B.M. Birla Planetarium
B.M. Birla Planetarium things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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B.M. Birla Planetarium Chennai: An Astronomical Delight! Visiting the B.M. Birla Planetarium in Chennai was nothing short of a celestial journey for my family. Tucked away in the Periyar Science and Technology Centre, this planetarium is a gem for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. Immersive Experience: The planetarium's sky theater, with its 360-degree dome, delivers an unparalleled visual feast. The shows are presented using modern technology, with digital projections that make you feel as if you're traveling through space. The depictions of our galaxy, planets, and cosmic events are both educational and spellbinding. Educational Value: The content of the shows is well-curated, covering a range of astronomical topics from the basics of the solar system to complex phenomena like eclipses and meteor showers. The shows are regularly updated, ensuring that visitors always have something new to learn. Narrations in both Tamil and English cater to a broad audience, making it an excellent educational outing for children and adults alike. Interactive and Engaging: Beyond the main attraction, the planetarium is part of a larger science center with numerous exhibits. These interactive displays on physics, biology, and technology complement the astronomical education, providing a holistic learning environment. My kids were particularly thrilled with the Science Park, where they could engage with models demonstrating solar, wind, and biogas energy. Accessibility and Value: Located conveniently in Kotturpuram, the planetarium is easily accessible by metro, bus, or car. The entry fee is reasonable, with tickets at Rs.60 for adults and Rs.30 for children, offering great value for the educational experience it provides. The combo tickets for the planetarium and science centre are even more economical, perfect for a day-long visit. Atmosphere and Ambiance: The planetarium's setting within a science complex, surrounded by greenery and near attractions like Guindy National Park, makes it a tranquil spot for a day out. The staff are courteous and helpful, contributing to a positive visitor experience. For anyone in Chennai looking to dive into the wonders of the cosmos, the B.M. Birla Planetarium is an absolute must-visit. It's educational, inspiring, and an excellent day out for families, students, or anyone with a curious mind about the universe. Highly recommend! This review highlights the unique aspects of the Chennai B.M. Birla Planetarium, focusing on its educational benefits, technological advancements, and overall visitor experience.
Madhev raj Sriram
00
The two images below say about the sorry state of affairs at this place. The planetorium is a prime example of an establishment which suffers when under the wrong hands. I remember visiting the place as a kid and the items in the science park and most other galleries ARE THE SAME and not maintained at all. (the models mind you. The pictures hanging on the wall entrances are huge and neatly maintained God knows why!). A simple Google search for the Birla planetorium lands at the Tamil Nadu science and technology center and the result of clicking on"Feedback" can be seen. Simply laughable. There are 3 video shows here 1.. about the universe and planets etc.. Looks like an abridged version and they run it with the same old projector. There are fixed timings for this show and you need to book tickets at the entry in advance. For ex. I went there by 10.45 or 11 on a Sunday and the Shows were full till 12 noon. So I had to book the 12.30 show. Shows are available in English n Tamil. If your show starts by 12.00, make sure u are AT the theatre entrance 10-15 mins prior to to the show start, since there is a crowd. Security guy and minimal staff check for your tickets and provide entry. If you are in a group and wanna sit as a group, make sure you arrive well in advance at the theater venue, else your seats would be scattered. 2..A Science on a Sphere Show - which has potential to be better. 3..A 3D show. Which is more entertaining among the three. Kids and adults loved it. There is ample parking for two and four wheelers. Didnt find restaurants inside the venue and you will require 3-4 hours to experience the place fully, so your day visit will coincide with lunch timings. If the clowns running this place want to generate some revenue, this could be an opportunity and place some food stalls. But yeah, even without food stalls the maintenance of this place is miserable. One can only imagine what it would be the state if they are provided. For God's sake please fix this place....oh wait I said it.
Ganesh R
00
The place is supposed to give wow factor to kids and give them good memories, it does this positively in three things 1. 360 degree theater, 2. Sphere, dinosaur theater and 3. Rocket models Both current generation and future generation(KIDS) can adversely learn these things 1. STEAL MONEY: The petty shop will teach how to steal money with exorbitant price ex: 20 MRP Frooti is sold at Rs.30, 10 MRP chips paket is Sold at Rs.15 - all WITHOUT bill. Upon questioning they say "That is how it is here, if you need buy or go and complain anywhere" 2. MAINTAIN VERY POOR STANDARD IN LIFE: Except the theatre everything else is poorly maintained, it will not work.. not even dusted, people write/draw over the dust in glass. You can get the bathroom smell at the enternace. Almost 90% items are broken. 3. DONT RESPECT OTHERS: The management knows school kids visit in big batches.. THEY SIT IN THE ROAD UNDER THE TREE TO EAT LUNCH, praying the birds don't poop on their food. I am not sure if they even they thought about this. KIDS are expected to learn and facinate about their future by seeing these place, Unfortunately we are setting very very LOW BAR for future generation aswell. Forsure this run by a person who is not passionate about science or future generation.
