NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE

Also known as “A Dream Castle for One and All,” the National Science Centre in New Delhi is located opposite to the Old Bhairon Temple near Pragati Maidan in the city. Situated at a walking distance from India Gate, it is one of the largest centres of science in the entire Asian continent. Moreover, it regularly hosts many reputed personnel, such as Nobel Laureates, famous scientists as well as technocrats and astronauts, in addition to famous educators from the field of science. 

Established in 1992 by the Ministry of Culture in the Government of India, the National Science Centre consists of four different floors, with a majority of important galleries, including those of Technology, Heritage, Information Technology and Revolution, as well as one of Emerging Technologies. There are galleries for Human Biology, Prehistoric Life as well as Fun Science.

This is a great place to attain knowledge about the various scientific processes as well as machines and instruments. The National Science Centre is a constituent part of the National Council of Science Museums. Ever since it has opened, the centre has been a pioneer for rendering services to promote science and its importance among people.

From holding various educational programmes and exhibitions, to providing teacher training and holding seminars on science, the centre has been trying to inculcate the knowledge of science amongst everyone.The National Science Centre also houses a library, cafeteria, and a planetarium, along with several conference halls as well as a cyber school wherein you can attend short term courses.

How To Reach

Cab: The distance between the National Science Centre and Delhi Airport is around 16.4 kilometres. The best way to reach the Science Centre from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is by taking a taxi to the museum, which takes around 25 to 30 minutes, depending upon the traffic. Additionally, you can also avail an online rental services, to reach the Centre quickly. 

Metro: You can also take the metro from the airport to Shivaji Stadium, after which you can take another subway from Rajiv Chowk to Pragati Maidan, which is a short walk away from the National Science Centre. 

Bus: The cheapest way to reach the Science Centre from Delhi Airport is by availing the Delhi Transport Corporation and private bus services from here.

Best Time To Visit

Winter: The best time to visit the National Science Centre is during the months of October to April, between the seasons of early winter and late spring. This is when the weather is perfect for exploring the marvellous museum, in a relaxed, peaceful and comfortable way, without the heat making it difficult for you to walk for long hours. 

Summer: The months when you should avoid visiting the Science Centre and museum are those from May to August, during the summer and monsoon seasons. Summers in Delhi last from May till July, when the temperatures sometimes soar up to over 45 degrees Celsius. These are times when you can get tired very easily, thereby having difficulty in walking for long hours to explore the centre. 

Monsoon: Following summer, the month of August experiences heavy rainfall since it marks the onset of monsoon in the capital. The weather at this time is extremely wet and humid, making your visit to the Science Centre a rather difficult and tiring one.

Other Essential Information

Location: National Science Centre is located at Bhairon Marg, Near Gate No.1, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi 110001.

Places to Eat Near National Science Centre: 

There are a lot of places to indulge in good food and satiate your hunger near the National Science Centre. From cafes to proper restaurants and even roadside eateries, there are a lot of different food options available near the National Science Centre, some of which are:

1. Café Lota: Located near the National Crafts Museum, this artsy café is the best place to indulge in regional Indian food, such as south Indian coffees, eastern teas or the famous Bhatt Ki Churkani from Uttarakhand. With a cosy and spectacular ambience, the café offers something from every part of the country to its guests. Some of their famed items are Palak patta chaat, bhapa doi cheesecake and mini rava molaga podi idlis. 

2. Babu Shahi Bawarchi: For the biryani and kebab lovers, this roadside eatery is a Mughlai heaven. Offering some of the tastiest biryani, korma and kebabs in the city, this eatery is also one of the oldest in Delhi. With their roots set in the Mughal era, it is often said that at one point of time the ancestors of the current owners had also served Emperor Shah Jahan. Their galouti kebabs, chicken korma and mutton biryani are the fastest selling items on the menu.

3. BM Snacks Corner: For the more roadside food lovers, the BM Snacks Corner is the place to be. Offering some of the most delectable samosas, sabzi puri and kachoris in town, a visit to this food stall near Mandi House is a must after visiting the National Science Centre.

4. Chor Bizarre: This is a wholesome food diner offering traditional Kashmiri food to guests. With a wide range of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options for people, you get a lot for the amount you pay here. Some of their bestsellers are the khatte baingan, lal paneer, walnut chutney as well as bakarkhani and tandoori prawns. You should also try their Kashmiri phirni along with kahwa.

5. L’Opera Salon De The: For a more traditional, western French food option, you can head to L’Opera Salon De The. Offering some of the most lip-smacking pastries, quiches, soups and other classic French dishes, this café is a favourite amongst young crowds.

When coming here, it is recommended to try their macarons, special homemade jams as well as delectable chocolates. Their classic lasagne dishes and sandwiches are also very famous throughout the city. 

Places to Visit Near National Science Centre:

The National Science Centre in Delhi is amongst the best museums in the city which offers a deep insight into the laws and theories of science. However, it is also surrounded by numerous other famous attractions which you can explore after a visit to the centre. Some of these places include:

1. Pragati Maidan: This is an exhibition centre located in the centre of the city of Delhi, about a short walking distance from the National Science Centre. Stretching over 150 acres, it is well equipped with paved roads, gardens, lawns as well as food stalls for your comfort. It is also the biggest exhibition centre in Delhi, playing host to over 50 national and international events, conventions as well as exhibitions every year.

2. Craft Museum: This handicrafts museum is the place to be if you wish to experience the amalgamation of the rich traditions and vibrant culture of our country. Located in the corner of Pragati Maidan, this museum displays a variety of different textiles, handicrafts as well as local décor.

Additionally, you can also pick quite a lot of souvenirs for your near and dear ones from here, such as different fabrics and textiles, metal and bronze lamps, bamboo crafts, terracotta crafts, tribal paintings and a lot more.

3. Purana Qila: Also known as the Old Fort, this ancient structure is the living embodiment of the bygone Mughal era, and is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. It was built by emperor Humayun on the banks of the Yamuna River. Legends suggest that the city of Indraprastha used to exist here. For a quiet, idyllic time amidst serenity, a visit to Purana Qila is a must. You can also go for boating in the middle of the huge citadel here.

4. National Zoological Park: Situated near Purana Qila, the Delhi Zoo is a favourite amongst children and adults alike. Home to a varied range of wildlife, the zoological park serves as a natural habitat for many birds and animals.

It also organises many Conservation Breeding Programmes for endangered species of wildlife, like the Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Indian rhinoceros and red jungle fowl.As of now, the National Zoological Park is home to over 100 different wildlife species, consisting of various reptiles, avian species, butterflies and more than 1200 animals.

5. India Gate: Otherwise known as the All India War Memorial, the India Gate, located along Rajpath, is a 42-metre tall historical structure, which is also amongst the largest war memorials in India. It is dedicated to the 72,000 soldiers who were martyred during WWI and the Third Anglo-Afghan war. Its premises is also home to the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which symbolises the eternal and immortal soldiers of the country

Tips for visiting National Science Centre: 

When visiting the National Science Centre, you need to keep the following tips in mind:

1. It is advisable to budget your time by taking out at least a couple of hours from your day when visiting the National Science Centre. This is because the place is huge and requires a good amount of time for a greater experience.

2. Always carry your tickets with you, even after entering the centre. You never know when you may be asked to show it. 

3.It is advisable to reach during the early hours after the opening of the centre to avoid students and crowds.

4.It is recommended that you carry your own bottle of water to keep hydrated. 

5.Additionally, you should also wear comfortable clothes and shoes since an exploration of the National Science Centre requires you to walk a lot. 

6. It is also recommended to park your vehicles in the parking premises provided by the centre.