*Six villages in Dhar, Chhindwara, Betul, Narmadapuram, Damoh and Umaria to emerge as new Astro-Tourism hubs
*Madhya Pradesh Set to Emerge as India’s Leading Astro-Tourism Destination, boosting rural livelihoods and the local economy
TTT NEWS NETWORK
BHOPAL | 11 SEPTEMBER 2026
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has commenced the implementation of the ‘Astro Village Development Project’ under its Tribal Tourism Project from May 2026. The innovative initiative aims to promote Astro-Tourism in the state and position naturally dark and low-light-pollution areas as new tourism attractions. In the first phase, one village each from six districts Dhar, Chhindwara, Betul, Narmadapuram, Damoh and Umaria has been selected for development as dedicated Astro-Tourism destinations.
Tourists will soon be able to experience Astro Village Tourism: Dr. Ilayaraja T.
Dr. Ilayaraja T., Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board , said “Astro Village Tourism in Madhya Pradesh is a unique confluence of science and nature, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the pristine night sky away from light pollution and witness the fascinating beauty of stars, planets and the Milky Way. This initiative will not only promote Astro-Tourism in the state but also create new tourism and employment opportunities for local communities. Work has already commenced in six villages selected under the Astro Village initiative- Gyanpura in Dhar district, Dhusawani in Chhindwara district, Banja in Betul district, Dhaba in Narmadapuram district, Richhkudi in Damoh district and Rancha in Umaria district.”
Modern Equipment and Tourism Infrastructure to be Developed :
To provide visitors with a safe, clear and immersive star-gazing experience, modern infrastructure and scientific equipment are being developed across the selected villages. The facilities will include modern telescopes, binoculars and astrophotography cameras, enabling visitors to observe celestial objects and capture the night sky. Dedicated star-gazing platforms, observation areas and interpretation centres will also be developed to help visitors understand astronomy, celestial phenomena and the night sky. These facilities are expected to create a distinctive and memorable tourism experience while enhancing the appeal of rural destinations.
A key pillar of the project is the economic empowerment of local communities. To provide visitors with an engaging and informative experience of the night sky, constellations and astronomical phenomena, local youth from the selected villages will undergo an intensive 90-day training programme.
Following the training, these youth will be developed as skilled ‘Astro Guides’, creating new opportunities for local employment and self-employment. The initiative will also ensure the direct participation of local communities in tourism activities and enable them to benefit economically from the growth of Astro-Tourism.
Madhya Pradesh Poised to Emerge as a Leading Astro-Tourism Destination in India :
The Astro Village Development Project is a forward-looking initiative to promote niche tourism experiences such as star-gazing and Astro-Tourism across Madhya Pradesh. The project will offer domestic and international visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the night sky in naturally dark surroundings. At the same time, it will contribute to rural development by creating local livelihood opportunities and strengthening community participation in tourism. Through the development of these six Astro Villages, Madhya Pradesh aims to establish itself as one of India’s leading Astro-Tourism destinations, offering travellers a distinctive experience where science, nature, rural culture and tourism come together under the stars.
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