The Vainu Bappu Observatory was started in 1960. It is situated in Kavalur Village which is near Yelagiri and a must-visit spot. This village is in the Javadi Hills. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics owns and operates this spot. It is the perfect place for students who love science.
You will find this observatory surrounded by 100 acres of forest. The main telescope building is about 500m from the entrance. A Fabry-Perot Interferometer in this observatory studies the airglow emissions from Earth’s thermosphere. The telescopes available here are as follows:
- 90-inch Vainu Bappu Telescope (Asia’s Second Largest Telescope)
- 40-inch Carl Zeiss Telescope
- 1.3 m J.C. Bhattacharya Telescope and many more.
There is a long history behind this observatory setup. William Petrie started an observatory in Egmore in 1786. This place was called the Madras Observatory. Later, this observatory was shifted to Kodaikanal. It was functioning there till 1899.
In 1960, M.K.Vainu Bappu, the director of Kodaikanal Observatory discovered Kavalur as a suitable spot for establishing optical telescopes to observe celestial objects. It was named Kavalur Observatory. Later it was changed to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Vainu Bappu Observatory Highlights
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Particulars |
Details |
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Name |
Vainu Bappu Observatory. |
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Address |
Kavalur, Javadi Hills, Tamil Nadu. |
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Public Visiting Days |
Saturdays |
Vainu Bappu Observatory Timings
The timings to purchase the tickets in this observatory are 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Once you have entered that place, you can stay there till 06:30 PM or 07:00 PM. You will be sent for orientations in 3 batches.
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Particulars |
Details |
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Ticket Purchase |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Vainu Bappu Observatory Ticket Price
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Particulars |
Price |
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Adults |
Rs.50 |
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Child (Under 12 Years) |
Free |
Things to explore in Vainu Bappu Observatory
Vainu Bappu Telescope:
- You will get an overview of this observatory and other observatories in India.
- Visitors can see the Vainu Bappu Telescope in the observatory.
Night Sky Watch:
- A skywatch program is organized in the evening if the sky is clear.
- Visitors can see the celestial objects through different telescopes and binoculars.
How to reach ‘Vaina Bappu Observatory
Since it is well connected by roads, you can take a cab or local bus to reach this spot.
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Particulars |
Place |
Distance |
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Nearest Airport |
Bengaluru |
173 km |
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Nearest Railway Station |
Vaniyambadi Jolarpettai |
29 km 46 km |
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Nearest Bus Station |
Vaniyambadi |
29 km. |
What People Say about Vainu Bappu Observatory
The staff here explains the concept very well. A must-visit spot for students.- “Vinod S”
People with an interest in science can visit this spot. There is a canteen within the premises for refreshments. - “ Nazish Hasan”
A wonderful destination with a large campus. A van shuttles non-walkers from the entrance to the main building. - “Naveen Raj M V”
Excellent Places for Research - “Satish Kumar Satish”
FAQ’s
Ques: What are the timings for Vainu Bappu Observatory?
Ans: The Vainu Bappu Observatory is open for the public on Saturdays from 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Ques: What is the entry fee for Vainu Bappu Observatory?
Ans: The entry fee for children above 12 years is Rs.50 and for those below 12 years is free.
Ques: Can I reach the main telescopic building in my vehicle?
Ans: No, personal vehicles are not allowed inside the campus. You can walk or use the van that shuttles within the campus.
Other Places to visit in Yelagiri
| Fundera Park | Swamimalai Hills |
| Murugan Temple | Yelagiri Birds Park |
| Nilavoor Lake | Thrill Valley |