Sardar Patel Planetarium
The Sardar Patel Planetarium is located on the sprawling grounds of Sayajibaug. Its foundation stone was laid in 1974, and it was inaugurated two years later by Dr. H.N. Sethna, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. The purpose of setting it up was to popularise science and astronomy among people. It was named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to commemorate the birth centenary of the freedom fighter.
The planetarium, in collaboration with the National Council of Science Museums, has set up a ‘Science Park’. Spread over 2500 square meters, the park has more than 15 exhibits relating to various theories of physics and astronomy.
1. The shows at the planetarium are done with the commentary in Gujarati, English and Hindi.
2. It has a seating capacity of 200.
3. The planetarium’s uniqueness is its 12.5 m diameter projection dome and the auto-control projector which is the first of its kind in Asia.
4. A children’s open-air theatre in the basement with a seating capacity of 300 is used by schools for educational programmes relating to science and astronomy.
5. The Amateur Astronomers Association of Vadodara meets here regularly for activities such as film shows, lectures and night sky watching.
6. The planetarium organises national and international level ‘Astronomy Olympiads’ in collaboration with the Nehru Centre in Mumbai every year.
- Location: Sayaji Garden
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Thursdays and public holidays
- Show Timings: 4:00 to 4:30 (Gujarati); 5:00 to 5:30 (English); 6:00 to 6:30 (Hindi)
How to get there
By Road: Vadodara, 112 km from Ahmedabad and 420 km from Mumbai, is located on National Highway 8. There are various state transport (ST) buses and private luxury coaches from all over Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Ahmedabad-Vadodara intercity buses take 2 hours and run every 15 minutes. There are also several private bus companies on or near Station Road. Tickets vary according to the type of bus, but the average rate is Rs 100/- to Ahmedabad and Rs 200/- to Mumbai. You can also rent a car with a driver to explore the city and its surroundings at the Express Hotel. Rates range from Rs. 650/- without air-conditioning to Rs. 2200/- for luxury vehicles, for 8 hrs or 80 km per day.
By Rail: Vadodara, a major railway junction is located on the Western Railway, which connects Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
By Air: Vadodara is connected by various domestic airlines to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Daman, and Pune.
