The one place that I wanted to visit was Birla Planetarium in Kolkata. Since Science was the major subject in graduation, I was quite fascinated to know about the observatory. Being one of the largest in the world, the planetarium is generally thronged by hordes of tourists from all over the world. .

Located on Calcutta's Eastern metropolitan bypass, it took us one and a half hour to reach this tourist spot from our place. Since I was with Michalle, my cousin, we didn't bother to have a guide as she had all the information about the Birla Planetarium.

"This 21st century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of its kind in India. Set amidst trees and lawns, here one finds science out of doors and alive." said Michalle. "It seems you have mugged these lines" I said. " Ya! actually I read it somewhere" replied Michalle.

I was quite enticed by the architecture of this planetarium. Though it is a single story building, the planetarium has the capacity to accommodate 500 people with a central dome having a diameter of 27m.

Interesting exhibits are the fine collections of paintings, celestial models and busts of famous astronomers that line the corridors. The gigantic planetarium projector accessories comprise of 29000 parts and combine to portray on the inner ceiling of the planetarium, the naked face of space, Stars, planets and heavenly bodies.

Fortunately, it is Tuesday today. The planetarium is closed on Monday's" informed Michalle. She also informed me that there are daily programs held in this planetarium. The program generally start from 12 PM and end at 7 PM. These programs are held in English, Bengali and Hindi. In fact we also participated in the program for a while but then we were too tired to sit so we had to leave it in between.