The State Observatory is situated on the Manora peak at an altitude of 1951 m in
Nainital and is around 5 km from the city center. The observatory is now known as ARIES, Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences.
The primary objective of the observatory has been to do the optical tracking of artificial earth satellites and develop facilities for modern astrophysical researches in stellar, solar, and theoretical branches of astrophysics.
Entry for the public is permitted in the evening.
