Observatories & Planetariums in Mumbai

• 12:00 PM (Hindi): लौकिक जीवन

• 1:30 PM (Marathi): वैश्विक जीवन

• 3:00 PM (English): COSMIC LIFE

• 4:30 PM (Hindi): लौकिक जीवन

• ₹150 for adults and children above 5 years

• Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM

• Closed: Mondays and certain festivals like Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali

• Online Booking: Only 131 out of 500 seats can be booked online; rest available at ticket window

• Booking Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (except 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM)

• No Same-Day Online Booking: Plan ahead

• Cosmic Life: Current show exploring life forms in cosmos

• Stars & Wonders of the Universe: Regular show narrating solar system and universe mysteries

• Sky Observation: Free Sunday evening sessions (7:00-8:00 PM, except monsoon)

• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (~16 km)

• Nearest Railway Stations: Mahalakshmi, Byculla

• Buses: Multiple BEST buses serve Nehru Planetarium stop
• Mumbai Metro Line 3 is the last metro to go to the Nehru Planetarium in Worli. It stops nearby at the Science Center station, with the last metro departing around 11:09 PM. Metro Line: Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line.  Nearest Station: Science Center station. Last Metro:

Mumbai’s primary historic observatory was the Colaba Observatory, an astronomical, geomagnetic, and meteorological facility that operated from 1841 to 1906, with its geomagnetic data continuity now maintained by the Alibag observatory. For astronomical and scientific entertainment, the Nehru Planetarium is a notable attraction located in Worli, while other astronomical societies and private observatories like the Horizon Astronomical Society offer public stargazing events.

Historical & Scientific Observatories

Colaba Observatory: This significant historical observatory was located in Colaba, Mumbai.

Due to urban expansion and the introduction of electric tramway lines in Bombay, the observatory’s operations were affected by electromagnetic interference. As a result, the magnetic observatory was relocated to Alibag in 1904, where it continues to operate under theIndian Institute of Geomagnetism

World Data Centre for Geomagnetism, Mumbai (WDC-Mumbai): Located on the former site of the Colaba Magnetic Observatory, this center is part of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) and serves as a repository for global geomagnetic data.
Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG): The parent institution of the WDC-Mumbai, it continues to maintain the legacy of magnetic observations in India.

The Alibag Magnetic Observatory (the successor to the Colaba Observatory) is open to the public, but with some restrictions:

• Visiting Days and Hours: The observatory is open on working days (Monday to Friday), from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Access: While tourists can view the exterior and some parts of the observatory, special permits are required to enter the main compound and see the instruments up close. These permits can usually be arranged through the observatory officials.
• Location: It is located near the J.S.M. College on Alibag Beach, about 30 km south of Mumbai.
• Rules: No food items are allowed inside the observatory compound.

Here’s how you can plan your visit to the Alibag Magnetic Observatory:

Visiting the Alibag Magnetic Observatory

1. Location and Directions

• Address: Alibag Magnetic Observatory, near J.S.M. College, Alibag Beach, Maharashtra, India (Coordinates: 18.62°N, 72.82°E).
• Distance from Mumbai: About 30 km south of Mumbai.
• How to Reach:
  • By Road: You can drive or take a taxi from Mumbai (approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic). Local autos and cabs are also available for hire from Alibag town center.
  • By Ferry: Ferries run from the Gateway of India (Mumbai) to Mandwa, followed by a short drive to Alibag.

2. Visiting Hours and Permits

• Open Days: Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and public holidays).
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Permits: To enter the main compound and view the instruments, you need to arrange a permit in advance. You can contact the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) or the observatory directly for permission. Here’s how:
  • Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) Headquarters:
    • Address: Plot No. 5, Sector 18, Kalamboli Highway, New Panvel, Navi Mumbai – 410218, Maharashtra, India.
    • Phone: +91-22-27484000 (You can call to inquire about permits and visiting procedures).
    • Website: iigm.res.in (Check for contact forms or email addresses for visitor inquiries).

3. What to Expect

• You can view the historic magnetic room (temperature-controlled at 10°C or less) and the complex instruments used for geomagnetic observations.
• The observatory is located in a relatively quiet area, away from the city center, making it a peaceful and educational visit.

4. Tips for Visitors

• Carry a valid ID proof for permit processing.
• Follow all rules, including the prohibition of food inside the compound.
• Plan your visit on a weekday to ensure access.

Amateur Astronomy Horizon Astronomical Society

A popular astronomy club and society in Mumbai that likely organizes stargazing sessions and educational events for the public.
Other Amateur Groups:
Various other amateur astronomy societies and “observatories” like “The Observatory” in Ghatkopar also exist, providing opportunities for public stargazing and astronomical education.

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