Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium shortly referred to as JNP is a hotspot tourist attraction amongst science and space-loving kids and their parents. Administered by Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE), the Sky Theatre at the planetarium is the key attraction.
This dome-shaped theatre hosts several shows that kindle the curiosity of people of all ages to know more about the celestial objects like the sun, moon, planets, meteors, black holes, and many others.
There are also shows that give one a comprehensive knowledge about the history of space research developments like the first landing of the man on space and space missions.
The second huge draw at the planetarium is the “Telescope” which is placed in an observatory. On special astronomical events like sighting a particular planet or eclipses, one can observe the happenings of the sky right through the telescope.
The Bangalore Planetarium has a Science Park where kids can enjoy witnessing their classroom taught Physics experiments like resonance in an open space. JNP is frequented by school children so that the young minds get hands-on knowledge about space and the technologies used in space missions that foster these young champs to become pioneers in future space research developments.
JNP conducts several events like “Know Your Stars” and “Monthly Movies”. During these days, space lovers from all parts of the city gather at the planetarium to participate in the special lectures and workshops.
The planetarium stands out from its contemporaries with its state-of-the-art technologies and highly sophisticated architecture that is the most sought after venue for scholarly discussions and science events in the city.
History of Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium:
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP), Bangalore, was established in 1989 by the Bangalore City Corporation. In 1992, Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE), an Autonomous Body was formed and registered under Karnataka Societies' Registration Act. Since then, BASE takes care of the administration of the planetarium.
BASE is supported by annual grants from the Department of Science and Technology, and the Government of Karnataka.
The BASE Governing Council consists of renowned scientists, educationists and senior officials of the Government of Karnataka. JNP organises several popularisation and non-formal science education activities throughout the year which has made it one of the premier planetaria at the national level.
JNP is funded by various individuals and institutions, particularly the Infos ys Foundation.
How To Reach
From Bangalore Airport :
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is 34.1 km away from Bangalore International Airport. The most convenient way is to take a cab from the airport via Bellary Road and reach JNP.
There are toll gates in this stretch and so, pay attention to the cab fare when you book cabs with online cab aggregators. Toll charges are usually added to your fare.
Alternatively, you can also board the BMTC AC Volvo buses KIAS 5 and KIAS 12 from Bangalore airport until Basaveshwara Circle Sophiya School stop.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is just 350 metres away from the bus stop, and you can walk effortlessly or take an auto. Given the traffic conditions of Bangalore, it might take about 2 hours to cover the distance and should cost INR 85.
Best Time To Visit
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium can be visited all round the year. As most of the activities inside the planetarium happen under covered structures, the functioning of the planetarium like Sky Theatre Shows and Telescope Observatory is not interrupted by climatic conditions.
Please note that the planetarium is closed on all national holidays.
Other Essential Information
-Location: Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds, Bengaluru- 560001
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day, except on Mondays, every second Tuesdays, and national holidays
- Price: INR 50/- per head for adults. INR 30/- for children up to 16 years of age.Facilities Provided at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
JNP has all basic facilities like clean drinking water, washrooms, souvenir shops, and wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The tickets of the Sky Theatre show can be booked at the bookmyshow portal.
The planetarium has enough paid parking space. Apart from these, there are many more modern and technological facilities at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium that has made it one of the best planetariums in India.
Library: The planetarium has a small library that has about 3000 volumes that are ideal for school students to sit and read. There are also a few periodicals available here. However, the library does not lend books.
Telescope Facility: The telescope observatory at the museum a Carl-Zeiss 6” refractor telescope on a Coude mount. The telescope has a tracking system attached to it that compensates the earth's rotation; and so, despite the constant rotation of the Earth, the celestial object that is focussed through the telescope can be viewed for a longer time.
During events like eclipses and transits, the observatory is put to academic use and for public use.
Laboratories: The planetarium in Bangalore has a modest laboratory where various Physics experiments related to Optics, Mechanics, Sound and Electricity and Magnetism can be carried out. Students who attend various science programs can use this laboratory to solve their problems.
Science Park: This is an exhibition hall inside the planetarium where many interesting space-related projects are exhibited for the commoners to experience. The highlight of the Science Park is The Gallery; which has a weighing machine that shows the possible weight of a person on various planets and our Moon.
You can even take the results in a hard copy at a nominal cost. The roof of the Science Park has an interesting art of the sun and its family of planets hanging from the ceiling. The planets are made with different metals so that they mimic their real counterparts in color.
The outdoor science park has working models of experiments like Resonant Swings, Whispering Dishes, Sun Dial, D.N.A., and a giant Kaleidoscope.
Know Your Stars event: On the first Sunday of every month, a lecture session happens in the evening at the sky theatre where the sky of that night is simulated. The session introduces its visitors to the night-sky viewing and briefs them about the celestial highlights of the month.
The stars and constellations are identified and all the visitors are provided with the star chart of that day. In the end, visitors are taken out for live viewing of the Moon, planets, and stars in the open sky through telescopes.
Monthly Movie: On the third Sunday of every month, interesting science movies are screened at the planetarium on diverse topics related to science. These movies are screened for free.
National Science Day: Jawaharlal National Planetarium celebrated National Science on 28th February every year. On this day, many programs like thematic poster exhibitions, interactive sessions for teachers, and workshops are conducted.Tips For Visiting Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium:
1. Children below five years are not allowed inside the Sky Theatre.
2. Cameras and toys with laser lights are not allowed inside the Sky Theatre.
3. Eatables are not allowed inside the Sky Theatre.
4. Do not litter and keep the planetarium clean and tidy.
5. Do not touch the exhibits at The Gallery.
6. On days with a heavy footfall, only two tickets per head are issued. So, if you are visiting the planetarium as a group, more than one person will have to stand in the line accordingly.
