to promote dark sky conservation and sustainable astro-tourism in India. Jim Corbett, India's oldest national park, is already renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Now, with the upcoming conclave, it is set to become a hub for astro-tourism, attracting astrophotographers, space enthusiasts, researchers, and night sky enthusiasts eager to experience the beauty of the night sky. 

Offering an amazing learning opportunity, the event will feature expert talks, workshops designed for beginners and experienced sky-watchers, and technical training sessions led by experts. In addition to this policy discussions on the development of astro-tourism and balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability will also be taken up.  

A key objective of the conclave is to train and certify participants as Dark Sky Conservation Ambassadors. These ambassadors will play a crucial role in raising awareness about light pollution, advocating for dark sky protection policies, and promoting responsible astro-tourism practices.

Uttarakhand is emerging as one of India’s premier astro-tourism destinations, and this event will further propel the state toward establishing astro-tourism as a sustainable industry. With its clear skies and pristine natural landscapes, Uttarakhand has immense potential to become a major hub for stargazing and celestial events.

At present, India has only one International Dark Sky Reserve—the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh—and one Dark Sky Park located in Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. Uttarakhand’s efforts in promoting astro-tourism could pave the way for the establishment of more dark sky reserves in the country.