M.P. Birla Planetarium

Kolkata, West Bengal, India

The M.P. Birla Planetarium, a prominent landmark in Kolkata, is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in astronomy and space. Inaugurated in 1963, the planetarium is the second oldest in the world and the largest in Asia. The planetarium is a hub of celestial learning, offering a variety of shows

General information

Ideal Duration:

1-2 hours.
Place Type:

Planetarium, Educational Center.
Entry Fees:

There is an entry fee to the planetarium. ...

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There is an entry fee to the planetarium.

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Timing:

Regular Timings: The planetarium is open from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is in the afternoon. ...

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Regular Timings: The planetarium is open from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is in the afternoon.

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Special Events:

The planetarium hosts various events and shows throughout the year, including workshops and lectures. ...

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The planetarium hosts various events and shows throughout the year, including workshops and lectures.

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Best Photo Spots:

The Building: The circular building of the planetarium is a great subject for photos.

The Interiors: The interiors with the unique lighting are a great backdrop for photos. ...

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The Building: The circular building of the planetarium is a great subject for photos.

The Interiors: The interiors with the unique lighting are a great backdrop for photos.

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Photo Gallery

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Things To Do

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Watch a Show: The primary activity is to watch a show on astronomy and space science.

Explore the Exhibits: Explore the various exhibits on astronomy and space science.

Learn about the Universe: The planetarium is a great place to learn about the universe and its mysteries. ...

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Watch a Show: The primary activity is to watch a show on astronomy and space science.

Explore the Exhibits: Explore the various exhibits on astronomy and space science.

Learn about the Universe: The planetarium is a great place to learn about the universe and its mysteries.

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Hotels

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● Aauris

Address: 4, Robinson St, Mullick Bazar, Kolkata 700017

Distance: 1.1 km

Details: Aauris is a chic, modern hotel that boasts a rooftop Asian skybar and brewery, providing stunning city views. The hotel focuses on comfort and aesthet...

● Hotel Casa Fortuna

Address: 234/1, A.J.C. Bose Road, Minto Park, Kolkata 700020

Distance: 0.7 km

Details: Hotel Casa Fortuna offers a comfortable stay with a modern design in a peaceful yet central neighborhood. Facilities include complimentary Wi-Fi, an o...

● Hotel Kempton

Address: 37, Marquis St, Near New Market, Kolkata 700016

Distance: 1.4 km

Details: Hotel Kempton is known for its traditional values and warm service. It features comfortable guest rooms with essential modern amenities such as Wi-Fi ...

● Hotel Q Inn

Address: Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.4 km

Details: A simple and affordable hotel that offers a basic and clean stay. It is a practical choice for travelers who are looking for a no-frills accommodation...

● Hotel Vip International

Address: 19, Marquis St, Dharmatala, Kolkata 700016

Distance: 1.2 km

Details: Hotel Vip International offers affordable and convenient lodging in a central location. The hotel provides essential facilities, including clean rooms...

● Kenilworth Hotel

Address: 1 & 2, Little Russell St, Kolkata 700071

Distance: 0.3 km

Details: The Kenilworth Hotel offers a sophisticated blend of heritage and modern luxury. Located in the heart of Kolkata, it provides spacious rooms, fine din...

● Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata

Address: Park Street, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2 km

Details: Located in the heart of the city's vibrant food and entertainment hub, The Kenilworth Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a host of amenities. It's kno...

● Park Suites

Address: 1, Wood Street, Kolkata 700016

Distance: 1.0 km

Details: Park Suites provides a luxurious boutique experience with elegantly furnished rooms and personalized services. Located near Park Street, it offers gue...

● Polo Floatel Kolkata

Address: Esplanade, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.7 km

Details: This floating hotel offers a unique and memorable experience on the Hooghly River. It's a short drive from the M.P. Birla Planetarium and other centra...

● Siamton Inn

Address: 20/1, Marquis St, Kolkata 700016

Distance: 1.5 km

Details: Siamton Inn, a part of the Cygnett Collection, offers a blend of old-world charm and modern efficiency. Rooms are well-kept, and the staff is noted fo...

● Taj Bengal

Address: Alipore, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 1.7 km

Details: A luxury hotel known for its stunning architecture and exceptional service. Taj Bengal is a short distance from the M.P. Birla Planetarium, offering a...

● The Astor Kolkata

Address: 15, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata 700071

Distance: 0.5 km

Details: The Astor is a boutique heritage hotel known for its colonial charm and refined hospitality. It features well-appointed rooms, an iconic bar, and an a...

● The Elgin Fairlawn Kolkata

Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.5 km

Details: This hotel is a living piece of history, offering a unique and nostalgic stay in a colonial-era bungalow. It's a great choice for those who want to ex...

● The LaLiT Great Eastern

Address: 1, Old Court House St, Kolkata 700069

Distance: 2.5 km

Details: The LaLiT Great Eastern is a legendary heritage hotel that defines luxury in Kolkata. It offers an opulent experience with its colonial architecture, ...

