One Of The Few Solar Observatories With India's Largest Telescope Can Be Found In Udaipur

Picture Credits: Monique Dits

This observatory in Udaipur is one of the few solar observatories situated on an island and is home to India's largest telescope - The Multi Application Solar Telescope (MAST) for detailed observation of solar activity - how awesome is that?!

Established by Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar in 1975 under the Vedha Shala Trust of Ahmedabad, the Solar Observatory in Udaipur is located in Fateh Sagar Lake on an island which serves a dual purpose; the island is surrounded by water, which provides a favourable atmosphere for solar observation while also adding to the beauty quotient of the place. 

A boat must be hired from the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake to reach the observatory *impromptu boat rides rock!*. Also, a time slot should be booked with prior permission as it isn't open to the general public. 

But hey, fair warning - the solar observatory is a high security area. The general public and tourists require special permission to visit the place and a large chunk of the populace is only allowed to view the place from a distance. Nehru Garden and Maharana Pratap Memorial (Maharana Pratap Samarak) are common spots from where one can catch a glimpse of the observatory. 

It's known as one of the top solar observing sites all over Asia so a look-see through the place should definitely be on your bucket list!

Where | Near Fatehpur Lake, Rani Road, Shilpgram
Timings | 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Here’s Their Website | https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/usob