"Birla Planetarium, Kolkata, WB, India"

Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata
Established in: 1962
Inaugurated by: Jawaharlal Nehru

Amongst the myriad tourist spots in Kolkata, Birla Planetarium is one place that has became remarkably popular within a span of few decades. Established in 1962, towards the end of the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, this planetarium offers magical experience to all those who have grown up watching the enigmatic stars in the sky. The planetarium, though formally inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on July 2, 1963, had begun functioning from September 29, 1962 only. It is one-of-its-kind museum and exhibitory in India. The planetarium is the brain child of Mr. M.P. Birla and all the assets and property of this organization belongs to the 'Birla Institute of Fundamental Research'.

Birla Planetarium offers the visitors a unique experience through its various shows, of which some are related to the sky, stars, galaxies, solar system and planets. These shows are held here on a slot basis. They are organized in a big hall and are so real that you may feel that you have actually landed in the celestial world. Other than this, Birla Planetarium also conducts Post Graduate Diploma and M. Phil courses, in Astronomy and Planetarium sciences, in collaboration with Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani. An evening course on Astronomy is also conducted here, on a regular basis.

The Birla Planetarium of Calcutta is the center of astronomical studies in India. It has immensely contributed towards enhancing the celestial knowledge of the country, by conducting several seminars, conferences and work shops on the topic involving great scientists from all over the world. For this purpose, it also publishes a journal called 'The Journal of M.P Birla Planetarium' which includes interesting articles by scholars in the field of Astronomy. Other publications, like 'Bust Stories' and 'A Brief Introduction of Astronomy', have also been published by the organization.

"Victoria Memorial"

Location: Maidan, Near Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata, WB, India
Built in: 1921
Built by: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India
Designed by: Sir William Emerson

Victoria Memorial is one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata. Built in 1921, this museum is dedicated to the Queen Victoria of Great Britain. It was conceptualized by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India and designed by the famous architect Sir William Emerson. King George V, the then Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum, on January 4, 1906. However, the entire construction took about 15 years and a hefty sum of Rs. 1, 05, 00,000. The museum, today, comprises of the pictures and statues of those great men who have significantly contributed to the nation-building.

Presently, Victoria Memorial is one of the most prominent museums in Kolkata. It officially runs under the Department of Culture, Government of India. A royal, airy, colossal and majestic building, surrounded by an exquisite garden, Victoria Memorial is the largest depository in India, for the illustrative history of Kolkata. The major collections of the museum include ancient western paintings, archives, Mughal miniatures, sculptures, Indian paintings, postage stamps, manuscripts, arms and armors, company school drawings, lithographs and aquatints, rare books and sketches.

Victoria Memorial Hall is open for public visits everyday, except Mondays and public holidays. The timings are 9 am to 5 pm. It attracts lots of Indian and foreign tourists. The entry fee for Indians is only Rs. 10 and for foreigners, the entry fee is Rs. 150. Separate ticket is also available for the garden, in case you do not want to visit the memorial. Entry to the memorial is free to school children up to 12 years of age as well as army personnel in uniform. Special light & sound shows are held here regularly, as a permanent special event.