As a child, I was fascinated by the sky. Whenever I visited my grandmother’s house, I would sleep outdoors just to gaze at the stars. Summers in coastal Karnataka were unbearably hot, and sleeping outside in the fresh air felt irresistible. At night, the tall coconut trees sometimes looked eerie in the darkness, yet they became part of my memories of stargazing.
That same feeling returned to me during a star-gazing trek in Chhattisgarh. I realized how incomplete I felt without these stories of the sky and nature. Growing up in the Western Ghats, such tales always made life richer and more meaningful. Conversations with people deeply connected to nature offer a unique perspective on life, and I found myself missing those stories.
When Siddharth, our trek leader, spoke about how small we are in the vast universe, it reminded me of my high school science teacher, KCA, and my PU lecturer, TN Keshav—the living encyclopedia. Physics would have felt dull without the captivating books I read while exploring the mysteries of the sky. To me, Kalpana Chawla and Stephen Hawking appeared like stars shining above, inspiring wonder.
That trek became my first truly perfect stargazing experience. I’m grateful to India Hikes and to Siddharth, whose storytelling made the night even more magical.
Decision
I wasn’t entirely sure I would be able to join the trek. Though it was considered easy, my shoulder and back had been troubling me for over a year. Still, I felt the urge to step outside, explore something new, meet fellow Nomads, and find inspiration to travel more. Another reason was to tick off a bucket list goal—trekking in a new state. That’s what led me to register.
I signed up for the star‑gazing trek without expecting much beyond watching the stars and taking a few night photographs. I had heard about telescopes being used on such treks, but I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. In the end, it exceeded all my expectations.
Raipur
Arriving in Raipur marked the start of a wonderful journey. I began with a visit to Shri Dharam Nath Jain Mandir, followed by a delicious lunch at Suruchi Thali. Food in Chhattisgarh is truly a highlight—the thal
i was excellent, even though I skipped the sweets and oily dishes. Later, I wandered through the vegetable market, picked up fruits for the trek, and enjoyed the warmth of the city during my walk. For the night, I stayed in a dormitory similar to Zostel or other hostels I had tried before. It was fine for a single night but not ideal for a longer stay.
The next morning, I woke up early, had Poha near the railway station, and waited at the boarding point for my team. That’s where I met two friendly trekkers, Shikha and Shivani, from Delhi. Soon, more people joined, and once the vehicles arrived, we set off. I traveled with Shikha, Shivani, and Harish, and that marked the beginning of some truly memorable times.
I hadn’t expected to meet such warm and welcoming people on my first multi‑day trek in nearly five years. For Shikha, it was her first two‑day trek after a long break. Shivani had already completed several treks, while Harish stood out as an extraordinary trekker with a basic mountaineering course under his belt and a wide range of interests. He had countless stories to share. The meals we shared, the conversations we had, and the time we spent together became the foundation of a friendship.
Day One: Arrival at Turraipani Base Camp
The first day at base camp felt like stepping into a warm embrace. The air carried a welcoming vibe, and Siddharth—our trek lead—was brimming with energy. He had this rare gift of making everyone feel at ease, connecting with each of us in his own way. I found myself bonding with a few fellow trekkers, and together with Harish and Amith Sir, I wandered off to the nearby water source. That’s how the place earned its name—Turraipani, the land of flowing water.
Nightfall and the Stars
Dinner was followed by an experience that left me spellbound—stargazing under the clear mountain sky. As I lay back, gazing upward, I felt grateful for signing up for this trek. For someone who has always been fascinated by the stars, their stories, and the mysteries of the universe, it was pure magic.
We traced Jupiter planet and constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union—Cassiopeia, Orion, and the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) among them. Each pattern seemed like a doorway into myth and science.
Lessons from the Sky
The difference between red and blue stars pulled me back to my physics classroom days. Siddharth explained it in simple words:
- Blue stars are blazing hot, massive, and short-lived, shining in ultraviolet light.
- Red stars are cooler, smaller, and live far longer, glowing in infrared.
The key distinction lies in temperature—blue stars are hotter, while red stars are cooler, which is the opposite of what we feel in everyday life. Blue stars peak in ultraviolet wavelengths, while red stars peak in infrared.
Nebulae and the Life of Stars
As the night deepened, Siddharth spoke of nebulae—the birthplaces of stars—and the life cycles they follow. Our Sun, he reminded us, is modest compared to massive stars. In about 7–8 billion years, it will swell into a Red Giant before shrinking into a White Dwarf. Listening to this, I felt both humbled and awed by the grand timeline of the universe.
Mapping the Solar System
We also journeyed, in words, across the solar system. Siddharth painted vivid pictures of planetary distances from the Sun:
- Mercury: ~58 million km (0.39 AU)
- Venus: ~108 million km (0.72 AU)
- Earth: ~149 million km (1 AU)
- Mars: ~228 million km (1.52 AU)
- Jupiter: ~778 million km (5.2 AU)
- Saturn: ~1.4 billion km (9.5 AU)
- Uranus: ~2.9 billion km (19.2 AU)
- Neptune: ~4.5 billion km (30.1 AU)
Each number felt like a step into the vastness of space, reminding me how tiny our world really is.
The Mystery of Venus
One question lingered—why is Venus hotter than Mercury, even though Mercury is closer to the Sun? Siddharth’s answer was simple yet profound. Venus’s thick carbon dioxide atmosphere acts like a giant oven, trapping heat through a runaway greenhouse effect. Temperatures soar to 465°C (869°F), hot enough to melt lead. Mercury, with its thin atmosphere, cannot hold heat, swinging between scorching days and freezing nights.
Galaxies Beyond Our Own
As if the stars weren’t enough, Siddharth expanded our view to galaxies. He reminded us that our home is the Milky Way Galaxy, a sprawling spiral of stars, dust, and gas.
- The Andromeda Galaxy (M31), about 2.5 million light-years away, is the closest major spiral galaxy and is even visible to the naked eye on dark nights. It is on a slow-motion collision course with the Milky Way, expected in about 4 billion years.
- The Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy, though smaller, is technically closer, with parts already being absorbed into the Milky Way.
- The Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy is another companion currently merging with us.
- The Magellanic Clouds (Large & Small) orbit the Milky Way and are easily visible from the Southern Hemisphere, with the Large Magellanic Cloud lying about 160,000 light-years away.
It was awe-inspiring to realize that our galaxy is not alone, but part of a cosmic neighborhood filled with companions and future encounters.
The Nearest Star Beyond the Sun
Finally, Siddharth spoke of the closest star to our Sun—Proxima Centauri, a faint red dwarf located about 4.24 light-years away. Though small and dim compared to our Sun, it represents the nearest stepping stone in the vast ocean of stars.
The Story of the Iron-Eating Tribe
Our local guide, Khalicharan, added another fascinating layer by sharing the tale of the iron-eating tribe of Chhattisgarh. At first, the idea sounded unbelievable. But he explained that the phrase was symbolic—the Agaria tribe were master iron smelters, their lives revolving around fire, furnaces, and ore. Outsiders described them as “iron eaters” because iron was their sustenance, their livelihood, and their pride. In folklore, villagers even imagined them chewing and swallowing iron. Listening to Khalicharan under the starry sky, I realized that just as the heavens hold myths of constellations, the land beneath us carries legends of human resilience and imagination.
The Forest Around National Park
The forest itself had its own tale to tell. Towering sal and teak trees, clusters of bamboo, and wild shrubs surrounded us. The air carried the fragrance of damp earth and medicinal plants.
We spotted playful langurs, heard the distant calls of peacocks, and glimpsed colorful parakeets. The forest floor was alive with butterflies, beetles, and the occasional mongoose. At night, the chorus of crickets and cicadas blended with the silence of the stars.
The most unforgettable moment came when I was with Khalicharan, Shika, Shivani, and Harish. Suddenly, locals screamed and the terrifying growl of a bear echoed through the forest. Fear gripped us, but thankfully both the people and the bear were safe. Later, we came across fresh tiger and bear footprints pressed into the soil—silent reminders that we were guests in their territory.
Khalicharan also shared the forest’s hidden pharmacy:
- Baagh chaara: eaten by tigers to cleanse hair from their stomachs.
- Baandh plant: used as an ear drop remedy.
- Nehurmada plant: valued for medicinal properties.
- Lodh plant: resin used for incense sticks (agarbatti).
- Menda and Sarwat: plants whose exact uses remain uncertain, but are part of local tradition—mystery plants symbolizing the forest’s secrets.
People and Memories
Beyond Siddharth, I met a vibrant mix of young trekkers and seasoned adventurers whose energy and stories added so much to the journey. One highlight was Leela Madam’s account of her Manas Sarovar trek—a tale so captivating it could inspire anyone to dream of visiting that sacred place. I also had long conversations with Amith and Vikram, both experienced trekkers, who shared their adventures of high‑altitude climbs and river crossings.
Usually, I enjoy capturing moments through photographs, but this trek was more about listening to stories. The kakra prepared by Priti Madam, the birthday celebrations of Priyanka and Manish, and the endless flow of anecdotes made the trek memorable. We played frisbee, enjoyed cricket at the end, and laughed together like old friends.
Among the group were two energetic sisters from Chennai, Megha and Manaswini, while Kriya and Priyanka charmed everyone with their storytelling. Vishaka impressed us with her solo trips and treks, and Kaushik, with his Himalayan trek experiences, shared his journey with humility. The conversations we had while returning to Raipur were equally enriching.
I also met Nishi, a solo traveler and full‑time teacher, whose stories resonated with me since I am a volunteer teacher myself. To my surprise, there were six more warm‑hearted trekkers from Bengaluru—Kaushik, Sneha, Sapna, Anupama, Akshaj, and Avantika—and chatting with them was delightful. A memorable moment was the airport bus ride where I had an engaging conversation with Sapna Madam.
Leela Madam’s daughter, Anushka, kept reminding me of my own daughter waiting back home. I’ve always felt a natural connection with kids and teens—their perspectives often feel more refreshing than those of adults. The sense of humor and friendly smiles of Shika and Shivani made me feel as though I was among my closest friends.
Finally, my tentmate Harish turned out to be the most engaging companion of all. From mountaineering to movies, we discussed countless topics. With his passion for travel, I am certain our paths will cross again—especially since he is based in Bengaluru.
Connections Across Time and Space
As I reflected on the trek, I realized how seamlessly the stories of the sky, the land, and the people intertwined. Stargazing opened a window into the vast cosmos, Khalicharan’s tales grounded me in folklore and nature, and the friendships reminded me of the joy of human connection.
The trek at Turraipani became more than a journey through forests and mountains. It was a journey across dimensions: from the infinite galaxies above to the folklore and heritage below, and the bonds formed in between. In that moment, I felt connected not only to my fellow trekkers but also to the timeless narrative of existence—where human imagination, natural wonder, and cosmic truth all converge.
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