In February 2026, the night sky will feature a rare show you won't want to miss: six planets will line up in a beautiful arc across the sky. This planetary parade is one of the biggest space events of the decade.

While it’s hard to see stars through city lights in Chennai or Bangalore, both cities are close to perfect viewing spots in the hills and along the coast. Dive in to know the best spots in Chennai and Bangalore to watch planetary alignment.

What Makes the Planetary Alignment 2026 so Special?

A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets appear to gather in a small sector of the sky from our perspective on Earth.

On February 28, 2026, we will witness a rare six-planet alignment. This parade includes Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter. While four planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn) can often be spotted with the naked eye, the distant ice giants Uranus and Neptune are much fainter.

To see all six together, you’ll want to bring along a small telescope or a pair of binoculars. In early March 2026, the parade will be particularly striking. Here’s why you shouldn't miss it:

• The Big Six: You get to see a mix of the bright inner planets and the distant giants.
• The Naked Eye Favourites: Venus (the brightest object besides the Moon), Jupiter, and Saturn will be easily visible without any equipment.
• The Hidden Gems: With a small telescope or high-powered binoculars, you can also hunt for the blue hues of Neptune and the teal glow of Uranus.
• A Moonlit Guest: Around the peak, the Moon often slides into the frame, making the scene even more photogenic.

Additionally, 2026 is a big year for South India’s skywatchers, featuring a total lunar eclipse on March 3rd and even an annular solar eclipse (though that one will be best seen further south and toward Antarctica).

Best Time to Watch the Planet Parade

The best window to catch this alignment is in the post-sunset sky. About 30 to 60 minutes after the sun dips below the horizon, look toward the western sky.

Venus will be the brightest object in that direction, after the moon, of course. That makes it the perfect anchor to find the others. Mercury and Saturn will be sitting quite low. You’ll need an unobstructed view of the horizon to see them before they follow the sun's lead and set. Meanwhile, Jupiter will be shining brilliantly much higher in the sky, nearly opposite the sun's glare.

The presence of the full moon on February 28 is a double-edged sword. This will be a beautiful sight. But its intense light can make it harder to see the fainter members of planetary alignment, like Saturn or Uranus.

To get the best possible view, it helps to be away from the glow of the city at a dedicated dark-sky location. Whether you prefer the cool breezes of the hills or a calm lakeside setting, you can find a curated experience that handles all the logistics for you.

Experience the magic in person. Don't miss your chance to see this rare celestial event with expert guidance and professional telescopes. 

Click Here to Explore Exoticamp’s Planetary Alignment Camping Trips

Best Spots Near Chennai to Watch the Planet Parade

Tamil Nadu offers a blend of ancient temples and coastal vistas. But for the best stargazing, you need to escape the light pollution of places like T Nagar.

1. Jawadhu Hills

Located in the Vellore district and Tiruvannamalai district, Jawadhu Hills is a premier destination for stargazing near Chennai.

Standing at an altitude of approximately 3,600 to 3,800 feet, these hills are part of the eastern ghats. The region is characterized by lush green forests, gushing waterfalls, and a pleasant climate throughout the year. Jawadhu Hills is home to the Vainu Bappu Observatory at Kavalur, which houses one of Asia's largest telescopes.

Planetary Alignment Night at Jawadhu Hills by Exoticamp Skyscapes

On 28th February, Exoticamp is launching its year-long Astro camping festival, Skyscapes, right here in the lush green forests of Jawadhu.

The experience blends the natural beauty of the hills with relaxed, community-style camping. As the sun sets, you will witness multiple planets visible together in a rare alignment, framed by pristine dark skies.

What to Expect at the Skyscape Camp:

The camp is designed for first-timers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a weekend that feels different from the usual city grind. Here is what makes the experience special:

• Observe a unique celestial alignment where several planets gather in the same part of the sky after sunset.
• Access to high-quality telescopes and binoculars with experts on hand to help you navigate the constellations and planets.
• Enjoy one of the darkest spots near Chennai, offering views of the night sky that are impossible to find in urban areas.
• Stay in cosy tents nestled within the forest, getting a true outdoorsy feel without sacrificing comfort.
• Spend evenings around a campfire, forest walks, and shared meals with a group of like-minded nature enthusiasts.

Ready to see the stars like never before? Spaces for this rare celestial event are limited to ensure a peaceful experience for everyone.

Book Your Spot for the Planetary Alignment Night at Jawadhu Hills Here!

2. Tada (Ubbalamadugu)

Tada, also known as Ubbalamadugu, is situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, about 80 kilometres from Chennai. It's popular for its scenic hiking trails and gushing waterfalls that attract nature lovers and adventure seekers.

However, once the sun sets, the rugged landscape offers a surprisingly good environment for viewing the night sky.

Planetary Alignment Night at Tada by Exoticamp Skyscapes

On February 28th, Exoticamp invites you to see Tada in a whole new light, or rather, a whole new starlight!

