Birla Planetarium
Explore the cosmos at Birla Planetarium, featuring immersive shows and interactive science exhibits. A journey through space for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Birla Planetarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the cosmos at Birla Planetarium, featuring immersive shows and interactive science exhibits. A journey through space for all ages.
"A must-visit for kids to learn, play, and enjoy the wonders of space and science."
🎯 Combo Ticket is Key
Get the most value with combo tickets covering Planetarium, Science Centre & 3D shows.
⏰ Check Show Timings
Verify show schedules for your preferred language (Bengali/Hindi) before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Planetarium Show
Sky Theatre
Experience a 360-degree virtual journey through the cosmos, stars, and planets. A truly captivating show for all ages.
Interactive Science Exhibition
Science Exhibition Centre
Explore over 500 exhibits on space, nuclear power, life sciences, and more. Engaging for curious minds of all ages.
3D Dinosaur World
3D Show Theatre
A thrilling 10-minute 3D movie that brings dinosaurs to life, a guaranteed hit with younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Adventure: Show Packages
Timing is Everything for Celestial Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Ticket is Key
Get the most value with combo tickets covering Planetarium, Science Centre & 3D shows.
⏰ Check Show Timings
Verify show schedules for your preferred language (Bengali/Hindi) before you go.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find, including for bikes and cars.
🎒 Food & Water Policy
Food and water aren't allowed inside the Planetarium show; deposit them at the front desk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Ticket is Key
Get the most value with combo tickets covering Planetarium, Science Centre & 3D shows.
⏰ Check Show Timings
Verify show schedules for your preferred language (Bengali/Hindi) before you go.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find, including for bikes and cars.
🎒 Food & Water Policy
Food and water aren't allowed inside the Planetarium show; deposit them at the front desk.
✨ Great for Kids
Highly recommended for children to spark their interest in science and space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Birla Planetarium for its educational value and engaging shows, especially for children. While some outdoor exhibits could benefit from better maintenance, the immersive Planetarium show and interactive Science Exhibition Centre make it a highly recommended and worthwhile visit for sparking an interest in science and space.
"Birla Planetarium is located right in the heart of the city. It’s a quiet place with plenty of parking available in front. The ticket prices are very reasonable – INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children covers the entire package (Planetarium show, entry, 3D show, and Sphere show). There’s also an option to buy a basic INR 35 ticket for only the Planetarium show.
The campus is not very large, so walking inside is easy. At the entrance, you’re greeted by an old fighter jet (HAL HF-24 Marut), an old steam locomotive, and a model of the GSLV rocket. There’s also an evolution park (Dinosaur World), but unfortunately, like the science and industrial play areas for kids, it isn’t well maintained.
The real highlight is inside – the Planetarium and the Science Exhibition Centre. Clean washrooms are available outside, and there are gift, souvenir, and toy shops inside. Food options are limited to a small snack counter selling tea, coffee, and light snacks, so it’s best to carry your own lunch if you plan to spend the full 5–6 hours here. Do note that food and water bottles are not allowed inside the Planetarium show, but they can be deposited at the front desk.
Science & Exhibition Centre:
* Ground Floor:
* DRDO Gallery (models of tanks, battle equipment, and Tejas aircraft)
* Hall of Nuclear Power (detailed displays on nuclear power generation)
* 3D Show (10-minute dinosaur world movie with 3D glasses – very exciting for kids)
* First Floor:
* Oceans Gallery
* Mirror House (fun for kids with mirror illusions)
* Indian Space Gallery (models, information on ISRO projects, and a live quiz show)
* Ramanujan Mathematics Gallery (interactive experiments)
* Heart Museum (hearts of different animals preserved in jars)
* Science on a Sphere (visual science show on a spherical display)
Planetarium Show:
The absolute star attraction – a 20-minute immersive journey through space, stars, the Sun, Moon, and other planets. Truly fascinating, especially for children.
✨ Overall: Birla Planetarium is highly educational and an excellent place for kids interested in science, space, and technology. While the outdoor exhibits and some galleries could use better maintenance, the Planetarium and Science Centre make the visit absolutely worthwhile."
Hudie Channel
"Birla Planetarium's ability to bring the night sky to life with its virtual tours and astronomy shows,
This place is a must visit for kids at least in their lifetime.
Virtual Tours : Explore the night sky with virtual tours that simulate astronomical phenomena
Astronomy Shows : Engage with 35 different audio-visual programs explaining cosmic phenomena, shown in English and Tamil
Science Exhibits : Discover over 500 exhibits across eight galleries, covering topics like life science, electronics, and energy
3D Science Shows : Enjoy immersive 3D experiences, including shows on dinosaurs and scientific concepts
Science Park : Explore outdoor exhibitions on scientific principles, including solar energy and wind energy.
Entry Fee: ₹35 for adults,
₹20 for children below 12 years for the planetarium;
₹25 per person for 3D shows
Bike parking ₹5
Best to buy ₹100 combo for all activities
Near by Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road"
Valliappan Nofear
"It was awesome visiting this place with the kids! Totally recommend it. Grab the combo ticket and check out the three amazing shows.
