M.P. Birla Planetarium — Attraction in Kolkata

Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is one of the three Birla Planetariums in India. Popularly known as Taramandal it is the largest planetarium in Asia and second largest in the world. It is located on Chowringhee Road besides the Victoria Memorial

It was opened for public on 2nd July 1963 by Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the prime minister of India at the time. Apart from the usual astronomical laboratories it has electronics and fabrication lab for building equipment’s. There is also an astronomy gallery which houses the paintings and celestial models of famous astronomers.

The planetarium has an observatory equipped with a Celestron C-14 Telescope with features such as ST6 CCD camera and a solar filter. The total capacity of the planetarium is 500. Every year it offers the general public and student more than 100 projects in the field of astrophysics, astronomy and planets and stars

There are daily programs conducted in English, Hindi and Bangla. The timings are between 12 pm to 7 pm. Occasionally the programs are also conducted in Oriya Guajarati and other regional languages. On holidays extra shows are conducted Birla Planetarium, Kolkata Overview Kolkata's Birla Planetarium is a magnificent edifice set up by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 2nd July 1963. This one in Kolkata is one of the three planetariums present in India and is hailed as the largest of its kind in the world. Also known as Taramandal, the Birla Planetarium regularly hold many programs are in various languages including Hindi, English, Bengali, and other regional languages. The planetarium houses numerous innovations and creativity, giving out knowledge to its fellow visitors. A visit to the Birla Planetarium is perhaps one of the most innovative ways to ignite your interest in science and the motion of planets. People, especially the astronomy lovers, flock in from all over the world to experience the amazing shows which are organized here. Interestingly, Birla Planetarium makes use of equipment which is quite old and is no longer used in the newer facilities. A trip here includes a tour of the planets, where interesting details about them and the other interesting celestial bodies present in our universe are discussed. Silence rings loud while the show goes on, which in itself is a testament of the mesmerising effect of the shows here. Pictures of famous astronauts and other celestial bodies are put on display in the hallway. One can have a look at them after attending the show. Architecture of Birla Planetarium One of the interesting aspects if the Birla Planetarium is certainly its architecture. The style followed in the architecture of Birla Planetarium has been adopted from Sanchi Stupa and is quite prominent even from a distance. A splendid dome ornaments the zenith of the Birla Planetarium and shines with white brilliance. The dome has a diameter of 23 metres and can accommodate as many as 688 people. Planetarium projector present in the premises is of Carl Zeiss make and perfectly compliments the magnificent visuals of the various shows. Columns have been allocated across the circumference of the place, and one can easily compare it to a mini-Colosseum. Manicured gardens add a charming grace to the planetarium complex. Show Timings at Birla Planetarium A number of interesting and informative shows are conducted for visitors and their timings are as follows:- English: 1:30 PM & 6:30 PM Hindi: 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM Bengali: 3:30 PM & 5:30 PM. In addition to these, extra shows are organized on Sundays & other holidays at 10:30 AM (Hindi) and 11:30...

Scroll down for Timings and fee info( as of June 2024)

The M.P. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, also known as Taramandal, is a prominent landmark and a major attraction for astronomy enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Established in 1963, it is one of the largest planetariums in Asia and has been a cornerstone of science education and public outreach in India for decades.

Architecturally, the planetarium is an impressive structure, modeled after the famous Sanchi Stupa. Its dome, which houses the main auditorium, is both iconic and functional, providing an immersive environment for star shows. The design is elegant and seamlessly integrates traditional Indian aesthetics with modern scientific infrastructure.

The main highlight of the M.P. Birla Planetarium is its state-of-the-art sky theater. With regular shows in multiple languages, including English, Bengali, and Hindi, the planetarium caters to a diverse audience. The shows are well-crafted, blending stunning visuals with informative narration to create an engaging experience. They cover a range of topics from basic astronomy and space exploration to advanced scientific phenomena, making complex concepts accessible to the general public.

In addition to its regular shows, the planetarium frequently hosts lectures, workshops, and special events featuring prominent scientists and astronomers. These events provide a platform for deeper engagement with scientific topics and encourage young minds to explore careers in science.

The planetarium also boasts a well-stocked library with an extensive collection of books and journals on astronomy and related sciences. This resource is invaluable for students and researchers looking to delve deeper into the subject.

One of the planetarium's standout features is its dedication to educational outreach. It runs various programs for schools and colleges, aiming to spark interest in astronomy and space sciences among students. These initiatives are commendable and play a crucial role in promoting scientific literacy.

However, some aspects of the planetarium could benefit from modernization. While the content of the shows is excellent, the seating and some of the audiovisual equipment could use an upgrade to enhance the overall experience. Additionally, incorporating more interactive exhibits could make the visit even more engaging, especially for younger visitors.

Highly Recommended ✅ Timings for Hindi Show 12pm 2pm 4pm Timings for English Show 1pm 6pm Timings for Bengali Show 3pm 5pm

Entry Fee - 120 per head. Show time about 35 minutes.

Yes you have toilets inside.

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M.P. Birla Planetarium, Kolkata – A Stellar Journey Through the Cosmos

Located at the heart of Kolkata on Chowringhee Road, the M.P. Birla Planetarium, fondly known as Taramandal, is an awe-inspiring landmark that ignites curiosity about the universe. Established in 1962 and inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963, this iconic structure, modeled after the Sanchi Stupa, stands proudly near Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Its central location, just 5 km from Howrah Station and a short walk from Maidan Metro Station, makes it easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi.

Spanning a single-storied circular building, the planetarium is Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest, boasting a 570-seat Sky Theatre with a state-of-the-art ZEISS Hybrid Planetarium system. The 40-minute shows, offered in English, Hindi, and Bengali, are a highlight, with titles like “Cosmic Collisions” and “Our Universe” delivering breathtaking visuals of galaxies, planets, and stars. The dome projection, paired with live lectures, creates an immersive spaceship-like experience, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and families. The astronomy gallery, featuring celestial models and paintings of renowned astronomers, and an electronics lab add educational depth. An observatory with a Celestron C-14 telescope enhances the experience for stargazers.

The manicured gardens and fountain outside add charm, while the planetarium’s proximity to Victoria Memorial makes it ideal for a combined visit. Across the road, the bustling Maidan and Park Street’s vibrant cafes and shops, including iconic Flurys, offer a lively contrast to the serene cosmic journey inside. Tickets are affordable at INR 100 for adults and INR 40 for student groups, though some find the INR 120 price slightly high for the 30-40 minute show. The premises are clean, air-conditioned, and well-maintained, though non-reclining seats may strain necks during shows. Photography inside the dome is prohibited, preserving the experience’s magic.

A visit here is a must for students, kids, and anyone fascinated by space. Plan ahead for show timings and language preferences, and arrive 30 minutes early to avoid queues. The M.P. Birla Planetarium is a captivating blend of science, culture, and wonder, leaving visitors inspired by the vastness of the universe. Highly...