Madhya Pradesh launches the Astro Village Development Project under the Tribal Tourism Programme, developing six villages with telescopes, star-gazing platforms and 90-day training for local youths as Astro Guides to boost rural livelihoods and sustainable tourism.
India
-Oneindia Staff
A new chapter in tourism is taking shape in Madhya Pradesh as the state moves to develop six villages as dedicated Astro-Tourism destinations. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has commenced implementation of the ‘Astro Village Development Project’ under its Tribal Tourism Project from May 2026.
The initiative aims to promote Astro-Tourism in the state and bring naturally dark, low-light-pollution areas into the tourism map as unique attractions. In the first phase, one village each from Dhar, Chhindwara, Betul, Narmadapuram, Damoh and Umaria districts has been selected for development as dedicated Astro-Tourism destinations.
Madhya Pradesh launches the Astro Village Development Project under the Tribal Tourism Programme, developing six villages with telescopes, star-gazing platforms and 90-day training for local youths as Astro Guides to boost rural livelihoods and sustainable tourism.
Dr. Ilayaraja T., Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said Astro Village Tourism in Madhya Pradesh will offer a unique confluence of science and nature. The initiative will allow visitors to experience the pristine night sky away from light pollution and witness the beauty of stars, planets and the Milky Way. He said the project will not only promote Astro-Tourism but also create new tourism, employment and self-employment opportunities for local communities. Work has already commenced in the six selected villages – Gyanpura in Dhar, Dhusawani in Chhindwara, Banja in Betul, Dhaba in Narmadapuram, Richhkudi in Damoh and Rancha in Umaria.
Modern Equipment and Tourism Infrastructure to Be Developed
Modern infrastructure and scientific equipment are being developed across the selected villages to provide visitors with a safe, clear and immersive star-gazing experience. The facilities will include modern telescopes, binoculars and astrophotography cameras, enabling tourists to observe celestial objects and capture the night sky.
Dedicated star-gazing platforms, observation areas and interpretation centres will also be developed. These facilities will help visitors understand astronomy, celestial phenomena and the night sky while making their experience more engaging and memorable. The project is also expected to enhance the tourism potential of rural destinations by offering travellers a distinctive experience away from conventional tourist attractions.
90-Day Training Programme for Local Youth
Economic empowerment of local communities is a key component of the Astro Village project. Local youth from the selected villages will undergo an intensive 90-day training programme focused on the night sky, constellations and astronomical phenomena. Following the training, these young people will be developed as skilled ‘Astro Guides’, opening up new opportunities for local employment and self-employment. The initiative will also ensure greater participation of local communities in tourism activities, enabling them to benefit directly from the growth of Astro-Tourism.
Madhya Pradesh Poised to Become a Leading Astro-Tourism Destination
The Astro Village Development Project is a forward-looking initiative aimed at promoting niche tourism experiences such as star-gazing and Astro-Tourism across Madhya Pradesh. The project will provide domestic and international visitors with an opportunity to experience the beauty of the night sky in naturally dark surroundings.
At the same time, the initiative is expected to contribute to rural development by generating 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.
