Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is a museum that is located on the campus of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, a solar observatory owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The museum is situated at the highest point in Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. The museum displays various exhibits and information related to solar physics, astronomy and astrophysics.
The museum also shows live images of the sun and its spectrum, depending on the observing conditions. The museum is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who come to learn about the sun and the stars in Kodaikanal. Visit during Kodaikanal One day tour By cab
Location of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is located at Poombarai Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India. It is about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the Kodaikanal town and 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Kodaikanal Lake. The museum is situated on the southern tip of the Palani Hills, which offer a scenic view of the surroundings.
Timing/Entry Fees Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm and between 02:00 pm and 04:30 pm. The entry fee for visiting the museum is Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children. The fee for still camera is Rs. 20 and for video camera is Rs. 50.
How to Reach Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
There are many ways to reach Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum from different parts of Kodaikanal and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from the museum. The main road, also known as Lake Road or NH44, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to the museum.
- By Rail: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kodaikanal and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, which is about 80 km (50 miles) away from the museum. Other nearby railway stations are Palani, Dindigul and Madurai. From these stations, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the museum.
- By Air: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum can also be reached by air from various airports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 135 km (84 miles) away from the museum. Other nearby airports are Coimbatore, Trichy and Kochi. From these airports, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the museum.
Things to Do/Must See Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the museum and its surroundings. Some of the things to do and see at the museum are:
- Exploring the exhibits: Exploring the exhibits is one of the most enjoyable activities at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum. Visitors can walk around the museum and admire the various exhibits and information related to solar physics, astronomy and astrophysics. Some of the notable exhibits in the museum are solar telescopes, spectrographs, cameras, models, charts etc.
- Watching live images of the sun: Watching live images of the sun is another interesting activity at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum. Visitors can see live images of the sun and its spectrum on a screen in the museum, depending on the observing conditions. Visitors can also learn about the different features and phenomena of the sun such as sunspots, flares, prominences etc.
- Watching videos: Watching videos is also an option at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum for those who want to learn more about solar physics, astronomy and astrophysics. Visitors can watch videos with explanations on various topics such as solar cycle, solar eclipse, solar wind etc.
- Visiting the other attractions: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum also has some other attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Some of them are:
- Kodaikanal Lake: Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake that is located about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the museum. The lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, who converted a marshy land into a lake by constructing a bund and bringing water from three streams. The lake has a star-shaped appearance and is surrounded by lush green hills. The lake offers various activities such as boating, cycling, horse riding etc.
- Coaker’s Walk: Coaker’s Walk is a scenic walking path that is located about 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from the museum. The walk offers a panoramic view of the lake, the hills, the valleys and the plains.
- Bryant Park: Bryant Park is a botanical garden that is located about 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from the museum. The park was established in 1908 by H.D. Bryant, a British army officer, who was also a forest officer in Madurai. The park covers an area of over 20 acres and has more than 350 species of trees, shrubs, cacti and flowers.
Significance of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kodaikanal and Tamil Nadu. Some of the reasons why Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is important are:
- It is a solar observatory museum that showcases the beauty and diversity of the sun and the stars in Kodaikanal. The museum displays various exhibits and information related to solar physics, astronomy and astrophysics. The museum also shows live images of the sun and its spectrum, depending on the observing conditions.
- It is a scientific museum that showcases the research and development of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Kodaikanal. The museum is located on the campus of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, which is one of the oldest solar observatories in India. The observatory was established in 1899 by the British and has various instruments such as telescopes, spectrographs, cameras etc for studying the sun and its phenomena.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.
Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking etc. There are also some shops and stalls near the museum that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs etc.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum, such as Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park etc.
Conclusion
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is a museum that is located on the campus of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, a solar observatory owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The museum is situated at the highest point in Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. The museum displays various exhibits and information related to solar physics, astronomy and astrophysics.
The museum also shows live images of the sun and its spectrum, depending on the observing conditions. The museum is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who come to learn about the sun and the stars in Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the museum and its surroundings in Kodaikanal.
