Madras Observatory, Chennai

Name: Madras Observatory
Address: Chennai, India

#299 among attractions in Chennai

Observatories and planetariums

Gallery (1)

Map

Map

Facts and practical information

The Madras Observatory was an astronomical observatory which had its origins in a private observatory set up by William Petrie in 1786 and later moved and managed by the British East India Company from 1792 in Madras. The main purpose for establishing it was to assist in navigation and mapping by recording the latitude and maintaining time standards. In later years the observatory also made observations on stars and geomagnetism. The observatory ran from around 1792 to 1931 and a major work was the production of a comprehensive catalogue of stars. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 13°4'5"N, 80°14'48"E

Address

Nungambakkam (Thousand Lights)Chennai India

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Day trips

Madras Observatory – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Express Avenue, Spencer Plaza, Government Museum, St. George's Cathedral.

1.3 miSE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Express Avenue, Chennai
35 min walk • Express Avenue stands as a premier shopping destination in the bustling city of Chennai, India. This expansive shopping centre, located in the heart of the city, is a modern marvel of retail, entertainment, and leisure, spread over 1.7 million square feet.
1.1 miSE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Spencer Plaza, Chennai
28 min walk • Spencer Plaza, a landmark shopping center in Chennai, India, stands as a testament to the city's commercial evolution. Established in the late 19th century and rebuilt in 1985 after a destructive fire, this sprawling complex is Chennai's oldest mall and one of the...
0.7 miE
Museum, History museum, Art museum
Government Museum, Chennai
19 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Chennai, the Government Museum beckons with its blend of rich history and cultural heritage. Established in 1851, this museum is one of the oldest and most prestigious in India, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and curious...
1.2 miS
Church, Georgian architecture
St. George's Cathedral, Chennai
31 min walk • St. George's Cathedral stands as a testament to the colonial history and religious diversity in the bustling city of Chennai, India. This pristine Anglican cathedral, a prominent landmark in the heart of the city, was consecrated in 1815 and serves as the seat of the...
0.7 miE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Alsa Mall, Chennai
19 min walk • Nestled in the bustling metropolis of Chennai, India, Alsa Mall stands as a testament to the city's evolving shopping culture. This shopping center, established in the heart of Egmore, has been serving the local community and visitors alike for several years, offering...
1 miS
Memorial
Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
26 min walk • Valluvar Kottam stands as a cultural and architectural landmark in the bustling city of Chennai, India. This grand memorial is dedicated to the revered Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, who penned the timeless classic 'Thirukkural', a treatise on ethics...
0.6 miE
Museum, Art museum
National Art Gallery, Chennai
17 min walk • The National Art Gallery in Chennai stands as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess. Located in the bustling city of Chennai, this museum is housed within a striking red sandstone building, which is a significant architectural landmark in...
1.3 miS
Botanical garden, Park
Semmoli Poonga, Chennai
33 min walk • Semmozhi Poonga, variously spelled as Semmoli Poonga, is a botanical garden in Chennai set up jointly by the Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
1.1 miS
Bridge
Anna Flyover, Chennai
29 min walk • Anna Flyover, also known as Gemini Flyover, is a dual-armed grade separator in the central business district of Chennai, India.
1.1 miSE
Mosque
Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
28 min walk • Thousand Lights is a multi-domed mosque in Anna Salai in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the largest mosques in the country and is a revered place of worship and azadari for Shia Muslims in the city.
1 miNE
Church
Wesley Church, Chennai
27 min walk • Wesley Church is one of the oldest churches in Egmore area of Chennai, the capital of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The original structure was built in Gothic architecture in 1905 by Wesleyan Mission. It was constructed at Egmore considering the growing needs of it in the area around Egmore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Madras Observatory?

Nearby attractions include Chinnakudal, Chennai (3 min walk), Dr. Gurusamy Bridge, Chennai (7 min walk), Chetpet, Ambattur (9 min walk), Chetput Lake, Chennai (13 min walk).

How to get to Madras Observatory by public transport?

The nearest stations to Madras Observatory:

Bus

College Road • Lines: 147C (1 min walk)
Sterling Road • Lines: 147C (11 min walk)

Train

Chennai Chetpat (14 min walk)
Nungambakkam (25 min walk)

Metro

Kilpauk • Lines: 2 (19 min walk)
Nehru Park • Lines: 2 (20 min walk)