Where to Observe Leonids Meteor Showers near Mumbai

Every November, the Earth drifts through a trail of dust and debris left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle — and that’s when the Leonids meteor shower comes alive. Each streak of light you see is a tiny fragment — some no bigger than a grain of sand — burning brilliantly as it collides with Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 70 km per second. For a few nights around mid-November, the night sky transforms into a silent, cosmic theatre.

A burst of Leonid meteors captured in 1999 from an altitude of 38,000 feet during the Leonid Multi-Instrument Aircraft Campaign (Leonid MAC) using a 50 mm camera. Credit: NASA/Ames Research Center/ISAS/Shinsuke Abe and Hajime Yano

But in Mumbai, that wonder can be hard to witness — the city’s glow swallows most of the

stars before they even get a chance to shine. That’s why sky-watchers pack their gear, drive

beyond the suburbs, and head to darker, quieter places where the universe feels closer and

the stars reclaim the night.

Here are five of the best places near Mumbai to experience the Leonids Meteor showers in all their glory.

Starry nights over Bhandardara — a serene escape in Maharashtra where the Leonid meteor shower lights up the sky.

1. Bhandardara

   Surrounded by towering cliffs, Bhandardara forms a natural amphitheater for the stars.

   Deep in the Sahyadri's, this canyon transforms into one of Maharashtra’s darkest, clearest

   sky-windows once night falls. Guided stargazing trips with ARC Educators often bring

   enthusiasts here — a mix of rugged adventure and cosmic calm.

   Tip: Pack warmly — the valley gets surprisingly cold after dark.

“Where a deep-rooted respect for the Earth meets a constant quest for the Sky.”

2. Naneghat

At Naneghat, the winds whisper stories of the past while meteors paint the future across the night sky.

This historic mountain pass once carried traders and travelers between the Deccan plateau and the Konkan coast. Today, it carries only silence — and an incredible night sky. From the clifftops, you get a panoramic view where the heavens unfold unhindered.

ARC Educators often conduct Astrocamps here, pairing celestial observation with a touch of history and mountain wilderness. It’s also one of the most accessible dark-sky getaways from Mumbai for a single-night escape.

3. Dahanu

At Dahanu Beach, every falling star reflects over the sea — a fleeting moment where sky and ocean breathe together.

A seaside gem just a few hours from Mumbai, Dahanu offers something most mountain spots don’t — a horizon-to-horizon coastal sky. As the waves whisper in the dark, meteors streak across the open dome above, and the whole experience feels timeless.

ARC Educators frequently host family-friendly stargazing events here, allowing visitors to

pair astronomy with the easy calm of a beach night. Perfect for those who want a relaxed,

accessible getaway without losing touch with the cosmos.

4. Wada (Palghar District)

Under the wide-open skies of Wada

If you prefer quiet countryside to tourist trails, Wada is your best-kept secret. This small-town region, surrounded by farmlands and gentle hills, is known for open skies and minimal urban glow. Spread out a mat in a field, lie back, and you’ll see why rural Maharashtra holds some of the state’s best night skies.

A genuine, local experience — no crowds, no rush. Ideal for amateur astronomers seeking a calm night of sky photography or observation.

5. Malshej Ghat

 Malshej Ghat — crisp skies and elevated views perfect for stargazing.

By November, Malshej Ghat sheds its monsoon mist and welcomes crisp air and clear, steady skies. The mountain silhouettes add depth to the night view, making every meteor streak feel like it’s diving behind the peaks. Its high elevation means better transparency and steadier seeing, and it’s a perfect place to pair a sunset trek with a night of celestial wonder.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Best time: Mid-November (around the 15–17th), from midnight to pre-dawn for peak activity.

• Essentials: Blanket or sleeping bag, flashlight (with a red filter), warm clothes, snacks, and water.

• Safety: Inform someone of your plans, avoid isolated spots if alone, and reach your site before sunset.

• Tech Gear: Download night-sky apps like SkySafari or Stellarium to locate constellations and track the radiant point of the Leonids near the constellation Leo. A camera with a tripod will help you capture those fleeting streaks across the stars.

Embrace the Night Sky

Every meteor that burns up above you is a fragment from a comet that last visited centuries ago — a reminder that the universe is ancient, alive, and constantly moving. The Leonids aren’t just flashes of light; they’re physics in motion — collisions of dust and atmosphere releasing energy as pure brilliance.

Whether you’re lying on a quiet beach or camped high in the ghats, every shooting star is a fleeting connection between Earth and the cosmos.

So — where will your stargazing adventure begin? Share your favorite dark-sky escapes in the comments, and maybe we’ll meet under the same shimmering sky.

At Astrocamp, we bring telescopes — including the largest public telescope in Mumbai — and a team of passionate astronomers to help you explore the sky in real time. Join our next Astrocamp at Bhandarda, and let’s turn a meteor shower into a memory that lasts long after the last trail fades.

Sayyed Danish