About Tara Mandir Planetarium
Tara Mandir Planetarium — Porbandar, Gujarat
Tara Mandir — the “Temple of Stars” — is Porbandar’s planetarium and science centre, and one of the most engaging educational attractions in Saurashtra. Equipped with a modern digital projection dome, ISRO space exhibits, a solar telescope and an interactive science exhibition hall, it offers a genuinely stimulating experience for visitors of all ages.
The digital dome theatre presents multiple shows covering the solar system, ISRO’s space missions, the night sky over Porbandar, and the universe beyond. The ISRO exhibit is a particular point of pride — it chronicles India’s space programme with models, mission data and interactive displays, connecting Porbandar’s visitors to India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration.
The solar telescope, available during daytime visits, allows visitors to observe sunspots and solar activity under expert supervision — a rare opportunity that draws science students and enthusiasts from across Gujarat. Weekend telescope nights are held periodically and are extremely popular with families and students.
What to Do
Activities at Tara Mandir Planetarium
01
Dome Theatre Show
Full-dome digital projection shows covering the universe, ISRO missions, solar system and night sky. Show timings: 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM, 6 PM (weekends).
Science
Show
Education
02
ISRO Space Exhibition
An impressive exhibit on India's space missions — Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, GSLV and upcoming missions — with scale models and mission data.
ISRO
Space
Exhibition
03
Solar Telescope
Observe the sun through a professional solar telescope under expert guidance. Sunspots, solar flares and the solar corona can be viewed safely.
Telescope
Science
Astronomy
04
Science Exhibition Hall
Interactive science exhibits covering physics, astronomy, environment and technology — particularly engaging for school students.
Interactive
Education
Family
Plan Your Visit
Timings, Entry & Best Season
Opening Hours
10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tue – Sun (Closed Monday)
Best Time to Visit
Morning shows 10:30 AM or 12 PM
Fewer crowds
Recommended Duration
1.5–2 hours
Best Season to Visit
☀️
All Year
Best Season
Cool weather, comfortable for exploring.
Gallery
Photos of Tara Mandir Planetarium
Photos coming soon.
Getting Here
How to Reach Tara Mandir Planetarium
By Car / Auto
1.2 km · 5 min
Close to Kirti Mandir area in the city centre. Easy to combine both in the same morning visit.
Auto from city centre: ₹20–25.
Walking distance from Kirti Mandir — combine both in a morning walking tour of Porbandar.
Combined Kirti Mandir + Tara Mandir makes a perfect half-day.
Before You Visit
Rules & Visitor Tips
Check show timings when you arrive — they are fixed and you cannot enter mid-show.
Book school group visits in advance — the planetarium is very popular with schools.
Come during the day to use the solar telescope — it operates only during daylight.
The 3:30 PM show is ideal — afternoon light is perfect for the solar telescope afterwards.
Do not arrive on Mondays — the planetarium is closed.
Do not use mobile phones or make noise during the dome show — it is dark and the experience is immersive.
Do not skip the ISRO exhibit — many visitors walk past it but it is genuinely excellent.
Visitor Reviews
What Visitors Say
Based on Google Reviews