Nainital Takulato be developed as an astro-village

Saturday, December 11, 2021

The Nainital district administration, along with the support of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), is developing Takula as an astro-village where visitors can take pleasure in star-gazing.

For that purpose, luxury cottages with wood and glass roofs are being built in the village. Also, a knowledge center with a telescope and amenities for other astro activities is also being constructed.

District officials said that these facilities will completely be run by local communities. This model will be carried on in other villages of the hill state as well.

DM DhirajGarbiyal said, “Locals will be given employment opportunities. Besides, they will be taught how to use a telescope and be given training on other astro activities by experts from ARIES.” The officer added, “Initially, eight cottages will be built in the village. The knowledge center at the Gandhi Ashram will be the center of attraction as the place is very conducive for star-gazing. The first phase of the project will cost us Rs. 2.8 crore.”

Currently, Chamoli’s Benital village in Uttarakhand offers astro-tourism to visitors. Located at an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level, Benital offers mesmerizing views of the illuminated night sky due to low pollution. Earlier this week, the village hosted a two-day ‘astro party’ where tourists enjoyed stargazing, constellation hunting, and sky observation and astrophotography.

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