Birla Planetarium
Explore the cosmos and scientific wonders at Birla Planetarium, featuring immersive sky shows and an engaging science museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Birla Planetarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the cosmos and scientific wonders at Birla Planetarium, featuring immersive sky shows and an engaging science museum.
"The science museum is excellent – dinosaur fossils and ISRO exhibits are worth the visit!"
🎯 Check Show Timings
Shows run in English & Tamil. Confirm schedules beforehand to catch your preferred language and show!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Save time by booking tickets online, especially during busy periods.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Sky Theatre Shows
Sky Theatre
Experience the cosmos with 360° immersive shows about planets, stars, and galaxies. A truly stellar visual journey!
Dinosaur Fossil Exhibit
Science Museum
Stand in awe of a massive dinosaur fossil, a prehistoric marvel that captivates visitors of all ages.
ISRO and Space Science Displays
Science Museum
Discover India's achievements in space exploration with fascinating exhibits on ISRO, rockets, and satellites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Beyond the Stars: Explore the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Show Timings
Shows run in English & Tamil. Confirm schedules beforehand to catch your preferred language and show!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Save time by booking tickets online, especially during busy periods.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The AC can be quite cold during shows, so bring a jacket or shawl for comfort.
🚗 Parking Availability
Bike parking is available for a small fee. Car parking details might vary, so check on arrival.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Show Timings
Shows run in English & Tamil. Confirm schedules beforehand to catch your preferred language and show!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Save time by booking tickets online, especially during busy periods.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The AC can be quite cold during shows, so bring a jacket or shawl for comfort.
🚗 Parking Availability
Bike parking is available for a small fee. Car parking details might vary, so check on arrival.
✨ Explore the Museum
Don't skip the science museum! Dinosaur fossils and ISRO exhibits are a major highlight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Birla Planetarium offers a mixed bag of experiences. While the science museum, particularly the dinosaur fossils and ISRO exhibits, receives high praise, the planetarium shows are often described as outdated and less impressive compared to other venues. Visitors also note that prices can be on the higher side and the AC is often too cold.
"Prices are a bit high and the planetarium show isn’t as good compared to Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai. But the museum is excellent – the big dinosaur fossil 🦕, ISRO exhibits, rockets 🚀, and space science displays are worth the visit.
I recently visited Birla Planetarium and had a mixed experience. The entry prices are on the higher side, and honestly, the planetarium show itself was not as impressive as expected. Compared to the Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai, which offers a much better show at a more affordable price, this one feels a bit underwhelming. The visuals and narration could definitely be improved to make it more engaging and educational.
That said, the real highlight of the visit was the science museum attached to the planetarium. The museum is well-organized and filled with fascinating exhibits that both children and adults can enjoy. The dinosaur fossil 🦕 is big and really impressive, giving a glimpse into prehistoric life. I also loved the displays about ISRO, rockets 🚀, satellites, and space stations, which showcase India’s progress in space science. There are also interesting models and information about different branches of science that make the museum quite engaging.
Overall, while the planetarium show may not fully justify the price, the museum is definitely worth visiting. If you are in Hyderabad and have an interest in science, especially space and history, it’s a good stop. But for the planetarium experience itself, I’d still recommend Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai, as a better choice"
Tabassum Khan
"⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Birla Planetarium
📅 Visited on: 01-05-2025
I visited Birla Planetarium with my mom and nephew (my sister’s kid) to give him a fun and educational experience about space. My nephew really enjoyed it, but honestly, for me, it was a bit of a disappointment.
🚀 Experience:
The space theory show is still the same old story that I’ve seen since my childhood—no major updates or improvements.
The seating is also outdated; the same old seats, and the screen projection was blurry, making it hard to watch clearly.
❄️ AC & Comfort:
The AC was on full blast, and it was too cold throughout the 30-minute show. It made sitting there a bit uncomfortable.
💸 Tickets & Parking:
Ticket price: ₹200 per person
Bike parking: ₹20
🚦 Other Observations:
After buying the tickets, there were no clear signboards or directions on where to go next, which created some confusion.
The show lasted about 30 minutes.
🔧 My Suggestion:
Birla Planetarium seriously needs to update its screening experience to match today’s AI generation and modern expectations. Kids today are used to much more advanced tech, and this place has a lot of potential if they upgrade their content and facilities.
➡️ My overall opinion: Above Average, but needs major updates."
Shiva Prasad
"The experience was just above average only, that might be due to we expected more. We went as a family of 4, to watch a show at the planetarium as well as visiting museums and all. The science experiments were good, but can be presented to better suit all age groups. The planetarium show was so so, with less scientific work and more of rashis and stuff. Biological and several other parts can definitely be made more interesting with models and innovative ways."
