Starscapes and Gujarat Tourism Join Forces to Build India’s 1st Dark-Sky Astro Villages

• Starscapes to conduct a detailed study to identify potential stargazing locations across the state

Starscapes, India’s leading astro-tourism company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gujarat Tourism to jointly develop Gujarat as a key astro-tourism destination over the next five years.

As a part of the collaboration, Starscapes will conduct a detailed study to identify potential stargazing locations across the state, starting with North Gujarat. The selected sites will be evaluated based on light pollution levels, accessibility, and suitability for astro-tourism infrastructure. Gujarat Tourism’s approach to categorizing various types of tourism such as adventure, heritage and nature tourism provides a clear advantage in designating specific areas as dark-sky zones. This will play an important role in exclusively developing astro-tourism without interference from other tourism activities that may contribute to light pollution.

The identified astro-tourism zones will later be developed into Astro Villages, where local communities will play a key role in reducing light pollution and preserving dark skies. The initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for local communities, improve livelihood while creating sustainable astro tourism experiences.

 

Commenting on the partnership, Ramashish Ray, Founder, Starscapes, said, “ "From the vast salt deserts of Kutch to the clear skies around Gir National Park, Gujarat offers some of the most pristine and untouched dark-sky locations with immense potential for astro-tourism. Our goal is to work closely with the local communities, empowering them to become ambassadors of dark skies and to create a model of responsible, sustainable tourism. We’re excited to partner with Gujarat Tourism to develop the state into a leading astro-tourism destination."

This initiative builds on Starscapes’ ongoing efforts to promote astro-tourism across India. After a successful ‘Nakshatra Campaign’ with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Starscapes has recently launched ‘Astro-Tourism Guides’ Skill Development Program in collaboration with UTDB and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).

About Starscapes:

Starscapes is India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, dedicated to promoting sustainable live and online celestial exploration. With a nationwide network of observatories, skilled teams, school and hospitality affiliates, and eco-friendly initiatives, Starscapes strives to enrich education and provide unforgettable cosmic experiences.

Starscapes and Uttarakhand Govt Launch India’s First Statewide Astro-Tourism Guide Training Program

Starscapes, India’s leading astro-tourism company, has partnered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Board (UTTB) and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to launch a comprehensive skill development initiative aimed at training 500 aspiring Astro-Tourism Guides across the state over the next six months. This fully funded program, supported by the Government of Uttarakhand, combines astronomy education with practical skills in hospitality, marketing, and community engagement.

Under the tripartite agreement, UTTB will serve as the sponsoring authority, Starscapes as the training partner, and THSC as the executing partner.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement in conserving dark skies and reducing light pollution, Starscapes has collaborated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, a government-recognized body under India’s Skill Development Mission, to certify its training curriculum as an official course. This ensures that participants not only gain in-depth knowledge of astronomy and telescope handling but also acquire employable skills that can empower them to pursue careers in astro-tourism and related hospitality services.

The training will be conducted across multiple locations in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Loha Ghat (Champawat), Munsiyari (Pithoragarh), Ramnagar (Nainital), Powri Lansdowne, Almora, Kausani, Karnaprayag, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Chopta.

Targeting local youth, the program is designed to support community-driven tourism initiatives such as homestays. Participants will learn to operate independently while promoting sustainable astro-tourism, contributing to dark sky conservation, and generating income for their communities.

Vivek Shandilya, Vice President, Business Development, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), “Initiatives like these play a significant role in building a future of community-led and responsible tourism. The ‘Astro-Tourism Guides’ Skill Development Program will equip local youth with the right skill set for promising careers in the field of tourism, empower local economies and help preserve our dark skies. We look forward to working with Uttarakhand Tourism Board and Starscapes to bring formal recognition and certification to this unique program."

Mrs Poonam Chand, Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, "This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting responsible and community-based tourism in Uttarakhand. By supporting local youth, we are fostering both economic development and environmental conservation."

Commenting on this Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, said, "At Starscapes, we believe that sustainable impact comes from engaging communities directly. By training local youth astro tourism guides and empowering them with employability skills, we are building a network of advocates who can help conserve our dark skies while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities."

Participants who complete the program will receive government-certified certification, making them eligible for employment within the tourism and hospitality sector, as well as opportunities to collaborate with Starscapes in ongoing community and astro-tourism initiatives.

The program will officially commence in October, and training will continue through March 2026, ensuring a thorough and impactful learning experience across the state.

About Starscapes:

Starscapes is India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, dedicated to promoting sustainable live and online celestial exploration. With a nationwide network of observatories, skilled teams, school and hospitality affiliates, and eco-friendly initiatives, Starscapes strives to enrich education and provide unforgettable cosmic experiences.