Want to enjoy the beauty of a star-studded sky? Visit these three places near Vizag
Winter is the best season for stargazing in Visakhapatnam. So this weekend, pack your bags to watch millions of stars spread out on a canopy high up in the sky.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 30 Jan 2022 9:39 AM IST
Visakhapatnam: For Chakravarthy of Visakhapatnam, an unexpected trek to Jindhagada introduced him to the wonders of the night sky. Since childhood, he had been fascinated gazing up at the stars while lying on the grass.
Living in a world of pollution and smoke not many of us get to experience the marvels of a star-studded sky at night. Thanks to trekkers and nature explorers who are leading the way we can now go stargazing.
Winter is the best season for stargazing in Visakhapatnam. So this weekend, pack your bags to watch millions of stars spread out on a canopy high up in the sky. Make sure you reach the peak before 9 p.m so as to make the best of the experience and stargaze till 2 a.m. Do not forget to take a telescope along if possible.
Here are the three best spots for stargazing:
1. Deomali
Deomali, the highest peak of Odisha at 1,762 meters, is nestled in the lap of the Eastern Ghats. It is an idyllic spot for aero gliding and trekking expeditions. It is located 60 km from Koraput. The ideal time to visit the mountain is during November-March. Clear skies will provide a beautiful spot for stargazing.
2. Armakonda
Also known as Seethamma Konda, Armakonda is the highest mountain peak in Andhra Pradesh as well as in the Godavari river basin. Located in the Hukumpeta mandal in Paderu, it is the tallest peak of the Eastern Ghats. Trek to Armakonda, get a campfire going, and gaze at the clear night skies. This location is best for stargazing during December-March. Armakonda also sees orographic rainfall that fills the reservoir near Paderu.
3. Jindhagada peak
Nestled inside a tent while chilly winds blow outside, star gazing at this highest peak in the Eastern Ghats (at a height of 1,690 meters) is one beautiful experience. It is located in Araku valley and is cut by four major rivers ā Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. This is one of the must-visit places for trekkers who want to explore the highest peak. With a minimum four-five hour steep trek uphill, take along sufficient drinking water, food, and a first aid kit.