Dr Mahesh Ambadas Puri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Birla Planetarium is located in Kotturpuram, Chennai
and Naubat Pahad, Hyderabad. It's accessible by public transport like buses and auto-rickshaws. Many visitors use ride-sharing apps for convenience.Yes, bike parking is available for a nominal fee of ₹20. Information on car parking availability and cost may vary, so it's best to inquire upon arrival.
In Chennai, it's located near Gandhi Mandapam Rd.
In Hyderabad, it's situated in the heart of the city at Naubat Pahad.While there isn't a direct metro station at the planetarium, you can take the metro to a nearby station and then use an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach your destination. Check local metro maps for the closest station.
Absolutely! It's a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, offering an engaging introduction to space science.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. In Chennai, it's around ₹60,
while in Hyderabad, it might be around ₹200 per person. It's advisable to check the official website or call ahead for the most current pricing.Typically, a single ticket grants access to the planetarium show and the science museum. However, it's best to confirm this at the ticket counter or on their website.
Show timings vary daily and are offered in both English and Tamil. The first show usually starts around 10:45 AM, with subsequent shows throughout the day until late afternoon.
Yes, tickets are generally available for purchase at the venue. However, booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially for popular showtimes.
Information on specific discounts for students or children is not always readily available online. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter or check their official website for any available offers.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Most planetarium shows last approximately 30 minutes.
This provides a concise yet engaging journey through space and celestial phenomena.The shows are typically available in English and regional languages like Tamil.
You can choose your preferred language when purchasing tickets.Yes, the shows are designed to be educational and engaging for children, covering topics like the solar system and stars.
However, some content might be more appreciated by older kids and adults.The 'Science on a Sphere' show is an immersive experience that uses a large spherical display to visualize Earth's climate and oceans, offering a unique perspective on our planet.
Yes, the Birla Planetarium complex often includes a science museum with exhibits on dinosaurs, space science, and scientific principles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities might vary, it's common for such attractions to have a small cafeteria or snack bar offering light refreshments. It's advisable to check on-site or their website for current offerings.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the planetarium or museum areas. It's best to consume them in designated areas outside the main attractions.
Depending on the location (Chennai or Hyderabad), there are usually numerous restaurants and cafes nearby offering a variety of cuisines. Exploring local recommendations for the specific city is advised.
There is no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Given the air-conditioned environment, dressing in layers is a good idea.
Photography rules can vary. While general photography might be allowed in the museum areas, flash photography and video recording are often prohibited inside the Sky Theatre during shows.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are typically not allowed inside the Sky Theatre during shows to avoid disturbing other visitors and for technical reasons.
The exterior architecture of the planetarium often makes for great photos. The museum exhibits, especially the dinosaur fossil, also provide interesting photo opportunities.
Selfies are generally permitted in public areas outside the show halls. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage regarding photography restrictions.
The grand entrance and the science museum exhibits, like the rockets and dinosaur fossils, are popular spots for memorable photos.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing memories. For the museum exhibits, a camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples Seeking Unique Dates
🧑🏫 Students and Educational Groups
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Museum: More Than Just Space
The museum also features interactive displays and models covering various scientific principles, offering a hands-on learning experience that complements the celestial wonders explored in the planetarium. It's a well-rounded educational component that adds substantial value to the visit, often exceeding expectations for those who might initially focus solely on the sky shows.
Many reviewers highlight the museum as a reason to visit, even if the planetarium show itself was considered average. The ISRO exhibits and the sheer scale of the dinosaur skeleton are frequently mentioned as standout features, making it a must-see for families and anyone interested in science and history.
Understanding the Planetarium Shows
However, feedback on the shows themselves is mixed. Some visitors find them to be a nostalgic but outdated experience, noting that the content and visual quality haven't significantly evolved over the years. Comparisons are often made to other planetariums, with some suggesting that the visuals and narration could be more modern and engaging to match contemporary expectations. The cold air conditioning during the shows is also a common point of discomfort for some attendees.
Despite these criticisms, the shows remain a popular choice, especially for families and those new to astronomy. The educational value, particularly for younger audiences, is undeniable, providing a foundational understanding of space science. For those seeking a visually stunning and cutting-edge planetarium experience, managing expectations based on recent reviews is advisable.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timings, and Comfort
Many visitors recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to avoid queues and secure preferred show slots. Once inside, be prepared for the air conditioning, which can be quite strong and cold during the shows, leading some visitors to suggest bringing an extra layer of clothing for comfort. Navigating the venue after purchasing tickets might also require attention, as clear signposting can sometimes be lacking, leading to minor confusion.
For a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, consider visiting on weekday mornings when crowds are generally lower. This allows for a more relaxed exploration of both the planetarium shows and the science museum exhibits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit