Manora Peak Observatory

Manora Peak Observatory is ARIES’s historic Nainital research campus for optical astronomy, atmospheric science, instrumentation and training. General visitors use the ARIES Science Centre on the campus rather than the larger research telescopes: current guidance lists free day visits for public and private groups at 14:30 or 16:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with evening stargazing available daily after sunset subject to weather and approval. School groups may request a 104-cm Sampurnanand Telescope tour; the larger research instruments are not for public use. Apply online in advance; visits are weather-dependent, group sizes are limited, and the elevated site requires hilly paths and stairs. Confirm the current programme, holiday schedule and accessibility arrangements before travel.