Jawahar Planetarium
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh · museum
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹60
Tucked into the leafy grounds of the Anand Bhavan complex in Prayagraj's Civil Lines, the Jawahar Planetarium is a small domed sky-theatre that has been introducing families to the night sky since it opened in 1979. Set up under the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund alongside the neighbouring Nehru-family museum, it was named for Jawaharlal Nehru — himself a keen amateur admirer of astronomy — and remains one of northern India's long-running public planetariums. The building's most recognisable feature is its saucer-like dome, beneath which a projector throws a simulated star-field across the curved ceiling for reclining audiences.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg South Indian and thali kitchens along MG Marg, Civil Lines
- ✦Chaat, samosa and kachori-sabzi stalls around Civil Lines market
- ✦Pure-veg sweet and namkeen shops in Civil Lines for jalebi and gulab jamun
- ✦The classic vegetarian kachori-and-chaat lanes around Loknath/Chowk (a short auto ride)
About
Tucked into the leafy grounds of the Anand Bhavan complex in Prayagraj's Civil Lines, the Jawahar Planetarium is a small domed sky-theatre that has been introducing families to the night sky since it opened in 1979.
- Set up under the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund alongside the neighbouring Nehru-family museum, it was named for Jawaharlal Nehru — himself a keen amateur admirer of astronomy — and remains one of northern India's long-running public planetariums.
- The building's most recognisable feature is its saucer-like dome, beneath which a projector throws a simulated star-field across the curved ceiling for reclining audiences.
- Inside the darkened hall, scheduled shows run several times a day and walk visitors through constellations, planets, eclipses, and the movement of the heavens, narrated in an accessible, story-driven style pitched at students and first-time star-gazers.
- The programme is genuinely family-friendly: children come away able to trace the Saptarshi (the Big Dipper) and the Pole Star, while adults enjoy the calm, air-conditioned break from the city.
- Shows have fixed start times and limited seating, so it is worth checking the day's timetable and arriving a few minutes early; a modest ticket is charged per show, separate from the Anand Bhavan museum entry.
- The planetarium sits within easy walking distance of Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan, the freedom-movement heritage houses, making it a natural add-on to a half-day of history, science, and quiet gardens.
- Like the wider complex, it typically closes on Mondays.
- For food, Civil Lines is one of Prayagraj's best-served neighbourhoods, and there are plenty of pure-vegetarian options a short ride or walk away.
- Look for the pure-veg South Indian and North-Indian thali kitchens along MG Marg, the chaat, samosa and kachori-sabzi corners scattered through Civil Lines market, and the vegetarian sweet-and-namkeen shops nearby for jalebi, gulab jamun and freshly fried snacks.
- For a classic Prayagraj treat, the old-city kachori-and-chaat lanes around Loknath in the Chowk area — a short auto ride from here — serve legendary vegetarian street food; a plain (bhang-free) thandai or a fresh lassi rounds off the outing.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Jawahar Planetarium, Anand Bhavan Complex, Motilal Nehru Marg, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211001
How to Reach: In the Anand Bhavan complex on Motilal Nehru Marg, Civil Lines — about 2 km from Prayagraj Junction railway station and easily reached by auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw or taxi. Combine it with Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan next door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jawahar Planetarium and what can you see there?
It is a domed sky-theatre planetarium in Prayagraj's Anand Bhavan complex, opened in 1979 under the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. Scheduled shows project a simulated night sky onto the dome and explain constellations, planets and eclipses. The narration is accessible and story-driven, making it a favourite with families and school groups.
What are the timings and is it open on Mondays?
The planetarium runs several fixed-time shows through the day, roughly from late morning to early evening. Like the wider Anand Bhavan complex, it is generally closed on Mondays. Because seating is limited and shows start at set times, it is best to check the day's schedule and arrive a few minutes early.
How much does a planetarium show cost?
A modest ticket is charged for each show, typically around 60 rupees, and it is separate from the Anand Bhavan museum entry. Fees can change, so confirm the current rate at the counter. It remains an inexpensive, worthwhile stop for families and curious travellers.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Jawahar Planetarium?
Civil Lines, right around the planetarium, is full of pure-vegetarian choices. You will find pure-veg South Indian and thali restaurants along MG Marg, chaat and kachori-sabzi stalls through Civil Lines market, and vegetarian sweet shops for jalebi and gulab jamun. For iconic Prayagraj street food, the vegetarian kachori-and-chaat lanes around Loknath in the old city are a short auto ride away.
Can I combine the planetarium with other attractions nearby?
Yes. The planetarium sits within the same grounds as Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan, the Nehru-family heritage houses tied to India's freedom movement. You can easily pair a show with a museum visit and a walk through the gardens, making a relaxed half-day of science and history in Civil Lines.