India boasts several rail museums that offer a captivating glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Indian Railways. The exact number of rail museums in India may vary depending on the definition of a “rail museum,” but here is a list of some of the prominent rail museums in the country:
National Rail Museum, New Delhi
Situated in the Chanakyapuri neighborhood of New Delhi, the National Rail Museum is among India’s most sought-after museums. It offers an enthralling display of the Indian Railways’ history and heritage with its extensive assortment of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other railway-related artifacts. Visitors can explore the fascinating exhibits that chronicle the development of the Indian railways and their significant role in the country’s economy and culture. Visitors can learn about the development of Indian railways, the role of railways in India’s economy, and the various services they have provided over the years.
The National Rail Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm every day except for Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 100 per person for adults, Rs. 50 per person for children aged 3-12 years, and Rs. 500 for foreign nationals. Additionally, the museum provides visitors with an opportunity to take a delightful toy train ride for an extra fee. The ride costs Rs. 50 per adult and Rs. 20 per child, and it adds to the experience of exploring the museum’s vast collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other railway-related artifacts.
Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting. In addition, there are special rates for school groups and bulk bookings. These rates can be obtained by contacting the museum directly.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum, Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It is also known as the DHR Museum and showcases the history and heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also called the “Toy Train.” Featuring an extensive collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other railway-related artifacts, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Indian Railways. Visitors can learn about the construction of the railway, its unique features, and the various services it has provided over the years.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day except for Mondays. Admission to the museum costs Rs. 20 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 per person for foreign nationals, making it an affordable and accessible attraction for visitors from all around the world.
The entry fee for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum, also known as the DHR Museum, is as follows:
The museum charges an entry fee of Rs. 20 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 per person for foreign nationals, offering an affordable and enriching experience for visitors of all nationalities.
Kalka Shimla Railway Museum, Shimla
The Kalka Shimla Railway Museum is located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kalka Shimla Railway is a treasure trove of history and heritage, which the museum beautifully showcases through its impressive collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other railway-related artifacts. Visitors can learn about the construction of the railway, its unique features, and the various services it has provided over the years.
The Kalka Shimla Railway Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 10 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 20 per person for foreign nationals. Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting.
The entry fee for the Kalka Shimla Railway Museum, also known as the Shimla Heritage Museum, is as follows:
For Indian nationals: Rs. 10 per person
For foreign nationals: Rs. 20 per person
Matheran Hill Railway Museum, Matheran
The Matheran Hill Railway Museum is located in Matheran, Maharashtra, India. It showcases the history and heritage of the Matheran Hill Railway, which is a narrow gauge railway in the Western Ghats. The museum has a collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other artifacts related to the railway’s history. Visitors can learn about the construction of the railway, its unique features, and the various services it has provided over the years.
The Matheran Hill Railway Museum is open from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm every day. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 5 per person. Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting.
Railway Heritage Centre, Tiruchirappalli
The Railway Heritage Centre is located in Tiruchirappalli (also known as Trichy), Tamil Nadu, India. It is a railway museum showcasing the history and heritage of the Southern Railway. The museum has a collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other artifacts related to the railway’s history. Visitors can learn about the construction of the railway, its unique features, and the various services it has provided over the years.
The Railway Heritage Centre is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except for Mondays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 20 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 100 per person for foreign nationals. Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting.
Railway Museum, Chennai
The Railway Museum in Chennai, also known as the Integral Coach Factory Rail Museum, is located in the neighborhood of Perambur in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The museum showcases the history and heritage of the Integral Coach Factory, which is a major railway coach manufacturing unit in India. The museum has a collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other artifacts related to the railway’s history. Visitors can learn about the manufacturing process of railway coaches, the development of Indian railways, and the various services they have provided over the years.
The Railway Museum in Chennai is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except for Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 per person for foreign nationals. Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting.
The Rail Museum in Chennai, India is located at ICF (Integral Coach Factory) and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The timings for the museum are as follows:
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
Gitanjali Railway Museum, Bolpur
The Gitanjali Railway Museum is located in Bolpur, West Bengal, India. The museum showcases the history and heritage of the Indian Railways, with a focus on the Eastern Railway. The museum has a collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other artifacts related to the railway’s history. Visitors can learn about the development of Indian railways, the role of railways in the region’s economy, and the various services they have provided over the years.
The Gitanjali Railway Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except for Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 10 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 per person for foreign nationals. Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting.
Sardar Patel Museum, Vadodara
The Sardar Patel Museum is located in Vadodara (also known as Baroda), Gujarat, India. The museum showcases the history and heritage of the Indian Railways, with a focus on the Western Railway. The museum has a collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other artifacts related to the railway’s history. Visitors can learn about the development of Indian railways, the role of railways in the region’s economy, and the various services they have provided over the years.
Experience a unique and immersive journey through India’s rich history with the museum’s 3D sound, light, and laser show, the first of its kind in India. The show takes visitors back in time to the Vedic period, the Mughal era, the British domination, the freedom struggle, and the birth of free India, providing a captivating and educational narrative of our motherland’s story.
The Sardar Patel Museum is open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm every day except for Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 5 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 per person for foreign nationals. Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the museum or their website before visiting.
Rail Museum in Mysore
The Rail Museum in Mysore, also known as the Regional Rail Museum, is a popular attraction for train enthusiasts and history aficionados. Located near Mysore Railway station, this sprawling museum spans across 4 acres and boasts a vast collection of vintage locomotives, engines, carriages, and other artifacts that reflect the rich heritage of the Indian Railways.
The museum houses several galleries that take visitors on a journey through the evolution of trains in India, from the early steam engines to modern electric and diesel locomotives. The outdoor gallery features historic locomotives, including the Fairy Queen, the oldest locomotive in use, built in 1855. The indoor gallery has models of trains, signaling equipment, and old tickets, among other fascinating memorabilia.
A highlight of the museum is the toy train ride, which takes visitors on a tour of the outdoor gallery to see the locomotives up close. The Rail Museum in Mysore also houses a well-curated library that offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the rich and varied history of Indian Railways. You can also buy train-themed souvenirs and gifts at the souvenir shop.
The Rail Museum in Mysore is open every day, except on Mondays and national holidays, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 15 for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 for foreign nationals, making it a budget-friendly and enriching experience for all. With its impressive collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and railway-related artifacts, coupled with its comprehensive library, the museum offers a fascinating and educational insight into the captivating world of Indian Railways.
It is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages seeking to explore and appreciate the rich history and heritage of this iconic mode of transportation in India.
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