It is now almost impossible to see the stars in the sky covered with city lights. But in a remote tribal village in Maharashtra's Nashik district, the whole scene changes as night falls. Numerous stars appear across the sky, the faint white line of the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. That is why Nashik's Udmal village has now become the focus of one of the country's most important 'Dark Sky Community' initiatives.
This village named Udmal is located in Surgana taluka of Nasik district of Maharashtra. As there are no big cities or urban areas around, artificial light pollution is relatively low here. According to the 2011 census, the population of the village is around 500-600 people.
The specialty of Udmal is not only the clear skies but also the active participation of local people. In May 2025, the local gram sabha adopted India's first 'Dark Sky Resolution' under the 'PESA' Act.
The main reason behind the clearness of the Milky Way in the skies here is the lack of pollution. City street lights, bright advertising signboards, house lights—all the stars in the sky are hidden behind our eyes. Udmal's night sky is not only a natural beauty but also creating new potential for local economy and affordable tourism.
The Maharashtra government has already identified 11 places across the state for 'astro-tourism'. Apart from Udmal, the list includes places like Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Lonar, Bhimashankar, Melghat, Toranmal and Bhandardara. There are plans, in the future, to create experiences such as 'stargazing', 'astrophotography', 'telescope viewing' and 'astronomy education'.
How to get from Kolkata to Udmal?
It is not easy to go directly from Kolkata to Udmal. Take Gitanjali Express from Howrah and get down at Nashik Road Station. From there you have to go to Surgana by road via Nashik city. Udmal is located in a very remote area. So it is better to pre-arrange a local car/cab for the last leg. Udmal's own public transport system is limited and the nearest railway station is also far away.
Nights near new moon are best for sky viewing—nights clear of the Milky Way and other stars are also important because the moon is dim. But Udmal is not a developed tourist center yet. So before going, it is better to make sure how much the local accommodation, car, food etc. arrangements are.