Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium: Where Bengaluru Looks Up (Literally!)

I’ll admit it.

I’ve always been one of those people who stares at the night sky, wondering if aliens are also looking back at us, thinking, “Ugh, humans again.”

So naturally, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Bangalore was bound to pull me in like gravity itself.

Tucked away amidst the bureaucratic calm of High Grounds, right opposite the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, this dome of wonder is one of Bengaluru’s most underrated experiences.

While most of us are busy debating where to find the city’s best filter coffee or planning the next trip to Nandi Hills, there’s this quiet corner where the universe unfolds daily.

And all you need to do is grab a ticket and look up.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium isn’t your regular “kids-only” museum vibe (though yes, expect a few hundred school uniforms around).

It’s a place where the inner child in you wakes up, that part of you that once asked, “How big is the sun?” or “What’s beyond the stars?” before life replaced wonder with Wi-Fi.

The best part? It’s got that old-school Bengaluru charm.

Educational but not boring, scientific but not intimidating, and fun without being loud.

The moment you walk in, you’ll see families, students, and curious adults all united by the same goal: to escape Earth for an hour without dealing with airport security.

So if you’re looking for something refreshingly different to do in the city, something that doesn’t involve malls, microbreweries, or getting stuck in traffic on Church Street, then trust me.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore is the cosmic getaway you didn’t know you needed.

Quick Information: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Before you float away in wonder, here’s everything you need to know — in plain, Earth-friendly format.

Category	Details
Attraction	Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore
Established	1989
Administered by	Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE)
Location	Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds, Bengaluru – 560001
Nearest Metro	Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Station (Purple Line)
Show Timings (Today)	English: 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM Kannada: 2:30 PM & 3:30 PM
Ticket Price / Entry Fee	₹100 (Adults), ₹60 (Kids under 16)
Tickets Booking	BookMyShow – Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Tickets Online Booking or at the counter
Contact	080-22379725 / info@taralaya.org
Closed On	Mondays & 2nd Tuesday of every month

My First Impressions: A Nerd’s Disneyland (But With Less Screaming)

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

Walking into the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore felt a bit like stepping into a different dimension.

One where curiosity is currency and the only thing louder than the kids is the collective “whoa!” echoing under the dome.

The first thing that catches your eye (apart from a few enthusiastic school groups) is that magnificent, futuristic structure that looks like it could double as a UFO landing pad.

I half-expected a friendly alien to pop out and ask for directions to Indiranagar.

The atmosphere inside is refreshingly calm and surprisingly well organized, considering the number of excited children running around in matching caps.

The staff handles the crowd with military precision and infinite patience.

You’ll spot parents trying to explain the solar system while secretly trying to remember if Pluto is still a planet (spoiler: it’s complicated).

What really struck me was how serious everyone suddenly becomes once they step into the dome area.

The noise drops, voices soften, and it’s almost like you’re entering a sacred space.

Except instead of incense, there’s the faint smell of air-conditioning and anticipation.

The seats recline just enough to make you forget you’re in the middle of Bengaluru’s chaos, and as the lights dim, there’s this collective hush that’s almost cinematic.

There’s a certain magic in watching the ceiling slowly light up with constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.

For a few moments, you forget your phone, your pending WhatsApp messages, and even the noise of traffic outside.

You’re just… looking up. And it hits you. This is exactly what it must have felt like as a kid when everything about space seemed infinite and possible.

Outside, the Science Park continues that sense of wonder.

You’ll find models that explain gravity, mirrors that play with your perception, and exhibits that make physics oddly fun.

I even saw a group of college students playing around with pendulums like it was the best day of their semester. And honestly, it might’ve been.

The vibe? Educational, yes. But not in the dull “read this chart and move on” way.

It’s got the perfect mix of curiosity, nostalgia, and hands-on fun.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon without realizing how much you’ve learned.

And maybe that’s why I call it a nerd’s Disneyland.

Because just like the real Disneyland, you leave feeling slightly exhausted but completely happy.

Only here, instead of rollercoasters, you ride through galaxies.

And instead of Mickey Mouse, your guides are stars, planets, and a very enthusiastic narrator explaining the Big Bang in surround sound.

The Sky Theatre Show: A Trip Through Space Without Leaving Your Seat

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

Here’s the real star of the show (pun intended): the Sky Theatre.

This is where the magic happens, literally under a 15-meter dome that transforms into a portal to the cosmos.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium show timings vary, but typically you have shows in English at 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM, and Kannada at 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

Sundays tend to fill up fast, so trust me, check Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium show timings today online before heading there.

The shows themselves? Mind-blowing.

From how stars are born to the secrets of black holes, you’ll walk out either deeply inspired or mildly existential. Either way, it’s worth it.

The current show lineup includes:

• Our Sun and Its Family
• Exploring the Universe
• Dawn of the Space Age
• Gravity
• Celestial Fireworks

If you’re planning a group trip or want to book a private show (because you’re fancy like that), there’s a Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium show booking option for exclusive screenings too.

