A Guide To Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai

Things to do / Highlights

Watch a planetarium show

The shows at Nehru Planetarium are a visual treat for anyone visiting the place. The first show, ‘Tryst and Destiny‘ is as historic as it’s cosmic. It outlines the stars and constellations in the sky as they were on the night of 14th-15th August 1947, when India gained independence. ‘Mahatma – The Eternal Light’ recreates the sky as on 2nd October 1869, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, interspersed with other historic events in this life. Finally, don’t miss 'Biography of the Universe’, which outlines the story of the universe since the Big Bang theory.

Explore the planetarium projectors

One thing you shouldn’t miss out on is the planetarium’s unique projectors – the age-old ‘Universal Planetarium Projector’ and the brand-new 'Digistar 3 - Digital Planetarium Projector’. The former was installed almost three decades ago and has delivered an incredible celestial experience for viewers. The newer Digistar 3 ensures an even more magnificent cosmic experience, complete with a surround sound system, higher resolution, and a 3D graphic system.

Watch celestial phenomena

Nothing beats catching mesmerizing celestial phenomena like meteor showers, eclipses, or simply watching other planets and stars in the sky. In fact, the planetarium also sets up telescopes to view unique celestial phenomena, like the Supermoon back in 2016. So, you can book viewing time at the telescopes. Alternatively, you can also attend the ‘Sky Observation’ between 7pm and 8pm on Sundays, for free.

Attend an interesting lecture on astronomy

Since it’s part of the Nehru Centre, the planetarium hosts eminent astronomers and astrophysics from time to time, who hold lectures or talks in the Hall of Culture. In fact, over the past 35 years, many illustrious and distinguished scientists have delivered lectures on a variety of astronomical topics, ranging from cosmology to astronomical instrumentation and more. What’s more, it includes not just Indian scientists, but also international scholars. There’s even a lively question and answer session that follows the talks, which makes it all the more riveting. There’s also a library near the planetarium, should you wish to learn more about the science.

Travel tips

Check the calendar

Nehru Planetarium is closed on Mondays as well as on festivals, so make sure you check the planetarium calendar before you go. Sometimes, there are also school groups who’re on their tour, so you need to account for extra time for exploring within as well. Since there’s no way to find that out, give yourself at least half a day to explore the planetarium.

Tickets and timings

During festivals and vacation time, the tickets are quickly sold out. So, it’s always better to book tickets in advance, especially when it comes to science shows organized here. Also, you should know that tickets for shows can be booked online and as much as a week in advance. Also, try and be seated a few minutes’ prior to the time the show’s going to begin. Once the show has begun, entry is not allowed so as to not disturb the viewing experience.

Bring your own food

On the property, there’s a canteen which features the food and drink options are minimal. So, it’s better that you make your own arrangements and get your own food or head out after the show.

How to get there

By taxi or car

Nehru Planetarium lies along the busy and bustling Dr Annie Besant Road. So, it’s very easy to get here via your private car, a rental car, or a black-and-yellow taxi or an app-based cab.

By bus

Nehru Planetarium has a bus stop right outside, and many BEST buses stop there.

By local train

If you’re taking the local train, then the station closest to Nehru Planetarium is Byculla on the Central Line and Mahalakshmi on the Western Line. From here, you can take a bus or taxi to the planetarium.

How to get tickets

You can purchase tickets on the official website or get tickets directly at the planetarium. However, we’d advise you to get the tickets in advance. The tickets cost 100 INR (1.35 USD) for visitors ages 5 and above, and children below the age of 5 years have free entry.

Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai information

Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai

Address: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai

Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 12:30pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)

Official Website: Nehru Planetarium

Department of Tourism Website: Maharashtra Tourism

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