Off the S.G. Highway on Ahmedabad’s western edge, spread across 107 hectares of carefully designed grounds, Gujarat Science City is one of India’s largest and most visited science education and entertainment centres. On July 16, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 3 of the complex adding an Aquarium, a Robo Museum, and a Natural Park to a facility that had already, since its 2001 establishment, become Ahmedabad’s most popular destination for school groups, families, and anyone who has ever looked at an interactive exhibit and thought: I could spend the whole day here.
Science City Ahmedabad works because it takes the idea of popular science education seriously without making it feel like homework. The IMAX 3D Theatre shows Earth documentaries that will genuinely impress adults who think they already know about the planet. The Hall of Space has working solar system models that children understand intuitively in a way that no textbook produces. The Musical Fountain is pure spectacle water and light and music choreographed in a way that makes no educational claim at all and is wonderful for precisely that reason. And the Aquarium, since it opened in 2021, has become the city’s most-visited indoor attraction for families with small children.
This TravelRoach guide covers all 13 attractions in detail, the complete entry fee structure, current timings, how to reach, the best visiting strategy for different types of visitors, and practical notes that will save you time and help you get the most out of a Science City day.
Science City Ahmedabad – Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Gujarat Council of Science City (Gujarat Science City) |
| Address | Science City Road, Off S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380060 |
| Established | 2001 (Phase 3 inaugurated July 16, 2021 by PM Narendra Modi) |
| Managed By | Gujarat Council of Science City Government of Gujarat |
| Area | 107 hectares (260 acres) |
| Total Attractions | 13 main attractions across three phases |
| Phase 3 Additions (2021) | Aquarium, Robo Museum (Robotics Gallery), Natural Park |
| Basic Entry Fee — Adults | ₹20 per person |
| Basic Entry Fee — Children | ₹10 per person |
| Basic Entry Fee — Students | ₹5 per person |
| IMAX 3D Theatre | ₹125 per person (₹50 for school groups) |
| Hall of Space | ₹50 per person |
| Planetarium Show | ₹150 general / ₹100 school children |
| Musical Fountain Show | ₹90 per person |
| Thrill Rides | ₹30 per person |
| VR Experiences | Available for ages 10+ (additional charge) |
| Tour Combo Package | ₹499 (bundle of key attractions; confirm inclusions at entry) |
| Parking — Two-Wheeler | ₹20 |
| Parking — Four-Wheeler | ₹50 |
| Parking — Bus | ₹100 |
| Timings | Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Closed | Every Monday |
| Planet Earth Section | Currently under upgradation 5D Theatre substituted in combo packages |
| Location | Off SG Highway, 0.5 km from Sadbhav Circle, S.P. Ring Road, Ahmedabad |
| Best For | Families with children, school groups, science enthusiasts, educational visits |
| Recommended Duration | 4–6 hours for a comprehensive visit; full day with all attractions |
All 13 Attractions at Science City Ahmedabad – In Detail
1. IMAX 3D Theatre
The IMAX 3D Theatre at Science City is the most technically impressive single experience in the complex. The combination of the large-format screen, cutting-edge surround sound, and 3D projection creates a level of visual and audio immersion that standard cinema cannot replicate. The theatre specialises in Earth documentary films presenting the natural world, geological phenomena, space, and the oceans in a scale that makes familiar subjects feel entirely new.
For first-time visitors, the IMAX theatre should be near the top of the itinerary. Check the daily screening schedule at the ticket counter on arrival; multiple screenings run throughout the day. Ticket: ₹125 per person (₹50 for school groups).
2. Hall of Space
The Hall of Space is Science City’s most popular single gallery a sprawling space-themed exhibition built around interactive models, physical demonstrations, and immersive displays. Working models of the solar system, scale representations of planetary sizes, interactive exhibits on stars, black holes, and galaxies, and audio-visual presentations on the universe’s scale and history are all present within a space that manages to make cosmology feel immediately accessible.
Children respond to the Hall of Space with particular enthusiasm the physical scale of the models makes abstract concepts like the distance between planets tangible in a way that diagrams on paper cannot. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour. Ticket: ₹50 per person.
3. Hall of Science
The Hall of Science is the broadest and most comprehensive single gallery at Science City covering multiple disciplines of natural and physical science through working models, interactive activity corners, and live demonstrations. Physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and the history of scientific discovery are all represented within a space designed to encourage hands-on engagement rather than passive observation.
The Hall of Science is the intellectual heart of Science City. For school-age children and science-interested adults, the working models and interactive experiments here produce genuine understanding rather than mere spectacle. Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours.
Also Read: Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar
4. Energy Park
The Energy Park is an outdoor exhibit dedicated to energy its forms, its transformation, and the distinction between conventional and renewable energy sources. Large-scale interactive installations demonstrate solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric principles, and the mechanics of various energy systems. The outdoor setting makes the Energy Park a good transition between the indoor hall experiences fresh air, physical activity around the exhibits, and science simultaneously.
5. Planetarium
The Planetarium at Science City offers dome shows on astronomy the night sky, the history of space exploration, and the current scientific understanding of the universe. Shows are presented in both Hindi and Gujarati. Multiple shows run daily at specific times; check the schedule at the planetarium counter on arrival and plan your overall visit itinerary around the show you want to see.
The Planetarium is the most serene of the Science City experiences a dark dome, a reclining seat, the projected sky above. For children aged 8 and above and for adults interested in astronomy, it is one of the most rewarding Science City stops. Ticket: ₹150 for general visitors / ₹100 for school children.
6. Robo Museum (Robotics Gallery)
Inaugurated as part of Phase 3 in July 2021, the Robo Museum is one of Science City’s newest and most popular additions. The gallery showcases robots from India and across the world from early mechanical automatons to contemporary industrial robots, surgical robots, military robots, and the humanoid robots of the current decade. Interactive demonstrations are a key feature robots performing tasks, responding to inputs, and demonstrating the principles of artificial intelligence and machine learning in accessible ways.
The Robo Museum has quickly become one of Science City’s signature attractions for visitors of all ages. The combination of the inherent fascination of machines that move and respond autonomously, and the genuine scientific content about how robotics works, makes it one of the most effective educational exhibits in the complex.
7. Aquarium
The Aquarium, also added in Phase 3 (2021), has become one of the most visited attractions at Science City for families with young children. Housing both marine and freshwater species in well-maintained display tanks, the aquarium presents a diverse range of fish, invertebrates, and aquatic life in a setting that is both visually engaging and educationally informative. The tanks range from small freshwater aquaria to larger marine displays.
For Ahmedabad a landlocked city far from the ocean the aquarium provides many children with their first encounter with marine species. This practical significance the genuine novelty of seeing a reef fish for the first time gives the Science City Aquarium a particular value that a coastal city’s aquarium might not have to the same degree.
8. Natural Park
The Natural Park, the third Phase 3 addition, presents natural history through life-size models, ecological dioramas, and exhibits covering the diversity of life on Earth from the age of dinosaurs to contemporary ecosystems. Life-size dinosaur models are a particular draw for younger visitors. The Natural Park is partly outdoor, making it best visited during the cooler morning hours in the winter season.
The Natural Park and the Life Science Park (a separate section covering biological sciences across approximately 9,000 square metres) together provide the biological and ecological dimension of Science City’s curriculum complementing the physical and space sciences of the other halls.
9. Life Science Park
The Life Science Park is a dedicated section focusing on biological sciences the science of living things. Covering topics from cellular biology and genetics to ecosystems and evolution, the park uses models, interactive displays, and demonstrations to make life science accessible for school-age visitors. A dinosaur model is among the exhibits, providing continuity with the Natural Park’s prehistoric life narrative.
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10. Musical Fountain
The Musical Fountain at Science City is pure spectacle and it is excellent for that. A choreographed combination of water jets, coloured lights, and music creates a visual and auditory show that makes no claim to science education and instead simply provides the straightforward pleasure of an impressive, well-executed performance. The Musical Fountain shows run at specific times throughout the day and evening; check the schedule on arrival.
The Musical Fountain is the most universally accessible attraction at Science City suitable for all ages, requiring no background knowledge, and consistently rated among the top two or three visitor experiences by everyone who sees it. Do not leave Science City without catching a show. Ticket: ₹90 per person.
11. Thrill Rides and Simulator Experiences
Science City includes a range of simulator and thrill ride experiences motion simulation platforms, virtual reality experiences, and themed rides that combine entertainment with science concepts. The VR experiences are available for visitors aged 10 years and above. The simulator rides are popular with school-age children and teenagers. These attractions have their own separate ticketing at the relevant counters within the complex.