Tickets, Prices, and Other Earthly Matters

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

Buying Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium tickets is easy-peasy. You can either:

• Get them at the counter (old-school style), or
• Go for Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium tickets online booking via BookMyShow.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium ticket price is quite reasonable.

• ₹100 for adults
• ₹60 for kids below 16, and
• ₹50 for school groups

Also, a fair warning.

Children below 3 years aren’t allowed inside the Sky Theatre. (Which, honestly, makes sense. They can’t even sit through a Peppa Pig episode, let alone a cosmic documentary.)

The Science Park & Curious Stall: Because Learning Should Be Fun (and Snackable)

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

Outside the theatre, there’s a Science Park with over 50 interactive exhibits.

You can play around with mirrors, pendulums, and sound waves while pretending you understand physics.

It’s hands-on, fascinating, and secretly educational (don’t tell the kids).

And when your brain needs a snack, there’s a Nandini Stall selling chocolates, cookies, and flavored milk.

I grabbed a chilled butterscotch milk, because nothing says “astronomy enthusiast” like sipping dairy while discussing galaxies.

The Curious Stall nearby sells science toys, books, and posters.

Perfect for those who want to take home a piece of nerdy Bengaluru.

Accessibility & Amenities

One thing I genuinely appreciate, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium has made efforts to be inclusive.

Entry is free for physically challenged visitors, there’s a ramp, wheelchair access, and even a special restroom.

Oh, and yes, parking is free (but at your own risk).

Which, in Bengaluru, is already a cosmic miracle.

The History Bit (Because Science Deserves Its Credit)

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

Established in 1989, the planetarium was the brainchild of the Bangalore City Corporation (now BBMP).

It’s managed by BASE – the Bangalore Association for Science Education, which also runs some incredibly cool science programs like:

• SEED (for tiny tots)
• SOW (Science Over Weekends)
• REAP (Research Education Advancement Programme)

These programs have produced over 135 Ph.D. students in India and abroad.

So yes, the next time someone says Bengaluru only makes techies, you can proudly say, “We make astrophysicists too, buddy.”

Getting There: The Easy Way (Because Bengaluru Traffic Is Not)

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium location is super central, on Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds, opposite Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, near Raj Bhavan.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium nearest metro:

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Station (Purple Line), just a short walk away.

If you’re driving, brace yourself for some “space travel” through Bengaluru traffic.

Bus routes from Majestic: 114C, 108B, 415D (Alight at A G’s Office).

Contact & Location Details

(Source: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium & Google)

If you’re already searching “Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium location” on Google Maps, here’s everything you need in one place (because we both know Bengaluru traffic doesn’t leave much room for detours).

Address:
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Bangalore Association for Science Education
Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds,
Bengaluru – 560 001, Karnataka

Landmark:

Right opposite the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain and close to Raj Bhavan.

If you’ve hit Windsor Manor or Cunningham Road, you’ve gone a little too far. Make a U-turn and look for the dome that screams “science happens here.”

Contact Numbers:
080-22379725
080-22266084
080-22203234

Email:
info@taralaya.org / admin@taralaya.org

Working Hours:

10:15 AM to 5:15 PM

(Closed on Mondays and every second Tuesday of the month, because even the stars need a break.)

Nearest Metro Station:

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Station, Vidhana Soudha (Purple Line)

You can also hop off at Cubbon Park Station. It’s just a short auto ride away.

How to Reach:

• From Majestic: Hop on buses 114C, 108B, or 415D and get off at A G’s Office / Telephone Exchange.
• From Shivaji Nagar: Buses 63, 66, 74, 94C, or 95 will drop you near Raj Bhavan.
• From Malleshwaram: Buses 63, 66, 74, 79, or 95 are your best bet.

Pro tip: If you’re driving, there’s free parking inside, but it’s “at your own risk.” (Translation: Park with hope, not expectations.)

FAQs About Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Why I Think It’s Worth a Visit

There’s something oddly humbling about sitting under a dome, staring at distant galaxies while realizing your unpaid bills back on Earth don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or just a grown-up with childlike curiosity, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Bangalore is one of those places that makes you fall in love with learning again.

Also, bonus points.

It’s air-conditioned, which makes it one of the coolest (literally) places to hang out on a hot afternoon.

My Final Thoughts (And Tiny Life Lesson)

If you’ve never been, go. If you’ve already been, go again.

Because the universe is always changing, and so are the shows.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium reviews online all say the same thing.

It’s worth it. And for once, the internet isn’t lying.

Next time you’re around Raj Bhavan or Cubbon Park, take a quick detour to the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium.

Book your show, sit back, and let your mind drift among the stars.

👉 Click here to book your tickets on BookMyShow

and check out the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium tickets, show timings before you go.

Trust me, it’s an experience that’s out of this world (sorry, I had to).

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Until next time,

Exploring Bangalore, one story at a time — right here on tariqsp.com.