Senthil Parasuraman
00
I visited thus place in First Week of January under My Mission Explore Awesome Chennai and here is the detailed review:- 1. It's location is exactly as shown by Google Maps so easy accessibility. 2. Ample space for Parking so no to worry just drive. 3. Space is very neatly maintained and well managed. 4. Coming to the main point i.e. the planetarium here one can feel by operating various sciencific instruments like. Gyro Sensor, Maritime exploration through galary etc 5. They gave an emersive 3D show, although it's a bit older but considering the price you pay its just much better. Main attraction of this place is the Galaxy Exploration, they will sail you through the Galaxy by audio visual wonderfully explained video. It's just awesome to see constellation and our solar system in this way. For children's I don't think there is a better way to make them understand these complex systems. One must visit this place. Apart from these they have well managed science park & evolution park. But keep one thing in mind before you visit this place i.e. Have your stomach full or carry some eating stuff better to carry Tiffin with you as there is only one cafeteria which serves only snacks like chips, tea and packaged foods.
BRIJESH बृजेश
10
It's a great place to spend a day with kids. But the maintenance could have been much better. It's quite an old one and a great one for those times but haven't got upgarded or maintained for the current time. Still it's good enough to explore for for the deeper understanding in the field of engeneering, automotive, space etc. It's on the main road diagonally opposite to the Anna Centenary Library at a calm location, spread across over a wide area. There's plenty of parking space for car, bike etc inside. There's a children's park just at the starting after you enter inside (Science park, Traffic Park & Evolution park). And the building houses all the exhibits, science models etc. (Periyar Gallery, Defence Research, Electronics and Communication Gallery, Ocean Gallery, Heart Museum, 3D science theatre, Hall of Nuclear Power, Transport Gallery, Life Sciences Gallery, Innovation Hub Gallery, Fun Mirrors Gallery, Indian in Space, Ramanujan Math Gallery & Science on a Sphere) Main attraction is the virtual tour of the night sky, holding cosmic shows on the hemespherical aluminium inner dome. There's a limited choice food court inside near the theatre. Toilet stinks though they are trying to maintain it well.
Suhas Gopi
00
Timings 10: 30 a.m to 5: 15 pm Every half an hour. Alternative language-Tamil and English One of a must place to visit for kids to learn about our planets. There is also some fun activity before you get to the show. The main theatres is going under renovation so, they have created a mini Hall near the museum. There also some fun science activities around like the magic mirror, under the oceans.. Even though it belongs to Chennai you feel proud about it, the planetarium can be maintained better. The staffs are very courteous and kind. The security guards acts like your guide and helps you around the equipments. People sneak in snacks for the 30 mins show can be avoided. The same Content is played over the years. Even though the effect is good, can be better to attract the New Gen. A 3D show is played after the main show, with a funny dinosaur and a roller coaster ride. Even though we are used to plenty of visually expensive 3D movies. This was actually fun. A little amateur but kind of funny and feel good. They also have a park around the planetarium for the kids. They close sharp at 6pm. So you are not allowed even for a minute longer after 6..
Aarathy Elangovan
00
Nearby Attractions Of B.M. Birla Planetarium
Madhya Kailash Temple
Anna Centenary Library
Gandhi Mandapam - Chennai, Tamilnadu
Periyar Science and Technology Centre

Madhya Kailash Temple
4.4
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Anna Centenary Library
4.6
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Gandhi Mandapam - Chennai, Tamilnadu
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(907)
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Periyar Science and Technology Centre
4.0
(336)
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Nearby Restaurants Of B.M. Birla Planetarium
Sangeetha Veg Restaurant - Adyar
Copper Kitchen Kotturpuram
Soy Soi
Hamsa
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant Adyar
Cafe Srikrishna
Another Kitchen Adyar
Liu's Waldorf
Canteen Cancer Institute WIA
Sri Krishna Hot Spot

Sangeetha Veg Restaurant - Adyar
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Copper Kitchen Kotturpuram
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Soy Soi
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Hamsa
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Basic Info
Address
Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
Map
Phone
+91 44 2441 0025
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Website
tnstc.gov.in
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Reviews
Overview
4.1
(1.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
Description
B. M. Birla Planetarium is a large planetarium in Chennai, India. The fifth B. M. Birla planetarium in the country, it is located at Kotturpuram in the Periyar Science and Technology Centre campus which ...
attractions: Madhya Kailash Temple, Anna Centenary Library, Gandhi Mandapam - Chennai, Tamilnadu, Periyar Science and Technology Centre, restaurants: Sangeetha Veg Restaurant - Adyar, Copper Kitchen Kotturpuram, Soy Soi, Hamsa, Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant Adyar, Cafe Srikrishna, Another Kitchen Adyar, Liu's Waldorf, Canteen Cancer Institute WIA, Sri Krishna Hot Spot
