If you have searched for Indira Gandhi Planetarium tickets, there is a good chance you might be thinking of one of two different places, since India actually has two planetariums that share this exact name. One is in Patna, Bihar, often called Patna Taramandal, and it is one of the oldest and largest planetariums in Asia. The other is in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, known for its striking Saturn shaped building on the banks of the Gomti river. Both are wonderful spots for a family outing, especially if you have kids who are curious about space, so this guide covers ticket prices and timings for both, clearly separated, so you know exactly what to expect wherever you are headed.
Location and Address
Here is where each planetarium is located, so you can quickly check which one is closer to you.
| Planetarium | Address |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Patna | Indira Gandhi Science Complex, Bailey Road, near Income Tax Golambar, Patna, Bihar |
| Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow | Nabiullah Road, Qaiserbagh, near Gomti river, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
The Patna planetarium sits inside the Indira Gandhi Science Complex, about 1.5 km from Patna Railway Station and roughly 8 km from Patna Airport, making it very easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city. The Lucknow planetarium is close to the Chowk area and the historic Residency, so many visitors combine it with other nearby sightseeing spots on the same trip.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium Ticket Price (Patna)

Patna Taramandal is one of the most popular science attractions in Bihar, and the ticket pricing here has been updated after the facility’s modernization, which added a new projection system and dome screen.
| Ticket or Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General Entry (child and adult) | Rs 50 per person |
| Children below 3 years | Ticket not required |
| School and Educational Group Concession | Rs 10 per ticket for full show bookings |
| Auditorium Full Day Booking (special events) | Charged separately, contact the venue |
According to the latest 2026 guides for Patna Taramandal, ticket rates for the various show types can range anywhere between Rs 30 and Rs 100 depending on the specific show and visitor category, so it is worth checking the counter or the official booking portal for the exact rate on the day you plan to visit, particularly for special 3D shows which may be priced differently from the regular science shows.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium Ticket Price (Lucknow)

The Lucknow planetarium keeps its pricing very affordable and has stayed largely consistent over the years.
| Ticket or Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General Entry (above 3 years of age) | Rs 25 per person |
| Group of 30 or more visitors | Rs 10 per person |
| Persons with disabilities | Free |
This makes the Lucknow planetarium one of the cheapest quality science attractions in the city, and it is especially popular with school groups and families visiting with young children.
Show Timings
Both planetariums run multiple shows through the day rather than staying open for casual walk-through visits, so it helps to plan around the actual show schedule.
Patna Taramandal show timings:
| Show Slot | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Show | 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Show | 2:00 PM |
| Evening Show | 3:30 PM |
| Final Show | 5:00 PM |
| Closed On | Monday |
Lucknow Planetarium show timings:
| Show Slot | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Booking Window | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Show Duration | 34 to 45 minutes |
| Show Slots | 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM |
| Summer Extra Show | 6:00 PM (during summer vacation) |
| Closed On | Monday |
Both venues remain closed to the public on Mondays, so plan your visit for any other day of the week.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets for both planetariums can usually be bought at the counter on the day of your visit, but online booking is also available and is the more convenient option if you are visiting with a large family or during peak season, since it lets you lock in your preferred show slot ahead of time.
For Patna Taramandal, online tickets can be booked through the official portal linked to the Bihar Department of Science and Technology. For the Lucknow planetarium, tickets can be booked online through the UP Tourism website, and it is generally advisable to call the venue directly if you are booking for a large group, to confirm seat availability and any applicable group discount.
What to Expect Inside
Both planetariums offer an immersive experience built around a large dome shaped screen, where visitors sit back and watch a show about the solar system, stars, galaxies and other space related topics, narrated in a mix of Hindi and English depending on the show.
The Patna planetarium is particularly well known for its scale, with a seating capacity of around 276 people and a modernized digital projection system completed in 2024, giving visitors sharper visuals and better sound compared to older analog systems. The building itself, like its Lucknow counterpart, has an architecture styled to resemble the planet Saturn, complete with a ring like structure around the dome.
The Lucknow planetarium, first established in the late 1980s, is smaller in scale but remains a well loved spot for school trips and family outings, offering a good introduction to astronomy for younger children in particular.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter at both planetariums, since weekends and school holidays bring in a larger number of families and student groups. If you are visiting with young children, try to catch one of the earlier show slots, since children tend to get restless as the day goes on and queues can build up closer to the popular afternoon and evening shows.
Summer holidays are typically the busiest period for both venues, so booking your tickets online in advance is a good idea if you are planning a visit between April and June.
How to Reach
Reaching Patna Taramandal: The planetarium is centrally located and easy to reach by auto, cab or local bus from almost any part of Patna. It is about 1.5 km from Patna Railway Station and around 8 km from Patna Airport, and roughly 7 km from the Mithapur Bus Stand.
Reaching Lucknow Planetarium: The venue is well served by public transport buses that run throughout the city, along with hired and shared cabs and auto rickshaws. Its location near Chowk and the Residency makes it easy to combine with other nearby heritage sites during the same trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ticket price for Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Patna?
What is the ticket price for Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Lucknow?
Are both planetariums open every day?
Can I book tickets online?
Is there a discount for children?
How long does a show last?
Conclusion
Whether you are heading to the grand, recently modernized Patna Taramandal or the charmingly compact Lucknow planetarium, both offer an affordable and genuinely enjoyable way to spend an afternoon learning about space. Since show timings and ticket rates can shift slightly over time, especially around festivals and school holiday seasons, it is worth a quick check on the official website or a phone call to the venue before you set out, so your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
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