B.M. Birla Planetarium: Chennai's Gateway to the Cosmos
Explore the universe at Chennai's B.M. Birla Planetarium: cosmic shows, science exhibits, and stargazing await!
Located in the heart of Chennai, the B.M. Birla Planetarium is a cornerstone of astronomical education and a beloved tourist attraction. Established in 1988, it forms part of the Periyar Science and Technology Centre campus. The planetarium was established in memory of B. M. Birla, a visionary Indian industrialist. The planetarium is equipped with a versatile opto-mechanical GOTO GM II starfield projector, a special-effects projector, and an X-Y table system to simulate celestial phenomena. The sky theatre, with its 360-degree view on a perforated hemispherical aluminum inner dome, provides an immersive experience. Shows are presented in both Tamil and English, covering topics like the solar system, eclipses, and stellar cycles. The themes are updated every three months. Beyond the sky theatre, the planetarium houses eight galleries with over 500 exhibits related to physical science, electronics and communication, energy, life science, and more. The Science Park, designed for kids, features outdoor exhibits demonstrating scientific principles. The planetarium also hosts a special night sky observation show on Saturdays.
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure good seats for the sky shows, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Check the show timings in advance, as English and Tamil shows alternate throughout the day.
- Consider purchasing a package ticket to access both the planetarium and the Science Centre for a comprehensive experience.
- Visit on a Saturday evening for the special night sky observation show, weather permitting.
- Explore the Science Park for interactive exhibits, especially if visiting with children.
A brief summary to B.M. Birla Planetarium
- Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Chennai, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Tamil Nadu, 600025, IN
- +914424410025
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5:45 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:45 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:45 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:45 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:45 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:45 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:45 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Chennai Central Railway Station, take the MRTS train from Chintadaripet station to Kotturpuram. From the Kotturpuram MRTS station, it's approximately a kilometer's walk to the planetarium. Alternatively, several buses (e.g., 21G, 5C, G21) connect Chennai Central to Kotturpuram. Alight at Kotturpuram bus stop, which is about 2 km from the planetarium. A short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride will complete the journey. Bus fare will be between ₹10-₹50. Auto-rickshaw may cost around ₹50-₹80.
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Metro
Take the Blue Line to either Nandanam, Little Mount or Saidapet Metro Station. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the Planetarium. A taxi from the metro station to the planetarium will cost approximately ₹100-₹200.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Ola) are readily available throughout Chennai. A taxi from Chennai Central Railway Station to the planetarium takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The approximate fare is ₹350-₹450. There is parking available at the planetarium for a nominal fee.
