Kolli Hills Dark Sky Park: Tamil Nadu’s First Stargazing Site
Why in the news
Tamil Nadu inaugurated its first Dark Sky Park in the Kolli Hills of Namakkal district. The aim is to encourage astro-tourism and spread scientific awareness among visitors.
Key facts
- Location: Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills, Namakkal district.
- Inaugurated by: Forest Minister R S Rajakannappan.
- Cost: ₹1 crore.
- Purpose: astro-tourism and science awareness.
- Sky objects that can be viewed: stars, planets, the Milky Way and the moon.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Advanced telescopes plus solar-powered facilities |
| Light control | Very little artificial light within a 1.5 km radius |
| Open season | 15 January to 15 June |
| Closed | During the monsoon |
Background
Under the International Dark-Sky Places programme, Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) won recognition in 2024 and remains the earliest such park in the country.
Exam angle
- First Dark Sky Park of Tamil Nadu: Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills.
- Earliest park with international recognition: Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), 2024.
- Programme under which Pench was designated: International Dark-Sky Places.