Top 3 Spots to See the Geminid Meteor Shower Around Mumbai & Pune

Every December, the Geminids meteor shower lights up the night sky with up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. Unlike most meteor showers that come from comets, the Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. These meteors are bright, fast (reaching 35 km/s), and often show colors ranging from white to yellow, green, and red.

This composite image captures more than 100 meteors streaking across the sky during the peak of the 2014 Geminid meteor shower. Credit: Danielle Moser, NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office / NASA MSFC

Mumbai's light pollution makes viewing difficult, but several locations within a few hours' drive offer dark enough skies to see the show. The shower peaks around December 13-14, with the best viewing after midnight.

Here are three accessible spots where you can catch the Geminids Meteor shower without traveling too far from Mumbai & Pune.

A sky full of stars above Bhandardara, captured during an ARC Astrocamp. Credit: ARC Bhandardara Archives.

1. Bhandardara

   Bhandardara is a narrow gorge in the Sahyadri hills, carved between tall basalt cliffs. Popular with trekkers during the day, it transforms into an excellent stargazing destination at night thanks to minimal light pollution. The plateau at the valley’s end offers flat ground for camping, while the surrounding cliffs block stray light from distant towns, creating a dark, open window to the stars.

   During December’s Geminid meteor shower, the experience becomes even more magical. The valley’s isolation means you’ll have near-perfect darkness — perfect for spotting the colorful trails of the Geminids. truly immersive.

Velhe under a canopy of stars — a magical night captured by ARC Educator Astrocamp Velhe Highlights

2. Velhe

   
   

   Velhe, nestled in the Sahyadri foothills near Pune, is a serene escape from city lights. Its elevated terrain and sparse habitation provide dark, clear skies, perfect for observing the Geminid meteor shower. The gentle hills and open plateaus offer unobstructed views of the night sky, making it an ideal spot for both amateur and seasoned stargazers.

3. Naneghat

   
   

   Naneghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats with historical significance dating back to ancient trade routes. The trek up carved stone steps leads to a plateau at about 800 meters elevation.

   
   

   

   Naneghat bathed in lush greenery after the monsoon — a perfect backdrop for stargazing.

   
   

   The height provides clear views above any ground-level haze. The plateau offers 360-degree visibility with no obstructions, making it ideal for photographing meteor trails. Face northeast toward Gemini for the best viewing angle.

Cold December Nights in the Sahyadris: Tips for Meteor Shower Viewing

If you're viewing the Geminid meteor shower which peaks on December 13-14 and is active from early december through mide to late December, you'll want to bundle up --- December nights at these elevated locations can get surprisingly cold. Bhandardara, Naneghat, and Velhe all sit at higher altitudes where temperatures regularly drop to 8--12°C at night, sometimes dipping even lower. The chill becomes more intense after midnight, which is exactly when the Geminids put on their best show. Layer up with warm clothing, bring blankets, thermal wear, and hot beverages. The cold may be biting, but it's a small price to pay for witnessing one of nature's most spectacular light shows under pristine dark skies.

Experience the Geminids with ARC Educators

Planning a meteor shower expedition can be daunting — finding the right dark-sky location, timing your visit perfectly, and ensuring you have the right setup for optimal viewing. That’s where ARC Educators and their skilled teams step in. They organize dedicated Astrocamps at prime stargazing locations, combining expert guidance with comfortable camping setups. Their astronomy educators help you understand what you're seeing, point out constellations, and make sure you don't miss the best moments of the Geminid peak. Check their website for upcoming Geminid meteor shower Astrocamps and other astronomy events. Whether you're a first-time stargazer or a seasoned astronomy enthusiast, joining an organized Astrocamp means you can focus on the wonder of the night sky while the logistics are taken care of. This December, let the shooting stars remind you just how small we are in this vast, beautiful universe — and how lucky we are to witness such cosmic displays from our little corner of Earth.

Stargazers united! Participants gather for a memorable group photo after an ARC Astrocamp at Bhandardara.