Established in the year 1989, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore is one of the five planetariums in India, all of which have been named after the country’s first prime minister. The Bangalore Planetarium is administered by the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE), which has dedicated itself to popularizing scientific subjects among the public, especially children.
Quick Facts about Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
- Ideal For: Kids and science enthusiasts
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day, except on Mondays and second Tuesdays
- Approximate Visit Duration: 2 hours
- Entry Fee: INR 50/- per head for adults. INR 30/- for children up to 16 years of age.
- Address: Sri T. Choudaiah Road, High Grounds, Bengaluru- 560001 (MAP)
- Website: www.taralaya.org
- Email: info@taralaya.org
- Phone: +91 80 2237 9725
Bulk Booking Details
Tickets are issued 30 minutes before the show. The theatre is also available for bulk booking between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM. For the general public, the rate is charged at INR 10,000/- per 200 people or less. For schools, a rate is only INR 6,000 per 200 students. In addition, 10 teachers or staff members are allowed inside free of charge. The students are expected to arrive at least an hour before the show begins.
A typical projector used at planetariums
Shows at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The ‘star’ of the planetarium is the various shows conducted in a dome shaped auditorium. The shows are presented in a beautiful animated/graphic style at 4K resolution, which when seen on the large dome is truly fascinating. Plus, the surround sound system of the dome ensures an immersive experience all along. Various science related books, activity kits, and toys can be purchased from the little stalls inside the premises. A small food stall is also available. Science Park is located opposite the main building. You can use it to keep kids engaged in case you arrive at the place too early for the shows.
There are 4 shows which are the main attraction of the planetarium:
Exploring the Universe
Exploring the Universe runs at 12:30 PM (Kannada show) and 4:30 PM (English version) and is, as the name suggests, an exploration of the vastness of the universe we live in. It is the first show exhibited by the planetarium after revamping their projection system and gives a basic knowledge of the various planets, nebulas and other space phenomena. The show runs for about 35 minutes and the kids are sure to love every bit of it.
Dawn of the Space Age
Dawn of the Space Age tracks humanity’s journey to become the space travellers we are today. The show begins by taking a look at the initial attempts in space explorations, gradually moving towards the first successful satellite launch, moon landings and so on.
Natural Selection
Natural Selection focuses on showcasing how Charles Darwin came to propose his Theory of Evolution. It tracks his voyage to the Galapagos Islands, the incredible diversity in animal species he observed there, and the various analyses he made during his lifetime. The program has a runtime of nearly 40 minutes and is mostly shown on public request.
Know Your Stars
Know Your Stars is a show that is conducted on the first Sunday of each month and is performed in collaboration with the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA). The focus of the show is to teach interested participants about the basics of how to read a sky chart, night sky viewing and so on. Special telescopes are set up through which the visitors can observe the various planets and stars around the Earth.
Things to Keep In Mind When Visiting the Planetarium
Before you visit the planetarium, there are a few things you have to keep in mind:
- Firstly, mobile phone usage inside the theatre is not allowed. As such, it is better to keep it silent or switch it off completely during the shows.
- Children aged 3 years or less are not allowed inside the theatre.
- Only two tickets will be issued per person in case of an excess crowd. So, if you are visiting with many people, two or more persons will have to stand in the queue for the tickets.
- If the authorities think that there is less number of people to see the show, they will cancel the tickets. It is better that you call up and enquire about it before you leave for the place.
- The exhibits inside the halls are to be left untouched. You can take photos, but if the authorities see you touching any item, you may be asked to leave.
- No food or water will be allowed inside the theatre. As such, if you purchase something to eat in the food stall, make sure that you consume it before trying to get into the show.
- Advance booking facility is not available for the same day. You will have to book the tickets at least 7 days early. And that too between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Plus, booking is only available in-person. No telephone or online booking service is provided.
- The shows are exhibited in two languages – Kannada and English. So, if you do not understand Kannada, make sure to ask the counter specifically for the English language show.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. Image courtesy Rajeshodayanchal
A Must-visit in Bangalore
Various workshops are also conducted time to time, covering a broad range of scientific topics. So, if you are staying in Bangalore and wish to remain updated on the latest activities at the centre, make sure to sign up at their ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Club’. Science offers widely interesting possibilities and is sure to light up any kid’s imagination. When they get involved in activities, such as those in the planetarium, they tend to study faster and understand better than from just reading books and relying on imagination.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is located just 1.5 kilometres from the Cantonment Railway Station and 2 kilometres from the Bangalore Railway Station. Parking facilities are provided, but only at the visitor’s own risk and during working hours.
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