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Stargazing Bhandardara Camp near Mumbai & Pune

Experience the magic of the night sky at Bhandardara with expert-led stargazing sessions and camping.

  • 2 days · 1 nights
  • Samrad
  • Up to 40 travellers
T Hosted by Treks and Trails
From · Next: Sat, 7 Nov ₹1,699/ person

WHY YOU'LL ❤️ THIS TRIP

Trip Highlights

Celestial Wonders

Observe planets, nebulae, and galaxies through powerful telescopes.

Expert Guidance

Learn about the night sky from experienced astronomers.

Astrophotography

Capture the Milky Way and star trails with guidance.

Sandhan Valley Trek

Explore one of India's most dramatic canyons.

Village Exploration

Enjoy a guided sunset walk around Samrad village.

Camping Experience

Stay in tents under the clear Sahyadri skies.

About the Trip

About the Trip

Escape the city lights and immerse yourself in the celestial wonders at Bhandardara, a premier stargazing destination near Mumbai and Pune. This overnight camping experience offers a unique opportunity to observe the Milky Way, Saturn's rings, and distant galaxies through some of the largest privately owned telescopes in Maharashtra. Guided by experienced astronomers, you'll learn about constellations, deep space mysteries, and even try your hand at astrophotography.

Set in the serene Sahyadri ranges, the campsite provides a perfect backdrop for a night under the stars. Enjoy village meals, a bonfire, and optional treks to the dramatic Sandhan Valley canyon. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, this trip promises an unforgettable night sky adventure.

Trip Details

  • Trip Type: Stargazing and Camping
  • Activity Level: Leisure
  • Total Distance: ~185 km from Mumbai, ~190 km from Pune
  • Temperature: Night temperatures can drop to around 10°C

Highlights

  • Celestial Wonders: Observe planets, nebulae, and galaxies through powerful telescopes.
  • Expert Guidance: Learn about the night sky from experienced astronomers.
  • Astrophotography: Capture the Milky Way and star trails with guidance.
  • Sandhan Valley Trek: Explore one of India's most dramatic canyons.
  • Village Exploration: Enjoy a guided sunset walk around Samrad village.
  • Camping Experience: Stay in tents under the clear Sahyadri skies.
Family Tours
Travel Dynamic
Adventure | Nature
Themes
Up to 40
Group Size
5+
Age group
Leisure
Physical Rating

Logistics · from Kasara

Start Location
Kasara
End Location
Kasara
Pickup 11:15 AM
Kasara Railway Station, near the ticket counter
  • 08:33 AM: Board the CST–Kasara local train. You can board from any station on the way (train ticket not included).
  • 11:15 AM: Meet your trip leader at Kasara station and travel to Bhandardara by our vehicle.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch stop at a local restaurant (at your own cost).
  • 03:30 PM: Reach the campsite.
₹2,199 Per person
Departing from
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Note: Seats are limited to 40 per batch. New-moon and meteor shower batches fill first.
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Itinerary

This trip starts from 4 cities. Pick yours to see its plan.

Day 1

At the Campsite

Arrive at the Bhandardara stargazing campsite and enjoy various activities including stargazing sessions and a village walk.

Schedule

  • 03:30–04:00 PM – Arrive at the Bhandardara stargazing campsite. Check in and get your tent.

  • 04:30 PM – Welcome drink and evening snacks. Relax, take in the views and meet the astronomy team.

  • 05:00 PM – Guided walk around Samrad village and its surroundings at sunset.

  • 07:30 PM – First stargazing session. See planets, the Moon, star clusters and constellations through large telescopes.

  • 09:30 PM – Dinner at the campsite, followed by bonfire time.

  • 11:00 PM – Second stargazing session. Deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae, plus astrophotography basics.

  • 01:00 AM – Midnight soup or tea. The session ends; rest in your tent under a sky full of stars.

Locations covered

See description

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel

Transportation

Private Car

Trip Inclusions

What's Included?

Transport Options

  • AC bus from Mumbai or Pune: a round trip from your pickup point to the campsite.

  • Kasara option: jeep travel from Kasara railway station to the campsite and back.

  • Self-drive: no transport included. You drive straight to the campsite.

Stargazing Sessions

  • Three guided sessions through the night, led by experienced astronomers.

  • Some of the biggest privately owned telescopes in Maharashtra.

  • Planets, the Moon, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies, plus constellation stories.

  • Astrophotography basics for phone and DSLR.

Tent Camping

  • A stay in well-maintained tents on a twin- or triple-sharing basis.

  • A foam mat and a warm blanket in every tent.

  • Clean, separate toilets for ladies and gents, and changing rooms.

Meals

  • Welcome drink and evening snacks

  • Dinner

  • Midnight soup or tea

  • Morning tea and breakfast

  • Lunch on Day 2

  • Jain food available on request

Sandhan Valley Trek

  • A guided trek to Sandhan Valley, led by a certified mountaineer.

  • Beginner-friendly and suitable for ages 5 and up.

Village Exploration

  • A guided sunset walk around Samrad village and its surroundings.

Entry Fees

  • All forest and campsite entry charges are covered.

What's NOT Included?

Travel to Kasara

  • The train ticket for Kasara guests.

Self-Drive Costs

  • All travel costs, plus forest entry fees and parking fees.

Lunch on Day 1

  • Lunch on the way to the campsite.

Personal Expenses

  • Bottled water, lime water or any drinks bought for personal use.

  • Extra meals, snacks or soft drinks ordered beyond the included menu.

  • Personal expenses of any kind.

Unforeseen Events

  • Extra costs from unforeseen events such as roadblocks, landslides or bad weather.

Medical Treatment

  • Medical treatment or emergency evacuation, if needed.

Flights
Tour Guide
Equipment
Visa
Tips & Gratuities
Photography
WiFi & Internet
Airport Transfers

Terms & Conditions

General Terms

Things to Carry

  • Valid ID proof

  • Comfortable clothes for the trek

  • Trekking shoes with good grip

  • Warm jacket or hoodie, since nights at Bhandardara get chilly

  • Extra blanket, if you tend to feel cold

  • Air pillow, for a comfier night in the tent

  • Toiletries

  • Personal medicines

  • Power bank

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Good vibes

  • Stargazing tip: Bring a torch with a red light, or cover a regular torch with red cellophane. White light ruins everyone's night vision, while red light lets your eyes stay adjusted to the dark so you can see fainter stars.

Things to Carry for Astrophotography at Bhandardara

  • Tripod for your phone or camera: Night shots need long exposures, so your device must stay perfectly still. A tripod with a ball head makes angles easier to adjust.

  • DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a phone with Manual/Pro mode: You'll need to control shutter speed, ISO and focus yourself to capture the night sky.

  • Remote shutter or intervalometer: Avoids camera shake and lets you shoot star trails automatically.

  • Extra camera batteries: Cold nights drain batteries faster than usual.

  • Torch with spare batteries: For finding your way and changing settings in the dark. Use red light near the telescopes.

  • New to astrophotography? Our astronomers teach the basics during the stargazing sessions, even with just a phone.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel

  • 8 or more days before the event: 75% refund

  • 4 to 7 days before the event: 50% refund

  • 3 days or less before the event: no refund

  • No-show: no refund

  • How to cancel: Call us to request a cancellation. The number of days is counted from the day you inform us.

  • If we cancel the event

  • If Treks and Trails cancels the event, you'll receive a refund of the event amount you paid.