Tamil Nadu Launches First Dark Sky Park in Kolli Hills
In February 2026, Tamil Nadu(TN) Forest Minister R S Rajakannappan inaugurated the State’s first Dark Sky Park at Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, positioning TN as a growing astro-tourism destination.
About Dark Sky Park:
Cost & Infrastructure: Set up at a cost of Rs.1 crore, the park features three advanced telescopes and solar-powered infrastructure.
Observations: Enables night-time observation of stars, planets, the Milky Way, and the moon, and promotes scientific literacy and astronomy awareness among students, researchers, and the public during the day.
Optimal Conditions: The site enjoys minimal artificial light within a 1.5 kilometre(km) radius, with natural terrain providing optimal dark-sky conditions.
Operational Period: The park operates from January 15 to June 15 and remains closed during the monsoon season.
India’s First Dark Sky Park: Pench Tiger Reserve(PTR) in Madhya Pradesh(MP), designated in 2024 under the International Dark-Sky Places programme, became India’s first official Dark Sky Park and is also Asia’s fifth internationally recognized Dark Sky Park.