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 Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
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
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.
