Hyderabad - Birla Mandir Temple and Planetarium

Birla Mandir, constructed of white marble, overlooks the Tank Bund from its location on Kalabahad (Black Mountain). The location offers an excellent view of the city and the Birla Mandir is an amazing sight when illuminated in the evening.

The architectural style combines North and South India temple design. The carved tower at the base is distinctive to southern Indian temples and the smoth dome is very much northern Indian style. Complex carvings can be found in the temple, on the ceiling and through the mythological figures found throughout.

The Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is adjacent to the Birla Mandir Temple. Exhibits at the Science Museum include science through the ages and some archeological displays. One of the wings features The Dinosorium with fossils and a mounted 160 million year old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis".