Milky Way Photography Kutch

Milky Way Photography in Kutch Gujarat

 

We explored Kutch as a potential locaiton for shooting the Milky Way 5 years back. It was a great experience.

I have been shooting the Milky Way in different locations, mostly in the Himalaya like Ladakh, Spiti Valley, Zanskar, Arunachal Pradesh.

Coming to Kutch for astrophotography gave us some new foregrounds like interesting rock formations, beaches, cracked lands with trees. However, getting used to the skies at Ladakh and Spiti where there is absolutely lights in some places, Kutch is a bit frustrating at time.
There is light pollution everywhere to some degree and hence capturing the Milky Way is never the same in this region.

We were quite successful during our maiden trip after which, I made several more milky way tours subsequently. We did have our share of failures as well. Many locations didnt work for us attributing to multiple factors like light pollution, security, accessibility, etc.

My Milky Way Photography Kutch Pictures

See my pictures of Spiti Valley Milky Way Photography Pictures in better resolution here .

(for computer users)

Here are some places that I will recommend -

Lyari Riverbed

Lyari Riverbed in Kutch, Gujarat is one of the best places for Milky Way Photography. You can spend two nights here. There are unlimited compositions here. You just have to walk around and see.

Do a recce of the places and compositions during the day, it will be very helpful. Honestly, when we came there at night, it was impossible to get to the same places and we were shooting what we could the whole night. I got lost from my friends and didn't bother about wasting time to find them but to concentrate on my pictures. I thought - I would anyways find them when there is light in the morning.

There are innumerable rock formations that can be used as foreground. Having a controllable LED light really helps to light up the foreground.

Dholavira

This is my second favourite place to shoot the Milky Way in Kutch. You can have the while salt water pans as foreground and if you are lucky, you will get it with the reflection as well.

It is better to go during the day and see the places. Use Photopills to see your composition.

A word of caution - do not go very close to the water. It is muddy and sinks. It will be very difficult to come outside once you sink in, causing accidents and spoiling your gear.

You can stay at a hotel close to the salt pans so that its easy for you to go to the location at night.

Kadiya Dhro

Kadiya Dhro is an amazing place. The road is very rough and going there at night is a challenge. If you have an SUV, it makes things easy. You can hire a local jeep to take you to the location. Not many will be willing to go there at night though.

This place also has multiple compositions. You can light up the foregrounds with LED lights.

Banni Grassland

These grasslands make some of the best places of shooting the Milky Way in Kutch.

Pingaleshwar beach

This beach is very secluded so please go at your own risk. There is no place to stay around and the nearest hotel is at Nakhatrana, which is more than 70 kms away.

When we went there and were shooting, after sometime, we say glowing eyes of foxes followed by their howling. We also joined with our howls and had a good time shooting. Most people might get scared.

Tips for photographers

You can make Nakhatrana as your base and go to all of the places (except Dholavira) You will have to drive to locations and the driving time will vary from 30 mins to 1 hour.

There are lot of hotels available in Dholavira and you barely have to drive to reach the location.

Have a driver who is ready to take you to the locations at night. Many might cause a problem to go. If you have a self driven car, thats the best.

How to Reach?

You can take a flight to Bhuj or come by train. There are limited flights to Bhuj. Alternately, you can take a flight to Ahmedabad and then take a taxi to Bhuj. You may hire a local taxi to go around the places. 

Please note that Gujarat is a dry state and you will have to get a permit to consume alcohol is you are an alcoholic.

Also, you will get vegetarian food mostly. 

Do carry some snacks and water with you. There is nothing available around.

For the following topics, please read this blog below - 

Camera Settings for Stunning Milky Way Shots
Composition Techniques for Astrophotography
Post-Processing Tips for Milky Way Images
Safety Tips for Night Photography in Remote Areas

Complete Guide to Astrophotography in India

 

Thanksgiving

Thank to my friend Santanu, Amit and Aranya who joined me in this tour. Thanks to all the participants for my subsequent tours.

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