Discover Benital: 1st Astro Village of Uttarakhand in India

Benital — A Natural Treasure in the Hills of Uttarakhand

Benital, nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful treasure of nature’s blessings. On seeing the beauty of Beni Tal, every visitor exclaims, “Wow!“

Benital is located approximately 35 km from Karnaprayag. The lake in Benital is 2500 meters long and 50 meters wide. Tourists from across India and abroad visit this place to witness the beauty of the lake.

Chamoli has many tourist spots where visitors come to witness nature’s breathtaking beauty, and Beni Tal is one such destination. It is especially popular among tourists looking for an affordable family getaway.

Located 35 km from Karnaprayag in Chamoli district, Beni Tal sits at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. The area is known for its lush greenery, towering mountains, and flat terrain. The lake itself is 200 meters long and 50 meters wide, offering a picturesque setting.

During the British colonial period, this region was famous for tea cultivation, and the tea from its gardens was exported to England. It is said that the British discovered this place in the 18th century.

Benital — A Tranquil Escape Amidst Nature

Beni Tal is famous for its beauty, but along with that, it offers a peaceful experience under the open sky, away from the noise of city life. The quiet surroundings, clear weather, and the towering snow-covered mountains nearby allow visitors to connect closely with nature.

This is why, as soon as summer vacations begin, people from far and wide come here to enjoy picnics. However, most tourists visiting Beni Tal usually make it a day trip. The area near the lake remains largely deserted, but gradually, you can now find homestays a few miles before the lake.

Astro Village:

Beni Tal is the first Astro Village in India, which will allow visitors in the future to observe planets, stars, and celestial events up close.

Beni Tal is the best tourist spot at a low cost. The only expense is the travel fare. People visit here to enjoy picnics with family and friends. It is being far from the noise and chaos of the city, this place provides a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Facilities and Activities:

It boasts a range of astronomical facilities and activities that cater to both amateur and professional astronomers. The village has a dedicated observatory equipped with telescopes and other astronomical instruments, allowing visitors to explore the wonders of the cosmos.

From observing distant galaxies and nebulae to identifying constellations and planets, the astronomical activities in Beni Tal are bound to leave you awe-inspired.

Stargazing Experiences:

Immerse yourself in the magic of the night sky with captivating stargazing experiences in Benital. Expert guides and astronomers lead stargazing sessions, providing insights into celestial objects and their significance.

Witnessing the brilliance of the Milky Way, identifying star clusters, and observing meteor showers under the unpolluted skies of Beni Tal is a truly unforgettable experience.

Suggested Read – 9 Best Valley of Uttarakhand for Star Gazing 

Why Was Benital Chosen?

Why is Benital being developed as an Astro Village? The answer lies in a bit of history. According to local people, its history is connected to the early British period. It is said that around 1834, the Governor-General of India, Lord Bentinck, introduced the tea tradition in India.

To start tea production as a business, it was necessary to identify suitable land for cultivation. A committee was formed for this purpose, and it was this committee that discovered the Benital valley.

However, this discovery was solely for identification by the British; in Indian tradition, Beni Tal had always been well-known and familiar.

Looking at the Sky Here is Like Magic

When the British arrived, they were captivated by the valley surrounded by alpine (small) hills. At night, the view became even more magical.

They observed that the twinkling stars in the clear sky enhanced the beauty of the valley. During their exploration, the British recognized Beni Tal as a large tea estate, but they also could not ignore its mesmerizing night skies.

Suggested Read – Devprayag- A Devine Meet of Two Holy Rivers

Benital — Tea, 

The tea grown here was considered the finest quality and was exported to Britain under the name Badrish-Tea. Beni Tal was also a favorite retreat for the British, yet despite this, they never developed it as a tourist destination. As a result, Beni Tal remains a quiet place, away from crowds, where one can feel closer to nature.

Religious Significance of Benital

Beni Tal holds considerable importance in religious history. The word “Beni” comes from the local Uttarakhand term “Baini”, which means sister.

Thus, Benital translates to the “Lake of the Sister”. According to religious legends, there are nine goddesses in Uttarakhand, considered as nine sisters, and several lakes are named after them. These include Maa Nanda, Nagini or Naini Devi, and Parvati Devi, giving the lake its religious significance as the lake of these sisters.

Decision Taken for Astro Tourism

The Secretary of Tourism, Uttarakhand, Dilip Jawalkar, informed the media that apart from Benital , three other locations will also be developed as Astro-Tourism Spots. These include:

• Taklula and Devsthal villages near Nainital

• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora

• Cartography Museum near George Everest Estate, Mussoorie

The government started repairing roads from Simli to this Astro village and also setting up signages along the road to aware the tourists that what it has to offer the visitors.