Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the universe? Do you want to explore the wonders of the stars, planets, and galaxies? If yes, then you should visit the Birla Planetarium Kolkata, the largest planetarium in Asia and one of the most popular attractions in the city. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Birla Planetarium, its history, features, shows, and location, and how to plan a memorable visit to this amazing place.
History of Birla Planetarium Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata was inaugurated on July 2, 1963, by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It was the first planetarium in India and the second in the Commonwealth, after the London Planetarium. The planetarium was built by the industrialist and philanthropist Birla family, who also built other planetariums in India, such as the Birla Planetarium Hyderabad, the Birla Planetarium Chennai, and the Birla Planetarium Jaipur.
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata underwent a major renovation in 2015, which upgraded its projector, dome, gallery, and auditorium. The planetarium reopened in 2017, with new shows and features that made it more attractive and informative for the visitors. The planetarium is also a center of scientific and educational activities, such as workshops, seminars, publications, and research projects.
Architecture of Birla Planetarium Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata is a stunning example of architectural excellence. The planetarium is designed in the style of the Gol Gumbaz, a 17th-century mausoleum in Bijapur, Karnataka, which has the second-largest dome in the world. The dome of the planetarium has a diameter of 27 meters and a height of 30 meters, making it one of the largest in Asia. The dome is supported by 12 pillars, each of which has a statue of a zodiac sign.
The planetarium has a state-of-the-art projector, called the Hybrid Projection System, which combines optical and digital technologies to create realistic and immersive images of the sky. The projector can simulate the night sky of any place and time, as well as show various celestial phenomena, such as eclipses, comets, or meteor showers. The projector can also display 3D images and videos, making the shows more interactive and engaging.
The planetarium has a spacious and comfortable auditorium, which can accommodate up to 670 people. The auditorium has a circular seating arrangement, which gives every visitor a clear and uninterrupted view of the dome. The auditorium also has a surround sound system, which enhances the audio quality and effects of the shows.
The planetarium has a gallery, which showcases various exhibits and models related to astronomy, space science, and cosmology. The gallery has interactive displays, such as touch screens, kiosks, and quizzes, which make learning fun and easy. The gallery also has a library, which has a collection of books, journals, and magazines on various topics of science and technology.
The planetarium is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains, which add to the aesthetic appeal of the place. The gardens have various plants and flowers, which create a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere. The fountains have colorful lights and music, which create a spectacular show at night.
Shows at Birla Planetarium Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata offers various shows that cater to the interests and curiosity of the visitors. The shows are conducted in different languages, such as English, Hindi, Bengali, and Gujarati, and last for about 40 minutes. The shows are divided into two categories: Regular Shows and Special Shows.
The Regular Shows are the ones that are held every day, and cover various topics, such as the solar system, the constellations, the Milky Way, the Big Bang, the black holes, and the life cycle of stars. The Regular Shows are suitable for all age groups and educational levels, and are designed to be informative and entertaining.
The Special Shows are the ones that are held on specific occasions, such as eclipses, comets, festivals, or anniversaries. The Special Shows are more detailed and focused, and cover topics that are relevant and timely. The Special Shows are suitable for more advanced and enthusiastic audiences, and are designed to be more interactive and immersive.
The shows are narrated by expert and experienced guides, who explain the concepts and facts in a simple and lucid manner. The shows are also accompanied by music and sound effects, which create a realistic and captivating experience. The shows are updated regularly, to keep up with the latest discoveries and developments in the field of astronomy and space science.
Entry Fee and Timings of Birla Planetarium Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata charges a nominal entry fee for the visitors, which is as follows:
Category Fee
Adults Rs. 80
Children (below 10 years) Rs. 40
Students (with ID proof) Rs. 40
Groups (more than 25 people) Rs. 35 per person
The planetarium is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. The planetarium is closed on Sundays and national holidays. The planetarium also has maintenance days, which are usually the first and third Thursday of every month, when the planetarium is closed for the public.
The show timings of the planetarium are as follows:
Language Timings
English 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm
Hindi 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm
Bengali 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
Gujarati 6:30 pm
The visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance, as the shows are often sold out. The tickets can be booked online, through the official website of the planetarium, or offline, at the ticket counter of the planetarium. The visitors are also advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show time, as the entry is not allowed once the show starts.
How to Reach Birla Planetarium Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata is located in the heart of the city, and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. The best ways to reach the planetarium are as follows:
By Train:
The nearest railway station to the planetarium is the Howrah Railway Station, which is about 5 km away. The visitors can take a cab, a bus, or a metro from the station to the planetarium.
By Air:
The nearest airport to the planetarium is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, which is about 20 km away. The visitors can take a cab, a bus, or a metro from the airport to the planetarium.
By Cab:
The visitors can also take a cab from any part of the city to the planetarium. The cab fare depends on the distance and traffic, but is usually around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300.
By Bus:
The visitors can also take a bus from any part of the city to the planetarium. The bus routes that pass by the planetarium are 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48…
By Metro:
The visitors can also take a metro from any part of the city to the planetarium. The nearest metro station to the planetarium is the Maidan Metro Station, which is about 1 km away. The visitors can walk or take a rickshaw from the station to the planetarium.
Best Time and Tips to Visit Birla Planetarium Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata is a year-round attraction, and can be visited anytime of the year. However, the best time to visit the planetarium is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The winter months also coincide with some of the major festivals and events in Kolkata, such as Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year, which add to the charm and excitement of the city.
The visitors should also keep in mind the following tips to make the most of their visit to the planetarium:
- Book your tickets in advance, as the shows are often sold out. You can book your tickets online, through the official website of the planetarium, or offline, at the ticket counter of the planetarium.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the show time, as the entry is not allowed once the show starts. You can also explore the gallery and the gardens before or after the show.
- Carry your ID proof, as it may be required for verification at the entry. Students should also carry their student ID cards, to avail the discounted fee.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the planetarium, such as switching off your mobile phones, not taking photos or videos, not eating or drinking, and not making noise during the show.
- Explore the nearby attractions, such as Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Indian Museum, and Eden Gardens, which are within walking distance from the planetarium. You can also enjoy the street food, shopping, and cultural activities in the vicinity of the planetarium.
- Share your experience and feedback with us, by leaving a comment, rating, or review on our website or social media. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, to get the latest updates and offers on the planetarium and other attractions in Kolkata.
The Birla Planetarium Kolkata is a must-visit place for anyone who loves astronomy and space science. The planetarium offers a unique and enriching experience, that combines education and entertainment. The planetarium showcases the beauty and mystery of the universe, and inspires the visitors to learn more and explore further. The planetarium is also a great place to spend some quality time with your family, friends, or partner, and create some unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now, and get ready to embark on a cosmic journey at the Birla Planetarium Kolkata. And don’t forget to share your experience and feedback with us, by leaving a comment, rating, or review on our website or social media. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy travelling!
