West Bengal, India

    M.P. Birla Planetarium

    Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    8/10
    Best time: October to March
    2 hours

    Journey through the cosmos at the M.P. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, a celestial wonderland for astronomy enthusiasts! Fondly called 'Taramandal,' this iconic landmark, established in 1963, ignites curiosity about stars, planets, and galaxies. Explore the universe with captivating shows – a must-see destination for families and space lovers on their India travel adventure! A perfect spot for Kolkata tourism.

    Astronomy
    Family
    Science
    M.P. Birla Planetarium - Photo 1
    M.P. Birla Planetarium - Photo 2
    M.P. Birla Planetarium - Photo 3
    M.P. Birla Planetarium - Photo 4

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    Key Activities

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    Top Activities in M.P. Birla Planetarium

    • 1

      Attend Educational Programs And Workshops On Astronomy.

    • 2

      Explore The Exhibits On Space Science And The Solar System.

    • 3

      Watch A Captivating Astronomy Show Projected Onto The Dome.

    Detailed Information

    Best Time to Visit

    October to March

    When to visit place on the day

    Approximate expense

    ₹200 per person

    History

    Inaugurated in 1963, the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata was the first public planetarium in India and the largest in Asia at the time. It was established under the patronage of the Birla Education Trust, renowned for its contributions to education and science. The planetarium's iconic architecture, designed in the shape of a Buddhist stupa, quickly became a landmark in the city. Over the decades, the planetarium has played a pivotal role in popularizing astronomy and space science among the masses, inspiring generations with its captivating shows and educational programs.

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    Recent Google Reviews

    Nishant _Kumar
    Nishant _Kumar

    Nishant _Kumar

    10/5/2024

    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. A small request -🙏 I do post reviews in Kolkata and other parts of the country where I travel. Please follow , because you could find relevant and updated information about places you would wish to go. Hit the Thumbs up button if you liked the review. Uploading some images for your reference.

    Atiqur Rahman
    Atiqur Rahman

    Atiqur Rahman

    10/5/2024

    Not much to see other then the Shows.. Nothing so special as called a Planetarium.. But the Shows inside the Dome Theater was pleasant to watch.. Do visit with kids, they will love it.

    Parinay Sood
    Parinay Sood

    Parinay Sood

    10/5/2024

    Birla Planetarium popularly known as "Taramandal" is the largest planetarium in Asia and the second largest in the world. The single storey circular structure is often been compared with Buddist Stupa at Sachi. There are other two planetarium situated at Chennai and Hyderabad. A must visit place if you want to explore and know more about the evolution of the universe. Movie timings : Bengali - 3 and 5 PM Hindi - 12, 2, and 4 PM English - 1 and 6 PM. Ticket price - ₹120

    Subham Prajapati
    Subham Prajapati

    Subham Prajapati

    10/5/2024

    Visited on weekend. Went for Hindi show at 4 pm. Queue for ticket started at 3:15, Ticket booking counter opened at 3:30, Queue was very big almost 200 people but management was good, all people got the tickets. I visited it 10 years back, since then it didn't changed a bit, Very well maintained. Cost of ticket - 120 Timings - In the photos Shows are mesmerizing and will keep you engaged. Cleanliness - 5/5 ✅ Management - 5/5 ✅ Visuals - 5/5 ✅ A must visit place in Kolkata, Definitely recommend ✅✅✅

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