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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!
The B.M. Birla Planetarium in Chennai offers an immersive journey through the cosmos with its state-of-the-art sky theatre, engaging exhibits, and educational programs, making it a must-visit destination for science enthusiasts and families alike.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to B.M. Birla Planetarium
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Chennai, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Tamil Nadu, 600025, IN
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
Discover more about B.M. Birla Planetarium
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.
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Getting There
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.
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.
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.
A brief summary to B.M. Birla Planetarium
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