12. 4D / 5D Theatre
The immersive theatre experiences at Science City 4D and 5D formats combine film projection with physical sensations (seat movement, water spray, air bursts) to create a more embodied viewing experience than standard cinema. Note: the current combo package substitutes the 5D Theatre for the Earthquake Ride, 4D Theatre, and Coal Mine sections due to the Planet Earth upgradation. Confirm current 4D/5D availability and formats at the ticket counter on arrival.
13. VR Experiences
Virtual Reality experiences at Science City offer immersive digital environments accessible through VR headsets. Available for visitors aged 10 years and above. VR experiences include themed environments that complement the scientific subject matter of other sections space exploration, underwater environments, and physical science demonstrations. An additional charge applies per VR session.
Science City Entry Fees – Complete Fee Structure
| Attraction / Service | General | School Children | Notes |
| Basic Garden Entry | ₹20 (adults) | ₹5 (students) / ₹10 (children) | Covers access to outdoor areas; attractions ticketed separately |
| IMAX 3D Theatre | ₹125 | ₹50 | Check daily screening schedule on arrival |
| Hall of Space | ₹50 | ₹50 | Interactive solar system and universe models |
| Planetarium Show | ₹150 | ₹100 | Multiple daily shows; check schedule |
| Musical Fountain | ₹90 | ₹90 | Shows at specific times; check schedule |
| Thrill Rides | ₹30 | ₹30 | Various simulator and ride experiences |
| Tour Combo Package | ₹499 | — | Bundle; 5D substituted for Planet Earth section; confirm inclusions |
| VR Experiences | Additional charge | Ages 10+ only | Confirm rate at VR counter |
| Parking — 2-Wheeler | ₹20 | — | At designated parking area |
| Parking — 4-Wheeler | ₹50 | — | At designated parking area |
| Parking — Bus | ₹100 | — | At designated parking area |
All fees are approximate and subject to revision. The Planet Earth section is currently under upgradation — in the Tour Combo, the 5D Theatre is substituted for the Earthquake Ride, 4D Theatre, and Coal Mine. Confirm current inclusions and prices at the Science City ticket counter on arrival or at gujaratsciencecity.org before visiting.
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How to Plan Your Science City Visit – Strategy by Visitor Type
Families with Children (Ages 5–12) — The Full Day
For families with school-age children, Science City is a full-day destination. The recommended sequence: arrive at 10:00 AM for opening. Start with the Hall of Space (most popular; get there before it fills). Then the IMAX Theatre for the first available screening. Lunch break at the on-site food stalls or cafeteria. Afternoon: Aquarium (the most reliably delightful experience for young children), Natural Park (dinosaur models), and the Robo Museum. Late afternoon: Musical Fountain show (check for 5:00 or 6:00 PM slot). Evening: thrill rides before closing. This covers the best attractions in a natural rhythm without rushing.
School Groups – Educational Priority
School groups typically receive reduced rates for IMAX screenings (₹50) and planetarium shows (₹100). The Hall of Science is the most curriculum-relevant single gallery and should anchor any school visit. Pre-booking of IMAX and Planetarium show slots for large groups is advisable; contact the Science City management in advance. The Hall of Space and the Robo Museum provide excellent supplementary science content. Allow 4 to 5 hours minimum for a meaningful school visit.
Adults and Science Enthusiasts – Select and Deep
For adult visitors with specific science interests rather than a general family day out, the most rewarding attractions are the IMAX theatre, the Planetarium, the Hall of Science, and the Robo Museum. These four together cover the intellectual range of Science City most effectively. The Musical Fountain is worth seeing for its sheer production quality. Allow 3 to 4 focused hours rather than trying to cover everything.
First-Time Visitors – The Essential Four
If time is limited, the four attractions that best represent Science City’s quality and variety are: the Hall of Space (most impressive gallery), the IMAX 3D Theatre (highest-quality single experience), the Musical Fountain (most visually spectacular), and the Aquarium (most accessible for all ages). These four together take approximately 3 hours including travel time between sections.
Best Time to Visit Science City Ahmedabad
October to February – Best Season
The winter months are the most comfortable for Science City, which has both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor Energy Park, Natural Park, and the approach between buildings are all best experienced in the cool winter air. The indoor halls are pleasant year-round, but arriving at an outdoor-heavy venue in December at 10 AM versus arriving in May at 10 AM are categorically different experiences. October to February is when Science City should ideally be visited.