What’s Waiting for you at Our Tada Planetary Alignment Night:

• Get a front-row seat to a rare celestial event where several planets gather for a sunset show.
• Witness a unique celestial show with guided stargazing. You'll get to spot the planetary alignment with telescopes and binoculars.
• Kick off the weekend with some camp games and a high-energy rain dance to get everyone in the holiday mood.
• Wake up to a peaceful, unhurried morning and hop into a kayak for a calm paddle across the water before you head back to reality.
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Click Here to Grab Your Spot at Tada Planetary Alignment Night!

3. Marina Beach

Can’t leave the city? Marina Beach remains a popular main attraction in Chennai. As one of the longest urban beaches in the world, it provides a wide, open horizon facing the Bay of Bengal.

Venus and Jupiter will be easily visible even from the shore, provided the sky is not hazy. For a slightly better experience, you should move toward the opposite side of the light towers, such as the stretches near the lighthouse. There, the immediate glare will be reduced. While not as dark as the hill stations, it offers a convenient spot for a quick look at the planetary alignment.

4. Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary

Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish water lake in India and serves as a vital bird sanctuary. 

Located about 60 kilometres north of Chennai, it is a haven for migratory birds such as flamingos. After the sun dips behind the horizon, the lake transforms into a peaceful site for stargazing.

The wide, unobstructed view over the water is ideal for spotting planets that sit low in the sky, like Mercury and Venus.

On a calm night, the stars and the planet parade may even be mirrored on the tranquil surface of the lake, creating a surreal visual effect. It is an offbeat choice that combines the natural beauty of the wetlands with the majesty of the cosmos.

Best Stargazing Spots Near Bangalore

Bangaloreans, you are lucky to be surrounded by hill stations that offer higher altitudes and thinner air. That's perfect for seeing the beehive cluster or the rings of Saturn.

1. Yelagiri

Yelagiri is a small hill station located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, approximately 160 kilometres from Bangalore.

Often referred to as the “Poor Man's Ooty,” it is a cluster of 14 hamlets spread across four hills. At an altitude of about 3,500 feet, it offers cool breezes and relatively clear skies. The Swamimalai hill, which stands at 4,338 feet, is ideal for stargazing.

Planetary Alignment Night at Yelagiri by Exoticamp Skyscapes

It is a relaxed weekend where the cosmos becomes part of your camping experience. You can spend your day enjoying the misty hill views and your evening exploring the wonders of the universe with the help of guided stargazing.

What Makes the Yelagiri Skyscape Experience Special:

• Get above the densest part of the atmosphere for a clearer, sharper view of the planets and stars with professional telescopes and binoculars. 
• Everything from comfortable tents to meals is handled for you, so you can focus entirely on the night sky and the great company.
• Share the wonder with like-minded travellers around a campfire under the open sky.
• Wake up to the calm, misty atmosphere of the hills and spend your weekend in a setting of complete tranquillity.

Reserve Your Spot at Yelagiri Here!

2. Sri Venkateswara National Park

Sri Venkateswara National Park is a huge biosphere reserve located near Tirupati, spanning the Kadapa and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh.

It is named after Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the Tirumala hills. The park is known for its diverse flora, including rare species like the red sanders and the living fossil plant Cycas beddomei.

The park encompasses the seven peaks of the Tirumala hills, which have great religious and national importance. As it is a protected area with limited human habitation, the light pollution is very low.

You can find many spots within the park's 353 square kilometres to witness the planetary alignment. The presence of gushing waterfalls like Talakona adds to the allure of a weekend trip to this natural habitat.

3. Horsley Hills

Horsley Hills is a stunning small hill station located in the southwestern corner of Andhra Pradesh, near the border with Karnataka. Perched at an altitude of 4,312 feet (roughly 1,300 meters), it is known as the "Ooty of Andhra" due to its natural beauty and pleasant climate.

One of the best places for stargazing here is Gali Bandalu, also known as the Wind Rocks. It is a rocky slope that offers an unobstructed view of the valleys and the sky. So, you get a crisp view of the moon and planets.

Nature and Heritage Highlights You Can Explore

While you’re out chasing the planet parade, why not make it a full heritage tour? South India is rich with history that looks beautiful under a full moon or a new moon.

• Vellore Fort: Explore the Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fort city that houses the stunning Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Golden Temple: Visit the Sripuram Golden Temple, a marvel of modern architecture.
• Pondicherry: Head to the union territory to see the French Quarter, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the historic Zion Church from the colonial period.
• Tirupati: Pay your respects to Lord Vishnu at the ancient temples of Tirumala.

If you travel toward the coast, don't miss Fort Dansborg in Tarangambadi or a quiet afternoon by the Kaigal Falls.

Don’t Miss Out: Plan Your Stargazing Getaway Today!

The Planetary Alignment of 2026 is a reminder that we are part of a much larger, moving clockwork. One where the moon, the planets, and the sky follow rhythms far older than our cities and schedules.

Whether you are standing on the sands of Marina Beach or the heights of Horsley Hills, taking a moment to look up offers a rare sense of perspective. It’s a brief window where the "Seven Peaks" of the Earth and the distant spheres of the heavens seem to align, if only for a moment.

You can experience this incredible cosmic event without stress with Exoticamp. We take care of the logistics, so all you need to do is look up and enjoy the show.

Ready to witness the cosmos without the city glow? Explore Exoticamp’s upcoming stargazing camps and book your spot under the stars today!