Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore

Location

Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds, Bangalore

Established

1989

Managed by

Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE)

Main attraction

Sky Theatre dome shows

History

The planetarium was set up in 1989 by what was then the Bangalore City Corporation, now the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. Its running was later passed to BASE (Bangalore Association for Science Education), a body that uses it to make science more approachable for students and the general public.

What to see and do

The main draw is the Sky Theatre. Inside the dome, projectors fill the ceiling with stars, planets, constellations and galaxies, and the narration covers subjects like our solar system, the movement of the stars and the history of space missions. The pace suits both children and adults.

Beyond the regular shows, the planetarium runs lectures, workshops and special sky-watching sessions through the year. There are also science exhibits and models that explain basic ideas with simple demonstrations, and school groups visit often.

Tips for your visit

Show times, languages and ticket prices change, so check the current schedule before you go and arrive a little early to buy tickets, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

Because the musical fountain is just across the road, many visitors see a late-afternoon sky show and then stay on for the fountain's evening performance. Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha are also close by.

How to reach

The planetarium is in central Bangalore, close to Raj Bhavan, and is easy to reach by taxi, autorickshaw or city bus. It is a short drive from Bangalore City railway station. Parking near the entrance can be limited on busy days, so a cab or autorickshaw is often easier than driving yourself. We can include it in a family-friendly Bangalore sightseeing plan along with the fountain and Cubbon Park.

Also nearby