Weekday Mornings – Least Crowded
Science City is popular on weekends particularly Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For the most comfortable visit, arrive at opening time (10:00 AM) on a Tuesday to Friday. The IMAX and Planetarium shows are easier to get tickets for. The Hall of Space queues are shorter. The Musical Fountain has more comfortable viewing positions. Weekday morning visits consistently give better experiences than weekend afternoon ones.
School Holidays – Plan Around Them
Science City is exceptionally popular during Gujarat school holidays particularly Navratri, Diwali, summer vacations (April-May), and Ganesh Chaturthi. If visiting during school holiday periods, arrive at opening time and book IMAX/Planetarium slots immediately on entry. The crowd levels during holiday weeks can be significantly higher than standard weekends.
How to Reach Science City Ahmedabad
| From | Distance | Mode | Approx. Time |
| Ahmedabad city centre (Lal Darwaja) | ~15–18 km | Car / Taxi / Bus (BRTS/AMTS) | 25–35 minutes |
| Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) | ~16 km | Car / Taxi | 30–35 minutes |
| SVP International Airport | ~14 km | Taxi / Cab | 20–25 minutes |
| Gandhinagar | ~30 km | Car | 40 minutes |
| Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar | ~25 km | Car | 35 minutes |
| Adalaj ni Vav | ~20 km | Car | 30 minutes |
| Vadodara | ~100 km | Car / Train | 2 hours |
Science City is located on Science City Road, off the S.G. Highway (Sardar Patel Ring Road / S.P. Ring Road junction), approximately 0.5 km from Sadbhav Circle. Navigate to ‘Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad’ on Google Maps. The site has extensive parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. AMTS city buses and BRTS routes to the S.G. Highway area pass near Science City. Ola and Uber are widely available from anywhere in Ahmedabad.
Practical Tips for Visiting Science City
- Check the IMAX and Planetarium show schedules first – these timed-entry attractions run on fixed schedules throughout the day. On arrival, go directly to the IMAX/Planetarium ticket counter, check available show times, and plan your visit around them.
- The Tour Combo (₹499) may save money – if planning to visit multiple attractions, calculate whether the combo works out cheaper than individual tickets for your group. Note the current Planet Earth substitution (5D Theatre in place of Earthquake Ride/4D/Coal Mine) and confirm inclusions at the counter.
- Arrive at 10:00 AM for opening – the Hall of Space and the Aquarium in particular fill quickly after opening. Early arrival gives you the best experience of these popular sections.
- Carry a water bottle – the outdoor sections (Energy Park, Natural Park) and the distances between indoor galleries mean hydration is important, particularly in warmer months.
- The Musical Fountain is best at dusk – the 5:00 or 6:00 PM Musical Fountain shows, when the light is failing and the coloured water jets are most visible, are significantly more impressive than midday shows. Plan your visit timing to catch an evening show.
- Children under 10 cannot use VR – if you are bringing young children specifically for the VR experience, note that it is only available for ages 10 and above.
- Food is available inside the complex – the cafeteria and food stalls within Science City are acceptable for a lunch break; you do not need to leave the complex for meals during a full-day visit.
- Monday is closed – Science City is closed every Monday. Verify the current schedule at gujaratsciencecity.org before making a dedicated trip.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Science City
- Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar ~25 km | The magnificent BAPS Swaminarayan temple, 108 feet tall, free darshan, 8 million volunteer hours in construction. Science City in the morning + Akshardham in the evening is one of Ahmedabad’s finest full-day itineraries. Read our full TravelRoach guide.
- Adalaj ni Vav ~20 km | The 15th-century five-storey stepwell — one of Gujarat’s finest heritage monuments. Combine with Science City on the same day for a striking contrast of ancient and contemporary.
- Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary ~25 km | The Ramsar-designated wetland with 160+ bird species. A nature morning before an afternoon at Science City. Read our full TravelRoach guide.
