Birla Planetarium

বিড়লা তারামণ্ডল

Also known as Taramandal.

A domed planetarium of 1963, modelled on the Sanchi stupa.

About Birla Planetarium

Opened in 1963, this was one of the first planetaria in Asia and remains among the largest. The round building takes its shape from the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi. Sky shows are given in Bengali, Hindi and English through the day.

Why visit

An hour under the stars in air-conditioned dark, good on a hot or wet day.

What to see and do

The sky show in the dome
The astronomy gallery

Plan your visit

Area: Maidan & Chowringhee, Central Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Chowringhee Road at Cathedral Road
Best time: Afternoon. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 1 hour
Cost: Usually under ₹100 a head
Entry: Open to the public with a ticket. Show timings by language and the ticket price are not currently verified.
Metro: Maidan or Rabindra Sadan (Blue Line)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is restricted.

Tip

Shows run at fixed times in each language; arrive early for tickets.

Nearby and related places

St Paul’s Cathedral: The Gothic Revival cathedral beside the Maidan, consecrated in 1847.
Victoria Memorial: The white-marble memorial museum and its gardens.
Nehru Children’s Museum: The Ramayana and Mahabharata told in miniature clay models.
Academy of Fine Arts: Galleries and the stage that is the home of Bengali group theatre.
Nandan & Rabindra Sadan: The state film centre and concert hall, heart of the city’s cultural evening.
The Maidan: The great open ground at the centre of the city.

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.