About The Event
Stargazing Bhandardara Itinerary (1 Night, 2 Days)
Join us for stargazing in Bhandardara, one of the best dark sky spots near Mumbai and Pune. Observe the Milky Way, nebulae and distant galaxies through large telescopes with guidance from astronomers.
How You Will Reach the Campsite
Choose one of four transport options when booking. All participants meet at the same campsite by approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday. Stargazing, camping, meals and the trek are the same for all guests.
AC Bus from Mumbai: Round trip AC bus with multiple pickup points across Mumbai and Thane.
AC Bus from Pune: Round trip AC bus with pickup points in Pune.
Train to Kasara: Travel by local train at your own cost. Our vehicle will transfer you from Kasara station to the campsite and back.
Self Drive: Drive your own car or bike to the campsite. Parking is available. The exact location will be shared one day before the event.
Day 1 Saturday: Travel to Bhandardara
Option 1: AC Bus from Mumbai
08:00 AM: Borivali, Sanjay Gandhi National Park main gate
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aWik4xMcs2mH6qPs7
08:20 AM: Goregaon, near Oberoi Mall on the highway
https://maps.app.goo.gl/j6SfyjqWsF49ciXn9
08:30 AM: Andheri, near WEH Metro Station
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f5DHj711vcp21BRD9
09:00 AM: Ghatkopar Bus Depot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8LQYK748K3QR9yob9
09:15 AM: Bhandup Pumping Station
https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2YoptmTCNdXTjLZ8
09:30 AM: Thane, Teen Haath Naka
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wKjTu8ZSTEYwEwKf8
09:45 AM: Kalyan Bhiwandi Bypass
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qn9SL1Ps2CNYszC27
Lunch stop on the way at your own cost.
03:30 PM: Reach the campsite.
Option 2: AC Bus from Pune
08:15 AM: Meet at McDonalds, Deccan
https://goo.gl/maps/vDqyKCHanhSMxG1M6
08:30 AM: Bus departs for Bhandardara.
08:50 AM: New Shivajinagar Bus Stop
https://goo.gl/maps/SfmCVQFKPsGLZtcc7
09:20 AM: Nashik Phata
https://goo.gl/maps/3FkGAuJrKrkip2wj6
Lunch stop on the way at your own cost.
03:30 PM: Reach the campsite.
Important Notes for Bus Travellers
Your trip leader will share the bus photo, vehicle number and live location in the WhatsApp group once the bus leaves Borivali in Mumbai or Deccan in Pune.
Traffic may affect arrival times. Please follow the live location once the bus starts moving.
The bus waits only 10 minutes at each pickup point. Please arrive a few minutes early.
Option 3: Train to Kasara
08:33 AM: Board the CST Kasara local train. You can board from any station along the route. Train ticket is 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.
Please be on time. If you miss the train, you will miss the pickup and no refund can be given.
Option 4: Self Drive
03:30 PM to 04:00 PM: Report directly at the campsite. The location will be shared one day before the event.
Day 1 Saturday: At the Campsite
03:30 PM to 04:00 PM: Arrive at the campsite, check in and get your tent.
04:30 PM: Welcome drink and evening snacks. Relax, enjoy 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. Observe 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. Observe deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae and learn astrophotography basics.
01:00 AM: Midnight soup or tea. The session ends and you can rest in your tent.
Day 2 Sunday: Dawn Sky and Sandhan Valley Trek
04:30 AM: Pre dawn stargazing session for early risers who want to observe the morning sky.
06:30 AM: Tea and breakfast at the campsite.
07:30 AM: Optional Sandhan Valley trek. Explore one of India's dramatic canyons, also called the Valley of Shadows.
01:00 PM: Return to the campsite for lunch.
02:00 PM: Return journey begins.
The Sandhan Valley trek is completely optional. You can skip it due to fitness, health, travelling with young children or simply wanting a relaxed morning. You may relax at the campsite until lunch. Please inform your trip leader. The package price remains the same.
Return Journey Sunday
The return journey starts after lunch at around 02:00 PM for all transport options.
AC Bus to Mumbai: Drop off at the same pickup points from Kalyan to Borivali. Arrival time depends on traffic.
AC Bus to Pune: Drop off at Nashik Phata, Shivajinagar and Deccan. Arrival time depends on traffic.
Kasara Guests: Our vehicle drops you at Kasara station to catch a local train back to Mumbai.
Self Drive Guests: Leave at your convenience after lunch.
Your trip leader will share live location updates during the return journey as well.
What is included in the tour
Transport (depends on the option you book)
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 (vegetarian)
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 (optional)
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.
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
