Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Kibber and Kaza Katao Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) Tawang Kutch (Great Rann of Kutch) Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) Coorg (Kodagu) Taregna Churu Gauribidanur Radio Observatory Indian Astronomical Observatory IUCAA Girawali Observatory Mount Abu InfraRed Observatory Nizamia Observatory Udaipur Solar Observatory Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Ooty Radio Telescope Vainu Bappu Observatory
Dark sky place Research or private observatory Observatory open to the public

Observatories · India

Observatories in India

The list has 11 observatories in India; 5 of them welcome the public for viewing nights, tours or a visitor center. Each has its own page with what a visit is like, the telescopes and how dark its sky is.

India on the list

Observatories
11
Open to the public
5
Astronomy clubs
2
Dark sky places
10

Highest: Indian Astronomical Observatory, 4,500 m (14,760 ft)

5 observatories in India open to the public

ObservatoryWhereWhat you can doBortle
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)NainitalWeekday afternoon visits at Manora Peak; a few night viewing sessions near moonlit periods with prior permission-
Giant Metrewave Radio TelescopeKhodad (Narayangaon)Annual open days around National Science Day (February 28); group visits on Fridays by prior arrangement-
Kodaikanal Solar ObservatoryKodaikanalCampus and astronomy museum open Sundays 9 am-1 pm; group visits by form 15 days ahead; Rs 50-
Ooty Radio TelescopeOotyAnnual open day around National Science Day; group visits by permission-
Vainu Bappu ObservatoryKavalurOpen Saturdays 2-9 pm; evening sky viewing weather permitting; Rs 50, under 12 free-

Public nights usually start at dusk with a short talk and a turn at the eyepiece; many need tickets and cancel for clouds, so check each observatory's site on the day.

Research and private observatories in India

ObservatoryWhereTelescopesPart of
Gauribidanur Radio ObservatoryGauribidanur6m dish; 1000 dipoles
Indian Astronomical ObservatoryHanle2m HCT; HAGAR gamma ray
IUCAA Girawali ObservatoryGirawali (near Junnar)2m
Mount Abu InfraRed ObservatoryMount Abu1.2m IR
Nizamia Observatory (historic)Hyderabad48 inch; 12 inch; 10ft radio dish
Udaipur Solar ObservatoryUdaipur50cm MAST

These sites do not run regular public viewing, or their access is not confirmed. Some hold a yearly open house; each page links to the official site.

Astronomy clubs and dark sky places in India

Clubs bring telescopes to public star parties and welcome visitors at their meetings. See the 2 astronomy clubs in India.

Observatories in other countries