Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital Phone
05942 270700
05942 233734
05942 270798
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Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital Address: Beluwakhan, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263002, India
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Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Wedesday | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Thursday | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed / Holiday |
| Sunday | Closed / Holiday |
Note: The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) remains closed on Saturday & Sunday
Links: Website | MapAryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Timings for Visitors
| Category | Timings |
| Slideshow | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm |
| Sky Viewing | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
Standing proudly at an altitude of 1951 meters above sea level on the Manora Peak, Nainital, is the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences or ARIES. Established in the year 1955, it was initially an observatory located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh called UPSO or Uttar Pradesh State Observatory.
By the time India got independence, a lot of scientific activities started coming up and establishing themselves as a foundation to what is today known as Indian research. UPSO was a part of the same scientific tide Indian came across in the years 1947-1955.
However, due to poor observing conditions and unclear skies in Varanasi, it was decided to move the observatory to a better, clearer space. After a survey was conducted to decide where to relocate the observatory among cities like Nainital, Mussoorie, Dehradun etc, the most favorable conditions came out for Manora Peak, Nainital where it is located presently and was moved in the year 1961. Being located on the hilltop eliminates the possibilities of obstacles apart from the sky itself.
ARIES is an autonomous body which is governed by DST, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The name Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences was given to it in the year 2004 on the 22nd of March. It is among the most well-equipped centers in the country for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites. The observatory predominantly focuses on developing facilities which support modern physics in solar, stellar and theoretical branches of astrophysics.
Manora peak is around 9 km from Nainital city if travelled by road and is a phenomenal sight to be witnessed. Located on a hilltop amidst the lush greens of Nainital, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences is open to the public during the afternoon on working days.
You can take a round at the observatory to have a look at the astronomical instruments that scientists use to study the sky. This place is, without a doubt, a paradise for astrophysics enthusiasts.
Things to do at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital
Visit the observatory and understand the instruments used to study astrophysics and astronomy.
Indulge in night sky viewing and gazing at the stars through a telescope. Moonlit nights are fixed for night sky viewing which needs prior permission to be accessed.
Sightseeing around Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital
ARIES is located on a hilltop which lies in close vicinity of Nainital city. Located just 1 km away from ARIES is the Hanuman Garhi temple which is a major tourist attraction in Nainital. The temple offers an exceptional view of the valley and beholds a tall statue of Lord Hanuman watching over Nainital.
Visit the Naini lake, one of the popular sightseeing places of Nainital, just 9.4 km away and indulge in a photography session while riding a boat. Naini lake is a pear-shaped water body which attracts thousands of tourists every month.
Take blessings in Naini Devi at the Naina Devi temple, just 10.3 km away and feel the vibes of Nainital's culture.
Shop for candles and other local craft at the Nainital Mall road, 9 km away and relish some of the choicest dishes this place has to offer, especially momos.
Take your kids to the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo and understand the wildlife and natural habitat of the animals of Kumaon region which is 10.2 km.
Witness the breath-taking view of the snow-covered Himalayas from the Snow View Point and ride the Nainital aerial Ropeway to reach there, 11.6 km away.
Image Gallery of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital
Entry Fee and Timings of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital
There is no entry fee to visit the observatory. You can visit on all working days from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays are off.
How to Reach Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital
Located on Manora Peak, the observatory is 9 km away from Nainital by road. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the observatory. If you are adventurous and wish to pave your path amidst the forests of Nainital, the distance is just 4 km.
If you are traveling by air, Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport which is 68 km away. You can hire a taxi-private or shared from the airport to reach the observatory
If you are traveling by train, Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station which is 33 km away. There are a lot of taxi and bus services commuting between the railway station and Nainital city. Alternatively, you can opt for a private cab from top car rental companies in Nainital to travel within and around the hill station.
Best Time to visit Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital
You can visit the observatory at anytime of the year. Consider visiting during summers if you wish to witness a clear night sky i.e. during the months of March, April and May and early June.
Catering to everyone’s holiday needs, budget requirements and duration of the visit, we at Nainital Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, present our customers with a wide variety of Nainital tour packages. Please fill the Contact Us form and we will get back to you with the best available deals on the various packages.