● The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata

Address: Bow Barracks, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.5 km

Details: This luxury heritage hotel is a short drive from the M.P. Birla Planetarium. It offers an opulent experience with its elegant rooms, a wide range of a...

● The Oberoi Grand Kolkata

Address: New Market Area, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.5 km

Details: A symbol of colonial grandeur, The Oberoi Grand is renowned for its magnificent facade, lush courtyard, and exceptional hospitality. It is a short dri...

● The Park Kolkata

Address: Park Street, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 1 km

Details: A modern and stylish hotel on the bustling Park Street, The Park Kolkata is known for its contemporary design and lively atmosphere. Its proximity to ...

● The Peerless Inn Kolkata

Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 1.9 km

Details: A reliable and well-appointed hotel that is located in the central business district. It offers a comfortable and pleasant stay with all the necessary...

● Treebo Trend Green View

Address: Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.4 km

Details: A budget-friendly hotel that offers a clean and simple stay. It is a practical choice for travelers on a tight budget. While a bit further from the pl...

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Restaurants

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● Balwant Singh's Eating House

Address: 10/1, Harish Mukherjee Road, Bhawanipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700025

Distance: ~1.1 km

Details: This iconic eatery is a great place for a late-night snack. It is famous for its unique and refreshing Doodh Cola, a drink made with milk, cola, and a...

Food List: Doodh Cola, Samosa, Kachori, Aloo Puri....

● Banana Leaf

Address: 39, Purna Das Road, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

Distance: ~3.8 km

Details: Banana Leaf is a well-known name in Kolkata for authentic South Indian cuisine. The Masala Dosa and Idli Sambar are a must-try. The food is served on ...

Food List: Masala Dosa, Idli Sambar, Thali, Filter Coffee....

● Flury's

Address: 18, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Distance: ~1.5 km

Details: A colonial-era tearoom and confectionery, Flury's is a landmark in Kolkata and a favourite spot for a leisurely breakfast or a sweet treat. Establishe...

Food List: English Breakfast, Rum Balls, Pastries, Puffs, Flu...

● Kasturi Restaurant

Address: 13/7, Ballygunge Circular Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019

Distance: ~3.5 km

Details: Kasturi is a popular restaurant that serves a variety of Bengali and Bangladeshi dishes. The Kochu Patar Jhol, a delicious curry made with taro leaves...

Food List: Kochu Patar Jhol, Bhapa Ilish, Dhakai Fish, Mutton...

● Mocambo

Address: 24, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Distance: ~1.6 km

Details: Located on the famous Park Street, Mocambo is a classic restaurant known for its retro charm and continental menu. The restaurant has been serving cus...

Food List: Devilled Crab, Fish a la Diana, Chicken a la Kiev,...

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Information

Why Famous:

Oldest in India: It is famous for being the second oldest planetarium in the world and the largest in Asia.

Celestial Shows: The planetarium is renowned for its variety of shows on astronomy and space science.

A...

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Oldest in India: It is famous for being the second oldest planetarium in the world and the largest in Asia.

Celestial Shows: The planetarium is renowned for its variety of shows on astronomy and space science.

A Hub for Science: It is a hub for science and education, offering a unique and engaging experience for people of all ages.

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Architecture:

The architecture of the M. P. Birla Planetarium is a unique blend of modern and traditional styles, with a focus on creating a space that is both educational and aesthetically pleasing.

The Building: The planetarium is housed in a unique circular building with a b...

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The architecture of the M. P. Birla Planetarium is a unique blend of modern and traditional styles, with a focus on creating a space that is both educational and aesthetically pleasing.

The Building: The planetarium is housed in a unique circular building with a beautiful facade. The building's design is a reflection of its theme, with a series of arches and columns.

The Dome: The dome is the most prominent feature of the planetarium's architecture. The dome is designed to house the main theater and is a beautiful and elegant structure.

The Interiors: The interiors are designed with a focus on creating a perfect environment for the shows and exhibits. The interiors are spacious and are filled with a variety of exhibits, which are displayed in a professional and educational manner.

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How To Reach:

By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), a taxi or an app-based cab will take you to the planetarium, which is about 18 km away.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Howrah Junction (HWH) or Sealdah (SDA...

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By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), a taxi or an app-based cab will take you to the planetarium, which is about 18 km away.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Howrah Junction (HWH) or Sealdah (SDAH). From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or metro.

By Road: The planetarium is located on a major road and is easily accessible by bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw.

By Local Transport: The Kolkata Metro is the most convenient option. The nearest metro station is Maidan, which is a short walk from the planetarium.

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Weather and Best Time to Visit:

Different Types of Seasons:

Winter (October to March): The weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it a great time to visit.

Summer (April to June): The weather is hot, but the planetarium is indoors.

