Vainu Bappu Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Vainu Bappu Observatory sits in the Javadi Hills at Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, roughly 200 km southwest of Chennai and 175 km southeast of Bengaluru.
About Vainu Bappu Observatory
The observatory is owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, sitting at an elevation of 706 metres. It is one of India's principal astronomical research sites and is also known locally as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors as well as researchers to its hilltop setting.
Location & getting there
Vainu Bappu Observatory is located at Kavalur in the Javadi Hills, near Vaniyambadi in Tirupathur district, in the Vellore region of Tamil Nadu, India, part of the Asia region. Its 706-metre elevation lifts it above the surrounding plains, roughly midway between Chennai and Bengaluru.
Visiting Vainu Bappu Observatory
The observatory is known as a tourist attraction in the area, though specific opening hours and ticketing arrangements aren't confirmed here. Check the Indian Institute of Astrophysics website for current visiting information before planning a trip.
See your named star from here
Perched in the Javadi Hills, Vainu Bappu Observatory's dark, elevated setting is well suited to viewing the sky. A star named through Star Register comes with the exact coordinates you need to find it. Use the star-naming packages to get a certificate and locator details, or browse the catalogue to see stars already named by others.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