- Kankaria Lake ~15 km | Ahmedabad’s great central lake with zoo, toy train, and heritage lakefront. Good combination for a full family day. Read our full TravelRoach guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad is a science education and entertainment centre established in 2001 and spread over 107 hectares on the S.G. Highway. It has 13 main attractions across three development phases. The major attractions include the IMAX 3D Theatre (large-format Earth documentary films), the Hall of Space (interactive solar system and universe models), the Hall of Science (working models across scientific disciplines), the Planetarium (astronomy dome shows), the Robo Museum (robots from India and the world with live demonstrations), the Aquarium (marine and freshwater species), the Natural Park (life-size dinosaur models and natural history), the Energy Park, the Musical Fountain (choreographed water-light-music show), and various simulator and VR experiences. The Aquarium, Robo Museum, and Natural Park were added in Phase 3, inaugurated on July 16, 2021, by PM Narendra Modi.
The basic entry fee for Gujarat Science City is ₹20 per adult, ₹10 per child, and ₹5 per student. Individual attractions have separate additional charges: IMAX 3D Theatre ₹125 (₹50 for school groups); Hall of Space ₹50; Planetarium ₹150 general / ₹100 school; Musical Fountain ₹90; Thrill Rides ₹30. A Tour Combo package is available at ₹499 covering a bundle of attractions confirm current inclusions at the ticket counter, as the Planet Earth section is under upgradation and 5D Theatre is currently substituted in the combo. Parking charges: ₹20 two-wheelers, ₹50 four-wheelers, ₹100 buses.
Gujarat Science City is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed every Monday. IMAX screenings, Planetarium shows, and Musical Fountain performances run at specific times throughout the day check schedules at the respective counters on arrival or at gujaratsciencecity.org. The best time to visit is at opening (10:00 AM) on a weekday when crowds are smaller and timed-entry attractions are easier to access.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 3 of Gujarat Science City on July 16, 2021. The three Phase 3 additions are: the Aquarium (housing marine and freshwater species, now one of the most popular attractions for families with young children), the Robo Museum or Robotics Gallery (showcasing robots from India and the world with interactive demonstrations), and the Natural Park (life-size dinosaur models and natural history displays). These three additions significantly expanded Science City’s range and have added to its appeal as a full-day destination for families.
Science City is on Science City Road, off the S.G. Highway (S.P. Ring Road junction), approximately 0.5 km from Sadbhav Circle about 15 to 18 km from the Ahmedabad city centre. By car or taxi, the journey takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Ola and Uber are widely available from anywhere in Ahmedabad. AMTS city buses and BRTS routes also serve the S.G. Highway area. From SVP International Airport (~14 km), a taxi takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Navigate to ‘Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad’ on Google Maps.
Yes the Musical Fountain at Science City is consistently rated among the top two or three visitor experiences at the complex. A choreographed combination of water jets, coloured lights, and music, the show is visually spectacular and accessible for all ages. It is most impressive at dusk the 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM shows, when the natural light is fading and the coloured illumination of the water is most vivid. The show ticket is ₹90 per person. Multiple shows run daily; check the current schedule at the Musical Fountain ticket counter on arrival. Do not leave Science City without attending one show.
A comprehensive visit to Science City covering the IMAX Theatre, Hall of Space, Hall of Science, Aquarium, Robo Museum, Natural Park, Planetarium, Musical Fountain, and Energy Park requires a full day: approximately 5 to 6 hours of actual attraction time plus movement between sections and meal breaks. For families with young children who want to see everything, arrive at 10:00 AM and plan to stay until at least 6:00 PM. For a focused visit covering only the essential four (Hall of Space, IMAX Theatre, Musical Fountain, Aquarium), 3 to 4 hours is sufficient. Check the IMAX and Planetarium show schedules first to plan your day around timed entries.
Final Thoughts
Gujarat Science City is not glamorous heritage. It does not have 1,000-year-old carvings or a royal founding legend. It was built in 2001 by a state government as a science education facility, and it has been expanding and improving ever since.
What it does well, it does very well. The Hall of Space makes the universe feel comprehensible. The IMAX screen makes the planet feel like somewhere worth protecting. The Aquarium brings the ocean to a landlocked city. The Robo Museum shows children what the next 50 years of technology might actually look like. And the Musical Fountain, which makes no scientific claim at all, does what the best public institutions always do: it gives people something beautiful for almost nothing.
₹20 to get in. ₹125 for the IMAX. ₹90 for the fountain show. A full day for a family of four for less than ₹1,000 in basic tickets. Ahmedabad has spent a lot of money on a lot of impressive things. Science City is one of the most useful ones.
