Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what lies beyond the stars you can see?
Join Prawasvede for an overnight stargazing experience near Pune, where you can explore the night sky with guidance from an astronomy expert, observe celestial objects through a telescope and learn to appreciate the science behind what you see.
Set in the natural surroundings of the Sahyadris, this experience brings together astronomy, outdoor exploration and a night away from the usual routine. The programme includes an expert-led astronomy session, guided telescope observation and an introduction to night-sky photography.
Whether you are curious about astronomy, looking for a different kind of weekend outing with your family, or simply want to spend a night looking beyond the familiar, this is an opportunity to slow down and explore the universe with greater understanding.
Your experience includes an overnight stay in shared tents, welcome snacks and tea, dinner and breakfast.
Come curious. Look closer. Discover the night sky.
Please note: Astronomical observations depend on weather, cloud cover, visibility and local sky conditions. Specific celestial objects cannot be guaranteed for every batch.
FAQs
1. Where does the stargazing experience take place?
The experience takes place at a campsite in the Mankani area, near Pune, in the Sahyadri region. The exact location and directions will be shared with registered participants.
2. Do I need prior knowledge of astronomy?
No prior astronomy knowledge is required. The experience is designed for curious beginners as well as people who already enjoy looking at the night sky.
3. Can I attend with my family?
Yes, the experience is planned for families and adults. The minimum age for children and any supervision requirements will be confirmed in the event details.
4. What can I see through the telescope?
The objects available for observation depend on the date, time, weather, sky conditions and equipment. The astronomy expert will guide the session based on what is observable that night. Specific planets, star clusters or other objects cannot be guaranteed in advance.
5. Will we definitely see stars if the weather is cloudy?
No. Cloud cover and poor visibility can limit or prevent astronomical observation. The team will adapt the programme where possible, but clear skies cannot be guaranteed. The event’s weather-related cancellation, rescheduling and refund policy should be checked before booking.
6. Is the experience only for children or students?
No. This is a general overnight stargazing experience for adults and families. A separate astronomy and space workshop for children and teenagers may be offered as a different programme in the future.
7. Is accommodation included?
Yes. One night of tent accommodation on a three-person sharing basis is included. Details of sleeping arrangements, bedding and washroom facilities will be provided in the final event information.
8. Are meals included?
Welcome snacks and tea, dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 are included. Other meals and personal refreshments are not included unless stated otherwise.
9. Is transport from Pune included?
No. Participants report directly to the campsite. Group transport may be coordinated separately, subject to availability and confirmation.
10. Do I need a telescope or camera?
No personal telescope is required for the guided observation. If you want to try night-sky photography, bring a compatible camera or smartphone. A tripod can be helpful, but photography results depend on your equipment and sky conditions.
11. What should I carry?
Carry warm layers, comfortable closed footwear, a personal water bottle, any required medication and a flashlight or headlamp. A camera and tripod are optional. The final packing list will be shared before the event.
12. Is this a meteor shower event?
This is the regular stargazing experience. Meteor-shower observation will be promoted as a special event on selected dates. Meteors may occasionally be visible during regular sessions too, but no meteor count or sighting is guaranteed.
13. When does the programme end?
The experience concludes after breakfast on Day 2. Participants arrange their own return journey unless separate transport has been confirmed.
14. How do I book?
Select an available weekend on the Prawasvede event page and follow the booking instructions. If you have questions about age eligibility, accommodation or transport, contact the Prawasvede team before booking.
Expert-led astronomy session
Learn how to understand the night sky, identify celestial objects and make sense of what you observe.
Guided telescope observation
Observe selected celestial objects through a telescope, subject to what is visible on the night.
Introduction to night-sky photography
Explore how to photograph the night sky. Bring your own compatible camera or smartphone if you wish to
An overnight outdoor experience
Spend the night at a campsite near the Sahyadris, away from your usual urban routine.
A weekend for curious minds
Designed for adults and families who want to explore astronomy together. Children’s age eligibility will be specified in the final booking details.
What is included in the tour
- A Cosy Night Under the Stars
Spend the night in a cosy tent on a three-person sharing basis, surrounded by the quiet of the outdoors. A simple, memorable stay where the night sky is the highlight.
- A Taste of Maharashtra
Enjoy a spread of delicious, home-style Maharashtrian food, with welcome tea and snacks on arrival, a satisfying dinner under the evening sky, and a freshly served breakfast the next morning.
- An Expert-Led Astronomy Session
Go beyond simply looking at the stars. Discover the science behind the night sky through an engaging session led by an astronomy expert.
- A Closer Look at the Cosmos
Explore the night sky through guided telescope observation, with the opportunity to see celestial objects that are visible under the conditions on the night.
- Capture the Night Sky
Get introduced to the basics of night-sky photography and learn how to capture the beauty above you. Bring your camera or smartphone if you'd like to try it yourself.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel to and from the campsite.
NOTE: Shared transport may be coordinated separately, subject to availability and confirmation. - Personal expenses and food or beverages not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
- Personal photography equipment, such as cameras, tripods and accessories.
- Anything not expressly listed under inclusions.
Day 1 — Discover the Night Sky
04:00 PM – Check-in & Campsite Orientation
Arrive at the campsite, complete your check-in and settle into your tents. Get familiar with the surroundings and prepare for an evening of astronomy, observation and discovery.
05:30 PM – Evening Tea & Snacks
Take a break over a warm cup of tea and evening snacks. Meet your fellow participants and ease into the experience as daylight begins to fade.
06:30 PM – Stargazing Session & Sky Orientation
As the evening sky unfolds, begin exploring the world above us. With guidance from the astronomy expert, learn how to orient yourself to the night sky, recognise visible constellations and understand the celestial objects you may observe. Discover the science behind the stars and the stories that have shaped how people interpret the sky.
09:00 PM – Vegetarian Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a hearty vegetarian dinner at the campsite. Take in the quiet of the outdoors and the changing night sky before returning to the evening’s observations.
10:00 PM – Meteor Shower Observation & Guided Discussions
Turn your attention to the night sky and learn about meteors, meteor showers and the science behind these fleeting streaks of light. Observe the sky with expert guidance and discuss what you see, how meteor showers occur and what makes them different from other celestial phenomena.
Meteor sightings depend on the shower’s activity, sky conditions and visibility; they cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight – Tent Stay
Retire to your tent after an evening of observation and discovery. Spend the night in the outdoors, with the experience of the night sky still fresh in your mind.
Day 2 — Reconnect with the Outdoors
05:00 AM – Early-Morning Sky Observation
Rise early for another opportunity to observe the sky. Depending on the season, astronomical activity and visibility, the expert will guide the group in looking for any suitable objects or meteor activity still visible before dawn.
08:30 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the campsite and take some time to relax after the night’s activities.
09:00 AM – Nature Walk & Reflection Session
Step away from the telescope and reconnect with your immediate surroundings. Take a leisurely guided walk, observe the natural environment and reflect on the experience—from understanding our place in the universe to noticing the details of the landscape around us.
10:30 AM – Check-out & Departure
Conclude the experience, check out of the campsite and begin your onward journey, carrying home a new perspective on the night sky and the natural world.
Please note: The itinerary is indicative. Actual astronomical observations depend on the date, celestial visibility, weather and sky conditions. Activities may be adjusted accordingly.
