There’s no end to learning about space, planets and the galaxy we live in. While visiting space directly isn’t possible for everyone, visiting Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is. Consisting of a planetarium, science museum and dinosaurium, this place is a must-visit for everyone, irrespective of age. From learning about the cosmos to unfolding several science experiments and interactive exhibits, Birla Planetarium offers a treasure full of experiences that will heal your inner child and feed your curiosity. With its primary location in the city centre, visiting Birla Planetarium over the weekend can be a productive experience.
About Birla Planetarium In Hyderabad
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Like most other branches across India, the Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is part of the B.M. Birla Science Centre. This centre’s main objective is to help curious scientific minds find answers to the questions they have been looking for. The planetarium aims to help individuals better understand astronomy and space science. The centre was inaugurated on September 8, 1985, by N.T. Rama Rao, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Since then, it has become a site of educational importance among students and adults alike.
To ensure state-of-the-art infrastructure, the planetarium was built in collaboration with Japan’s Goto Optical Manufacturing Company to bring the absolute best equipment and technologies on display in the planetarium. Beyond the actual exhibits, the strategic location of this centre in Naubat Pahad, a small hillock in Adarsh Nagar in Hyderabad, offers stunning views of the surrounding city. The science centre is famous not just for general visitors and students but also for researchers. The striking design of the planetarium’s building resembles that of a spaceship, which further signifies the centre’s dedication to educating people about science and space.
Address: Birla A1 PREMIUM CEMENT, Naubat Pahad Ln, Ambedkar Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004.
Birla Planetarium timings: 11:30 AM to 08:00 PM
Birla Planetarium tickets: INR 125 (Planetarium + Science Museum), INR 200 (Planetarium + Science Museum + Dinosaurium).
Note: The show timings are at regular intervals as specified by the administration.
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Best Time To Visit Birla Planetarium
The planetarium is open throughout the year. Since it is an indoor activity, you won’t have to worry about the time you visit.
Usually, the crowd is denser during the summer vacations and during winter months when the weather is comfortable and pleasant for people to be out and about. That being said, there are no restrictions on when you can or should visit. It’s entirely on your schedule.
Note: Weekends are usually crowded compared to weekdays. So, if you want to beat the crowd, visit during the weekdays.
Things To Do At Birla Planetarium In Hyderabad
Birla Planetarium activities are diverse and often intriguing. There’s something to appease everyone’s interest, regardless of age. So, if you are considering visiting Birla Planetarium, the key is to make notes of all the exhibits and experiences you want to participate in.
There are a few popular exhibits that you can’t miss out on while there:
1. Planetarium Shows
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The primary reason people visit Birla Planetarium is their Planetarium Shows, conducted regularly throughout the day. Being part of these shows is enough to transport you into a new dimension that simultaneously leaves you mesmerised, shocked and intrigued.
The primary intent behind these shows is to educate, entertain, and make learning about space and astronomy a little easier. From dynamic projections to multilingual shows, there’s nothing better than witnessing them in real-time. The shows cover various topics; you can’t miss the interactive sessions.
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2. Interactive Exhibits
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As you wrap up watching the planetarium shows, it is time to move ahead and explore the individual exhibits that are available in series inside the science centre. There are spacecraft models with details inside, and you also have astronomical instruments, which add to the people’s interests.
Simulation stations are also fun exhibits where you can experience how a rocket is launched or how a spacecraft is navigated. There’s something to pick apart every visitor’s interest. To add to the simulation experiences, you can also witness the Augmented Reality (AR) experiences, where you can explore celestial bodies and astronomical events in an immersive environment.
3. Astronomy Gallery
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Quite mesmerised by how our galaxy, stars and planets look? If yes, you can’t miss exploring the Astronomy Gallery at the Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad.
There are educational panels, celestial photographs and astronomer profiles that you can witness up close. Beyond these, a separate meteorite collection in this gallery provides a glimpse into the material composition of other celestial bodies.
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4. Science Museum
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Beyond the staple astronomy and space-related experiences, Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad also has a dedicated science museum. Since it is adjacent, consider it an extrapolation of the planetarium.
Various exhibits are available inside the museum, including dinosaurium, archaeology and fine arts, nobel gallery and interactive science exhibits. You can take the time to explore each of them and enrich your knowledge about science-related things that you probably didn’t know otherwise.
5. Gift Shop And Bookstore
Your trip to the Birla Planetarium is incomplete if you don’t visit the gift shop and bookstore at the end of the building. Here, you can purchase educational materials, souvenirs, and memorabilia and browse through the books to see if anything catches your eye.
If you are interested in unique purchases, a few astronomy DIY kits should pique your interest. Don’t miss out on the posters.
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Places To Visit Near Birla Planetarium In Hyderabad
Following the limited Birla Planetarium activities, you can also plan to visit several other nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Birla Mandir
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The Birla Mandir is a majestic temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, constructed entirely out of white marble. Due to its proximity to Birla Planetarium, most visitors club both these experiences simultaneously. The temple is also located on top of Naubat Pahad, so you do have to climb steeply before you reach the main shrine. There are viewpoints, and the all-white architecture looks stunning from the outside. You can also shop from the wide range of gift shops that are located outside.
Distance From Birla Planetarium: 200 Metres
Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
2. Hussain Sagar Lake
Image Credit: Sneha G Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
To indulge in some boating experience and the beauty of Hyderabad from a lake, another sightseeing spot you can cover after the planetarium is Hussain Sagar Lake. The highlight of this lake is the monolithic Buddha statue in the centre of the lake. You have to get on board a boat to get there. At night, the area around the lake and the entirety of Necklace Road brightens up with lighting, which adds to the beauty of the place.
Distance From Birla Planetarium: 4.7 Km
Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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3. Lumbini Park
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For some laidback strolling and a comfortable experience, visit Lumbini Park. It is located near Hussain Sagar Lake and is known for its lush greenery, musical fountains and other recreational experiences. You can chill and relax in the park while soaking in the views of the adjacent lake. Also, several food stalls are lining the park from where you can buy snacks and local Hyderabadi delicacies to munch on during your visit.
Distance From Birla Planetarium: 2.0 Km
Timings: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
How To Reach Birla Planetarium In Hyderabad?
Birla Planetarium is located in Adarsh Nagar in Khairatabad, centrally located in the city and accessible from anywhere in Hyderabad.
There are direct buses, trains and even metros that play until Khairatabad that you can take. These are the more affordable modes of transportation. If you want more comfort, you can hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw directly to the planetarium’s entrance.
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Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is one of the most popular spots among science and space enthusiasts. If you are planning your weekend activities and want to do something interesting and exciting at the same time, a visit to the planetarium would be an ideal experience. It’s fun, educational, and recreational, too. On your list of places to explore on your trip to Hyderabad, this is one of those places that you can’t miss out on.
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Cover Image Credit: SMCurator for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Birla Planetarium In Hyderabad
How much do Birla Planetarium tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets depends on the experience. But usually, it starts from INR 125 and covers the planetarium show and science exhibits.
What languages are the planetarium shows conducted in?
The shows are conducted in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Telugu so you shouldn’t have issues understanding.
Can we observe the night sky at the Birla Planetarium?
Yes, the planetarium has a Sky Observation Deck equipped with powerful telescopes for night sky observation, especially during special celestial events.
Is there a gift shop at the Birla Planetarium?
There is a gift shop and a bookstore at the Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad. You can visit them to buy things of your choice.
How can I become a member of the Astronomy Club at the Birla Planetarium?
The membership can be bought online from their official website. You’d have to fill in the details and then go ahead and pay the membership fee to confirm your spot.
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