Indira Gandhi Planetarium — Attraction in Bihar

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, also known as Patna Planetarium or locally as Tāramandāl (“circle of stars”), is one of Asia’s oldest and largest planetariums. Located in the Indira Gandhi Science Complex on Bailey Road, it was conceptualized in 1989 by Chief Minister Satyendra Narain Sinha, constructed over four years at approximately ₹11 crore, and officially inaugurated on 21 March 1993 by then-CM Lalu Prasad Yadav  .

Architecture & Design

605-0Built to resemble the planet Saturn, the striking structure features a 21 m diameter dome surrounded by circular rings housing administrative offices. A surrounding pool and fountains enhance its visual impact  . 882-0Inside, the auditorium has a dome‑screen of 16 m, seating for around 270 visitors  .

Experience & Shows

999-0Fully air-conditioned and equipped with state-of-the-art projection and digital sound systems—featuring Japanese art projectors and special effects—the planetarium offers immersive astronomical shows  . 1262-0Shows run daily (except Monday) at scheduled times (typically 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.; additional shows during vacations) in English (first weekend show) and Hindi others  .

1482-0In a major modernization initiative completed in April 2024, it welcomed a new 3‑D digital system with six Christie projectors installed by ZEISS and 5.1 surround sound, extending capacity to 200 seated guests  .

Exhibitions & Education

1727-0A ground-floor gallery houses interactive exhibitions on the solar system, Indian space missions, and models like the Mars Sojourner rover and Rakesh Sharma displays  . 1974-0The first-floor auditorium also doubles as a venue for educational workshops, seminars, and astronomy events  .

Visitors & Accessibility

2131-0With over a million annual visitors reported in 2007, the planetarium attracts both students and tourists  . 2306-0Tickets cost around ₹50 for adults and children, with concessions available for groups or 2D/3D shows  . 2456-0Facilities include wheelchair ramps, digital sound, and special school show arrangements  .

Accessibility & Location

2579-0Positioned in central Patna, just 1½ km from Patna Junction and 6–8 km from the airport, the planetarium is easily accessible by taxi, auto‑rickshaw, bus, or private car  . 2819-0It’s open daily (10 a.m.–5 or 6 p.m.) except Mondays; visitors are encouraged to book ahead, especially for group or special shows  .

2985-0The planetarium serves as a key educational hub, fostering scientific curiosity among youth through public shows, school outreach, digital 3-D visual experiences, and astronomy events  . Its successful modernization reflects Bihar’s commitment to science education and engaging the public with space exploration.

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium is more than just a show venue—it is a beacon of scientific wonder in Patna, merging architectural novelty, advanced technology, and educational outreach to inspire curiosity...

Most Visited place of Patna Indira Gandhi Planetarium or Patna planetarium is one of the oldest and largest planetariums of Asia. It is also popularly known as Taramandal.

The seating capacity in the main hall is of 276 people.

Timings : 10.00 AM - 5.00 PM Show timings 12.30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM & 5:00 PM Closed on Monday

Time Required : 2-3 hours

Entry Fee : INR 50 (Ticket mandatory for kids over 3 years) INR 10 per ticket concession for booking of Full Show by schools & educational institutions

Landmark :- 1.7 Km from Patna Railway Station

5.7 Km from Patna Airport

There is a huge dome shaped screen here to showcase the movies in which visitors need to look up on the roof to enjoy the amazing feeling of watching a sky full of fascinating stars, moons and other celestial bodies. A crystal clear surround sound quality makes the experience even more wonderful A separate place is available for holding large events, conferences, seminars or workshops.

It was constructed through Bihar Council on Science & Technology at a total cost of about 11 Crores. It was conceptualised in 1989 by Bihar Chief Minister Shri Satyendra Narain Sinha who laid the foundation stone in October 1989 and was inaugurated by Shri Laloo Prasad, the then Chief Minister of Bihar, on...

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Patna deserves a 5-star rating for its remarkable contribution to spreading knowledge about astronomy and space science. A visit to this planetarium offers an unforgettable experience for both students and adults alike, inspiring curiosity about the mysteries of the universe. The modern architecture of the building, designed in the shape of Saturn with its rings, makes it a unique attraction.

Inside, the planetarium offers immersive, high-quality shows about space, planets, and celestial phenomena using advanced projection technology. The well-maintained seating arrangement ensures comfort during the shows, and the overall ambience is perfect for learning and exploration. The detailed presentations are not only educational but also entertaining, making complex concepts easily understandable for the audience.

Additionally, the staff is helpful and knowledgeable, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors. The lush green surroundings add to the beauty of the place, making it an ideal spot for school trips and family outings. Indira Gandhi Planetarium stands as a beacon of scientific education, making it a must-visit...