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Different Types of Seasons:

Winter (October to March): The weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it a great time to visit.

Summer (April to June): The weather is hot, but the planetarium is indoors.

Monsoon (July to September): The rains can be heavy, but the planetarium is a great place to visit on a rainy day.

Different Parts of the Day:

Afternoon: Great for a visit.

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Near Tourist Places:

1.

Victoria Memorial: 1 KM. 2. St.

Paul's Cathedral: 1 KM. 3.

Maidan: 0. 5 KM. 4.

Indian Museum: 1 KM. 5.

Park Street: 1 KM. 6.

Howrah Bridge: 3 KM. 7.

New Market: 1. 5 KM. 8.

Shaheed Minar: 1 KM. 9.

BBD Bagh: 2 KM. 10.

Kalighat Kali Temple: 4 KM.

Tourism Tips

Health & Safety: The planetarium is generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Packing: Wear comfortable shoes.

Accommodation: The Park Street and Esplanade areas have ma...

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Health & Safety: The planetarium is generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Packing: Wear comfortable shoes.

Accommodation: The Park Street and Esplanade areas have many hotels that are conveniently located.

Other Topics: Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

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FAQs

Ans:- The M.P. Birla Planetarium, opened in 1962 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is the oldest planetarium in Asia and the second largest in the world. It has served as a premier institution for astronomy education and science popularization, inspiring millions of students and space enthusiasts over many decades.

Ans:- The planetarium is prominently located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, right next to St. Paul's Cathedral and near the Victoria Memorial in central Kolkata. It is highly accessible via the Maidan or Rabindra Sadan metro stations, local public buses, traditional yellow taxis, and various ride-sharing cab services.

Ans:- The M.P. Birla Planetarium is open daily throughout the week, typically from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Show timings vary depending on the language chosen. It occasionally remains closed on major national holidays or for scheduled maintenance, so checking their online site beforehand is highly recommended.

Ans:- To cater to a diverse range of visitors, the sky shows at the planetarium are regularly conducted in three primary languages: English, Hindi, and Bengali. Each show lasts approximately 45 minutes and is scheduled at specific slots during the day, allowing tourists to choose their preferred language.

Ans:- The entry ticket fee is highly affordable, with standard rates for the general public and special discounted concessions available for school and college student groups. Tickets can be purchased directly at the physical booking counters on-site or conveniently booked online through their official web portal.

Ans:- The planetarium underwent a massive modernization process where the old optomechanical projector was replaced with a state-of-the-art Carl Zeiss hybrid digital projection system. This upgrade delivers stunning, high-resolution 9-element full-dome space visuals, offering visitors a truly immersive and realistic cosmic journey through stars and galaxies.

Ans:- No, photography, videography, and the use of mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the main dome theater during the cosmic show. The bright light from phone screens and camera flashes disrupts the pitch-dark environment required for the digital space projection and ruins the experience for others.

Ans:- Yes, apart from the main dome show, the planetarium features an excellent astronomy gallery showcasing beautiful models of celestial bodies, historic space missions, famous scientists, and astronomical equipment. There is also an automated observatory equipped with a powerful telescope for tracking celestial events dynamically.

Ans:- Yes, the planetarium has implemented accessible features, including ramps at the entrance and specific seating arrangements inside the auditorium to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. The staff members are well-trained and ready to assist wheelchair users to ensure they enjoy a comfortable, seamless show experience.

Ans:- Absolutely, the planetarium is a top choice for school educational trips in West Bengal. It offers highly educational content that aligns perfectly with science curricula. Schools can secure advanced bulk bookings and special student discounts by submitting an official request letter to the management.

Ans:- The distinctive architecture of the planetarium is loosely modeled after the world-famous Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. Its iconic, massive circular dome structure has become an integral part of Kolkata's skyline and stands as a fine example of combining cultural design concepts with modern scientific institutions.

Ans:- The planetarium campus does not have a large full-service restaurant inside, but there are small kiosks offering light snacks, ice cream, and packaged drinking water. Since it is located in central Kolkata, visitors are also just a short walk away from numerous multi-cuisine restaurants.

Ans:- Children below the age of three years are generally not encouraged inside the main projection dome as the loud surround sound and intense darkness might scare them or cause discomfort. For older children, it serves as an incredibly engaging, educational, and magical introduction to outer space.

Ans:- The planetarium regularly conducts evening astronomy courses, public lectures, and special telescope viewing sessions during rare astronomical events like eclipses, meteor showers, or planetary oppositions. These initiatives provide fantastic learning opportunities and hands-on guidance for passionate amateur astronomers and young students.

Ans:- It is a must-visit because it flawlessly bridges the gap between complex space science and public entertainment. Combining rich history with cutting-edge digital projection technology, it offers an unforgettable, mind-expanding experience that leaves visitors of all ages in complete awe of the vast universe around us.

Kolkata Itineray And Cost:-

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