Astro Tourism, Jaipur�s latest star attraction
30-January-2021

Calling India a country of star-readers and sky-grazers won�t be incorrect for it has regions with startlingly clear skies. Considering this, Jaipur�s Art and Culture Department recently introduced Astro Tourism in the Pink City under the name of Night Sky Tourism. The project was launched by BD Kalla, Art and Culture Minister, at the secretariat lawn in the city yesterday. Addressing the media, the Minister said that the project will provide a new momentum to night tourism in Rajasthan.

�It will be a new experience for tourists and add more depth to the state as a tourist destination,� Kalla said. The art department has also gotten hold of the telescope that was with the state�s science department for a long time.

Mugdha Sinha, Secretary to the Art and Culture Department, said that the government of Rajasthan has taken the initiative to start night tourism after the COVID-19 lockdown. Interested travellers can now visit Jaipur and enjoy watching the night sky, stars, moon and other planets.

Places chosen for Jaipur�s Astro Tourism
There are two places where viewing sessions will be held:

Jawhar Kala Kendra: Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) is a famous arts centre, built by the Rajasthan government. The prime purpose of building this centre was to preserve Rajasthani arts and crafts. The centre features eight blocks and houses museums, an amphitheatre and auditorium, library, display rooms, cafeteria, hostel and studio. The centre also has two art galleries, which are permanent and three other galleries that keep changing. Every year, a theatre festival is also organised here.

Address: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Opp Commerce College, Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur 302004

Jantar Mantar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is an astronomical observation site. The place was built by King Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. There is a collection of 19 fixed astronomical instruments inside this 18th century monument.

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002