Go on a fun trip back in time

The B. M. Birla Science Centre is the place to go for history and science lovers with its variety of displays and activities.

August 06, 2012 08:18 pm | Updated 08:18 pm IST - Hyderabad

Frozen in time: A fossil of fish dating back to 160 million years old. Photo: K. Gajendran

Frozen in time: A fossil of fish dating back to 160 million years old. Photo: K. Gajendran

“Ice Age 4 - Continental Drift” is here with the extinct woolly mammoth and other members of the friendly animal pack. The woolly mammoth, much like dinosaurs walked on earth millions of years ago.

The fossils of the now extinct mammals and species excavated and preserved in various parts of the world help us know more about these gigantic creatures. And for all of us to have a glimpse into the past, the B. M. Birla Science Centre is the nearest place to go to.

Fossil finds

The Dinosaurium here is home to the Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis or the Asuropop dinosaur. The Kotasaurus existed nearly 208 to 188 million years ago in the early Jurassic period. This herbivore was nearly 30 feet long and its remains were found in India in 1988. And if you haven’t seen the remains of an actual dinosaur before, the Dinosaurium will certainly be an unforgettable experience.

The B. M. Birla Science Centre is also home to numerous ancient artifacts that take you way back in time. From European porcelain figurines to ancient artillery, bronze and metal ware, authentic Buddhist relics, pottery that dates back to 200 B. C, ivory carvings, woodwork, Indian miniature paintings… the list is endless.

You will certainly lose track of time exploring all that the Science Centre has on display. The Buddhist stone sculptures are particularly beautiful, as are the ancient swords and shields that are hand painted with beautiful imagery.

Up in the sky

Learn more about astronomy at the Science Centre’s G. P. Birla Observatory. Here you’ll get to know about stars, planets, comets and all the wonders of outer space. And the best part is that you can actually see these marvels through their telescope!

Recently, the Science Centre also launched an amateur observatory with an amazing Cassegrain-Schmidt telescope that, in extremely favourable conditions, even has the potential to detect “exo-planets” or planets attached to other solar systems. The amateur observatory makes astronomy and space observation more accessible to young enthusiasts and school-goers who are passionate about astronomy.

However, the science centre isn’t only about space and stars and fossils. Those of you who enjoy experimenting with science will be delighted to know that there is also an exclusive Interactive Centre within the Science Centre with basic equipment, including a very big and surprising kaleidoscope.

The Science Centre has its own Modern Art museum too! The museum is a great way to learn not only about some of India’s most brilliant artists but also about Indian art history. So head to the centre for an enriching experience.

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