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M. P. Birla Planetarium

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M. P. Birla Planetarium

M. P. Birla Planetarium

Located on Chowringhee Road in central Kolkata, this facility is one of the largest planetariums in Asia. Travelers visit this site to attend educational shows focused on astronomy, stars, and the mechanics of space. It serves as a scientific museum where visitors can learn about the universe through projected simulations and exhibits.

Getting There

The planetarium is situated in the heart of the city center. Depending on your starting point within the central business district, it is accessible via short taxi or auto-rickshaw rides. Travel time from nearby central hubs typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on local traffic conditions.

Duration of Visit

Visitors should allow approximately 2 to 3 hours for a visit. This timeframe accounts for the duration of a scheduled planetarium show and time to browse the accompanying exhibits.

When to Visit

The facility can get crowded, particularly during weekends and school holiday periods. To avoid the largest crowds, visiting on a weekday is recommended. Because it is an indoor attraction, it provides a climate-controlled environment regardless of the external season.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its central location, the planetarium is easy to combine with other major landmarks. The following sites are within walking distance:

  • St. Paul's Cathedral: 0.2km
  • Victoria Memorial: 0.3km
  • Maidan: 0.7km
  • Netaji Bhawan: 1.1km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near M. P. Birla Planetarium

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Good to visit alongside

St. Paul's Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. Paul's Cathedral

Completed in 1847, St. Paul's Cathedral is Kolkata's Anglican cathedral, notable for its Gothic-style architecture. As Asia's first Anglican cathedral and the largest church in Kolkata, it's well worth a visit.

0.2 km away

Victoria Memorial

Museums & galleries

Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is a marble monument in Kolkata's Maidan park, built between 1906 and 1921 during British colonial rule. It was erected to honor Queen Victoria, who once ruled over India.

0.3 km away

Maidan

Parks & gardens

Maidan

Maidan is a vast green park in the heart of Kolkata, combining sprawling lawns, playgrounds, and spaces for performances and events. It's a great spot for a relaxed stroll or a break from the city bustle.

0.7 km away

Netaji Bhawan

Museums & galleries

Netaji Bhawan

This historic building in Kolkata, India, now serves as a memorial to independence leader Subhas Chandra Bose. It's worth a visit for anyone interested in modern Indian history.

1.1 km away

Indian Museum

Museums & galleries

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum in Kolkata, opened in 1814, is one of India's oldest and most storied museums. Its rich collection of artifacts and sculptures gathered from across the country offers a broad look at Indian history and art.

1.5 km away

Alipore Zoological Gardens

Zoos & aquariums

Alipore Zoological Gardens

Opened in 1876, this is India's oldest zoo and one of Kolkata's leading tourist attractions. It's especially famous for Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise said to have lived more than 250 years.

1.7 km away