Adult tickets are ₹60 and kids' tickets are ₹30 for the planetarium, science center, and 3D show package. "Science on Sphere" is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for kids.
The Planetarium can show all kinds of celestial movements. They use special projectors to make the astronomical stuff look incredible on the dome.
Popular exhibits include the Solar System, stars, seasons, comets, and the moon landing. There's also a cool DRDO pavilion.
The "Dawn of the Space Age" show is a mind-blowing Mirrordome+ experience – super realistic space travel visuals."
dileep kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Birla Planetarium is centrally located. Depending on your city, you can reach it via local buses, auto-rickshaws, or ride-sharing services. For Kolkata, it's near Victoria Memorial, and for Chennai, it's in Kotturpuram near Anna University.
Yes, there is parking available at the front of the planetarium for both bikes and cars, making it convenient for visitors arriving by private vehicle.
In Kolkata, it's adjacent to Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral. In Chennai, it's near Anna University and Gandhi Mandapam Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary. A combo ticket for the Planetarium show, Science Centre, and 3D show is around ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children. A basic ticket for just the Planetarium show is around ₹35-₹80 for adults and ₹20-₹40 for children, depending on age.
Information on online booking is not consistently available across all locations. It's often recommended to purchase tickets directly at the venue to ensure availability and current pricing.
Show timings vary by location and language. For example, in Kolkata, Bengali shows are at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and Hindi shows are at 12:00 PM. It's best to check the specific timings for your chosen location and language on the day of your visit.
Yes, student discounts are often available, especially for group bookings. For instance, in Kolkata, student tickets are ₹70 for groups of 25+.
The basic entry ticket typically covers access to the Planetarium show only. For access to other attractions like the Science Exhibition Centre and 3D shows, a combo ticket is recommended.
🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the immersive Planetarium show, a virtual tour of the night sky, stars, and planets presented in a 360-degree dome theater.
The Science Exhibition Centre features over 500 exhibits across various galleries, including DRDO, Nuclear Power, Oceans, Indian Space, and Mathematics.
The 3D Dinosaur World show is a short, exciting experience, especially for children. However, the outdoor 'Evolution Park' might not be well-maintained.
No, recording videos or taking photos inside the Planetarium show is generally not allowed to ensure an uninterrupted experience for all visitors.
Absolutely! The Planetarium show, 3D shows, and interactive exhibits are highly engaging for children, making it a great educational outing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are limited to a small snack counter selling tea, coffee, and light snacks. It's advisable to carry your own lunch if you plan to spend several hours.
Food and water bottles are not permitted inside the Planetarium show itself, but they can be deposited at the front desk.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the common areas and exhibition halls, but it's strictly prohibited inside the Planetarium show to avoid disturbing the audience.
The dome exterior, the old fighter jet, steam locomotive, and GSLV rocket model at the entrance are popular spots for photos. The exhibits inside also offer interesting visual opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the combo ticket to experience all the attractions. While some outdoor exhibits might need maintenance, the indoor attractions provide hours of educational entertainment. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to science and astronomy in an exciting and memorable way. Remember to check show timings for specific languages to best suit your family's needs.
🧑🎓 Students and Educators
Many planetariums offer student discounts, especially for group bookings, making it an accessible educational trip. Educators can leverage the exhibits and shows to create engaging lesson plans and field trips that bring science to life for their students. The interactive nature of many displays encourages active learning and critical thinking.
💑 Couples and Date Seekers
+1Beyond the shows, exploring the Science Exhibition Centre together can be a fun and interactive way to spend time, discovering new things side-by-side. It's a more engaging alternative to a typical movie or dinner, offering a chance to learn and be amazed. Consider the evening shows for a more atmospheric experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Celestial Experience: Planetarium Shows
Shows are typically available in multiple languages, including English, Bengali, and Hindi, catering to a diverse audience. The duration of these shows is usually around 20-30 minutes, providing a concentrated dose of cosmic wonder. It's highly recommended to check the specific show schedule and language options in advance to plan your visit accordingly. Arriving a bit early can also help secure better seating for the most immersive viewing experience.
Exploring the Universe: Science Exhibition Centre
Interactive elements are a key feature, with galleries like the Ramanujan Mathematics Gallery offering hands-on experiments that make learning fun. For younger visitors, the Mirror House provides amusing optical illusions, and the 3D Show, often featuring dinosaurs, offers an exciting visual treat. While some outdoor exhibits like the 'Evolution Park' might show signs of wear, the indoor galleries are generally well-maintained and packed with educational content, making it a comprehensive learning experience.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Logistics
It's advisable to check the official show timings for your specific location and preferred language (e.g., Bengali, Hindi) before your visit, as these can vary. While online booking might not always be an option, purchasing tickets at the venue is straightforward. Parking facilities are usually available, adding to the convenience. Remember that food and water are not allowed inside the Planetarium show itself, so plan accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit