30 Can’t-Miss museums in India: Your Ultimate Guide
Join us on a journey to uncover India’s best-kept secrets with our list of 30 museums. Whether you’re looking to explore 30 amazing museums or discover the most famous and best 30 museums in India, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore India with our ultimate guide to 30 of the best museums, or uncover India’s hidden museums with 30 must-visit places. Get inspired and start planning your next adventure with our comprehensive list of the best destinations in India.
Information about India
India is the largest democracy in South Asia, and it is a giant country with a population of more than 1.2 billion people. The Republic of India is located in South Asia, and it is the seventh largest country in the world in terms of geographical area, and the second in terms of population. The country borders the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. India is the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley civilization, and the Silk Road passed through it, and many empires settled in it throughout history, so when you roam in it, you will see many monuments and evidence left by those civilizations. It is a very large country, so the terrain and environments are amazingly diverse, as there are mountainous areas, valleys, deserts, forests, and others. The Indian economy is the seventh strongest economy in the world, and India has the third largest purchasing power, and it is definitely one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Most of India’s population embraces Buddhism, but there are many other religions.
A list of the best Museums in India
Looking for the best museums in India? Look no further than our carefully curated list, selected by our team based on visitor ratings and reviews to help make your trip planning a breeze.
1- Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum – The International Puppet Museum is a very special museum in Delhi, and although it is a puppet museum, we guarantee you that it is a museum suitable for all ages, as adults remember their childhood, and children enjoy looking at a group of amazing games. And in this museum there are two parts, the first section contains a collection of dolls that were collected from Western countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and other independent countries, and the other section consists of dolls collected from Asian countries such as the Middle East and India.
Place address: Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, ITO, 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Beside Central Bank, Nehru House, New Delhi, Delhi 110002, India
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2- Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Chandigarh Architecture Museum – In the Chandigarh Museum of Architecture, you will find many works and collectibles that show the history of the development of architecture in India, especially the works of the Swiss engineer Le Corbusier’s and their impact on the city. Among these holdings: a small model of the city of Chandigarh, and some miniature works of a number of buildings that this engineer designed in the city, and others. It is the right place for all lovers of distinguished architecture. Visit it with family or friends, and enjoy seeing all its wonderful exhibits.
Place address: Chandigarh Architecture Museum, Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011, India
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3- Chennai Rail Museum
Chennai Rail Museum – The Chennai Railway Museum was opened in 2002 and since then it has been a prominent destination for tourists in the city. It is a vast museum of 6.25 acres that contains many art and heritage exhibits. The exhibits in the museum include 41 trains distributed in the outer garden of the museum. Two floors dating back to the sixties of the nineteenth century, and the most distinctive section of the museum is the exhibition of steam engines, as it contains a model of a steam plowing engine that was manufactured by John Fowler, along with many Indian railway models and some models also manufactured in other countries such as Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Vietnam and Zambia.
Place address: Chennai Rail Museum, New Avadi Rd, next to ICF Furnishing Division, Lakshmipuram, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600038, India
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4- Vintage Cars and Buggies
Vintage Cars and Buggies – very interesting place, it displays old cars and antique vehicles dating back to the Nizam era, as it contains a variety of collection that is considered a valuable asset that takes us to the extremes of memories and imagination. Which was enjoyed by the Nawabian era, and their transportation on horse-drawn chariots that come out of the palaces while you are in the current era.
Place address: Vintage Cars and Buggies, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
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5- Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum – The Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum was the residence of the former Prime Minister of India, and it was later converted into a museum dedicated to displaying everything related to her life. Visitors can see a collection of rare photos of the nationalist movement, and personal moments of the Nehru-Gandhi family and their childhood. and many personal items, including the blood-stained sari she was wearing when she was assassinated in 1984. Many rooms have been preserved as they were before her assassination. It is worth noting that Indira Gandhi is the first and last woman to hold this position in India. Do not miss this opportunity, and visit it when you come to town.
Place address: Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, 1, Safdarjung Rd, Near, Delhi Gymkhana Club, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
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6- Mehrangarh
Mehrangarh – Mehrangarh was built in 1460 AD, and it is a museum, a historical palace, and a tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It sits on the throne of a somewhat elevated hill and provides a panoramic view of the entire city. From a network of imposing courtyards, passages and halls, it is home to a fine collection of tapestries, paintings, miniatures, 19th-century murals, royal portraits, manuscripts, weapons, howdah (the seat for carrying people on elephants) and more.
Place address: P.B # 165, The, Fort Rd, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
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7- Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum
Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum – Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum is a museum showcasing the richness, diversity and sophistication of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. The museum contains many sections, the first of which is the myth and fantasy section that tells the legends that were said and written about Ayurvedic treatment, a section that contains books on treatment methods, a photo gallery, a 3D exhibition, a digital library, and many more. Traditional medicine lovers come to this museum from all over the world.
Place address: Thaikkattussery Rd, opp. Vaidyaratnam Post Office, Thaikkattussery, Thrissur, Kerala 680306, India
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8- NIMHANS Brain Museum
NIMHANS Brain Museum – The Nimhans Museum of the Brain is one of the unique museums of its kind in India and the world, as it specializes in displaying human skulls and structures, which makes it an interesting place for medical students, surgeons, researchers in neurosciences, the brain, workers in the fields of anatomy, forensic medicine, and biology, as well as for people who like to expand their knowledge in various sciences.
Place address: Hosur Main Road, Sattar Layout, Lakkasandra, Laljinagar, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029, India
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9- National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore
National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore – The National Gallery of Modern Art houses much of the art from the 1850s to the present day, and it aims to preserve these historic artworks. It also aims to spread the arts among people and interpret them in a distinctive way. Among the holdings he displays: statues and stone carvings located in the front garden, which is full of lush trees. In addition to books, manuscripts, historical documents, and many more. Visit with family or friends, and enjoy a tour filled with the beautiful local art.
Place address: National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore, 49, GF, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Rd, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052, India
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10- HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum
HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum – Hull is an Air India museum, it is a unique museum and the first of its kind in India. This museum was established in 2001 AD, and it includes many collections that tell the history of the development of Indian aviation. There are many aircraft such as warplanes, regular planes, helicopters, some missiles, aircraft engines, and many other collectibles displayed in the open air. It also has a lot of trees and a small water fountain. Do not hesitate and visit it with your loved ones, and enjoy spending time full of valuable information.
Place address: HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum, Near HAL Police Station, HAL Old Airport Rd, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560037, India
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11- Indian Military Museum
Indian Military Museum – The Indian Military Museum is distinguished by its location in the open air, as it presents all the exhibits in a garden full of lush plants and trees. This museum tells many military historical stories dating back to the period when India fell under the British occupation. These exhibits include missiles, cannons, tanks, guillotines, and warplanes. In addition to some statues distributed around, and a plaque full of the names of the heroes who died in the war. Visit it with family or friends, and learn about the rich Indian military history.
Place address: Indian Military Museum, Raj Bhavan Rd, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
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12- Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace – This landmark is located in the vicinity of the city, specifically in one of the remote villages adjacent to it. It is a palace and museum built in the 18th century by the King of Kerala in traditional architectural style with arched roof, narrow corridors and wide windows. The Kerala municipality has preserved all the original furniture and architectural details in the place and turned it into a museum. Among the exhibits, visitors will find an impressive mural of 14.3 square metres, kitchen utensils, coins and more.
Place address: Oachira Rd, near Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam, Kerala 690533, India
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13- The Art Gallery Mahua
The Art Gallery Mahua – If you are a fan of contemporary art, specifically Indian, you should visit the Mahwah Art Gallery. One of the largest art galleries in India, this place is full of contemporary works by local artists. This gallery aims to encourage emerging artists and sculptors from different parts of India to develop themselves and showcase their work. In it, you will find many paintings, drawings, statues, stone carvings, and many other works that represent Indian culture.
Place address: Mahua- The Art Gallery, 344, 4th Main Rd, Sadashiva Nagar, Armane Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560080, India
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14- Venkatappa Art Gallery
Venkatappa Art Gallery – Venkataba Art Gallery is located in the Government Museum, and it is a gallery filled with distinctive art and archaeological pieces. This museum houses the works of local artists, musical instruments, contemporary artwork, stone carvings, statues, handicrafts, and more. Visit it with family or friends, and enjoy learning about the wonderful local arts that tell many stories related to the rich Indian history.
Place address: Venkatappa Art Gallery, Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
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15- Telangana State Archaeology Museum
Telangana State Archaeology Museum – This museum is considered a piece of beautiful architecture, in addition to its valuables, as it has a building with a majestic exterior and is full of inscriptions and wonderful architectural details. In front of it is a beautiful outdoor yard, and it contains a nice collection of metal idols coming from all over India, and it also has a real mummy from Egypt, in addition to having a large collection of statues, sculptures and various artifacts.
Place address: Telangana State Archaeology Museum, 5-10-193, I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, Near Control Room, Public Gardens, Red Hills, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India
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16- Government Museum
Government Museum – The red building of the Government Museum was established in 1865 AD, and it is one of the oldest museums in Bangalore. This museum specializes in displaying antiquities dating back to the period between 1877 AD and the present day. This is in exhibitions spread over two floors. If you are interested in artifacts and want to learn about the history of India; You have to come to the government museum. In it, you’ll find tons of weapons, carvings, statues, jewelry, coins, ornate fabrics, engravings, and much more.
Place address: Government Museum, Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
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17- Kerala Folklore Museum
Kerala Folklore Museum – wonderful museum of folklore in the city of Ernakulam, and it is one of the most famous museums in the city, and one of the museums crowded with visitors throughout the year. This museum is visited by tourists and locals alike, especially art lovers and history lovers. It is the only architectural museum in the state of Kerala, and in it you will find a number of buried treasures, including stone, wood and bronze sculptures, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical instruments, utensils, masks, and many more. The total number of these pieces amounts to about 4,000 artifacts. If you want to learn about the culture and history of Kerala and the city of Ernakulam, head to this wonderful museum in the city!
Place address: Kerala Folklore Museum, Near, 2059C No 26 Pandit Karuppan Road, Thevara Ferry Road, Junction, Kochi, Kerala 682013, India
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18- The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum
The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum – This amazing museum is a destination for tea lovers from all over the world, as it is located in an area from which the largest quantity of green tea is exported to the world. The factory and museum extend over an acre and are located at an altitude of 1893 meters above sea level. Visitors to the museum will learn about the different types of green tea and how they are cultivated and harvested, along with the history and development of tea in India. Visitors will also be able to see how the tea is packaged and processed by the machines in the factory.
Place address: Dodabetta Road, Mel Koddapmund, Thalayathimund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002, India
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19- Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace – Bangalore Palace is one of the old palaces in the city, and it has a distinctive and royal architectural character. This palace hosts many concerts, and offers tours for local residents and tourists from all over the world, in order to introduce them to the local heritage and its tools dating back to ancient times. Among the collectibles that can be seen in it: old souvenirs, fishing tools, photographs, golden statues, and many others. Do not hesitate and visit it with family or friends, and explore its wonderful historical exhibits.
Place address: Bangalore Palace, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052, India
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20- Pazhassi Raja Museum
Pazhassi Raja Museum – The History Museum in Wayanad contains three sections. The first is the Archaeological History section, which contains exhibits from the prehistoric period, the beginning of the millennium, and the history of Kerala from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. As for the second section of the museum, it is the anthological section, in which visitors will find exhibits from ancient Egypt, masks and sculptures from Africa, stone carvings from Oceania, and others. The third and final section is a museum for children, in which they will be able to learn about history and understand many complex scientific concepts through simple interactive films and games.
Place address: Mananthavady, Kerala 670645, India
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21- Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park
Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park – The Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Garden is one of the tourist attractions that attract large numbers of tourists because there are many things that can be seen and enjoyed, such as observing the waters of the fountains as they dance with the music, or wandering in the green spaces and gardens that include a number of buses, tanks, and civil and military aircraft .
Place address: Opp to Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium, Raj Bhawan Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052, India
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22- Meenakshi Temple Museum
Meenakshi Temple Museum – The Meenakshi Temple Museum is located within the temple complex, to facilitate the process of access for visitors and pilgrims to it, and the museum gives travelers a glimpse into the vast Hindu religion and the 1,200-year history of this magnificent temple. The museum, with its details and history, is also the site of knowledge about Dravidian sculpture, and displays many symbols, paintings, photographs, etc. of Hindu deities and their stories. Touring the museum takes about 1-2 hours, but it’s totally worth it. This wonderful place must be visited by everyone who is interested in different aspects of the Hindu religion.
Place address: Inside Meenakshi temple, Rail Marutham Nagar, Simmakkal, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India
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23- Stone house Government museum
Stone house Government museum – This building is the first building built in the modern European bungalow style in Ooty, and it is a historical building that has existed in the city since 1822, and now it has become a natural museum that tells the anthological and natural history of Ooty. As the city was a generous tribal complex in the past, and visitors will find in the museum the names of the tribes, their history and some of their valuables, and at the same time they will find a full explanation about the animals that inhabited the city through the ages and some mummified and bones.
Place address: Stone House, Stone House Area, Thalayathimund, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643002, India
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24- Mural Art Museum
Mural Art Museum – museum dedicated to mural art in Kerala, which are murals collected from historical temples from all over the state. The museum’s exhibits are not limited to murals, as there are also miniature models of temples, manuscripts written on palm leaves, life-size statues of prominent figures, pottery, fishing tools, and more. This museum can be easily reached by public transportation.
Place address: Museum Road, Chembukkavu, Udaya Nagar, Chembukkav, Thrissur, Kerala 680020, India
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25- Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace – Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, and a delegation built the palace in the year 1545 as a gift from Portugal to the King of Cochin, and it later became called the Dutch Palace because the Netherlands expanded it and added some modifications to it in the year 1663. It is currently used as a historical art museum that displays the most beautiful Mythical murals found in the oldest Indian temples.
Place address: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002, India
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26- KIRTADS Ethnological Museum
KIRTADS Ethnological Museum – One of the most informative and interesting museums for people who want to know more about the tribes of Kerala is the Ethnological Museum. The museum is part of the Kerala Institute of Research, Training and Development Studies for Castes and Tribes and houses a large collection of artefacts, costumes, jewellery, household utensils, nets, traps, wood carvings and agricultural tools. and the musical instruments and ceremonial instruments of all the tribal communities of Kerala. This museum was established in 1973 and is the first museum of its kind in the state.
Place address: Golf Link Road Chevayur, Vrindavan Colony, Kozhikode, Kerala 673017, India
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27- Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum
Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum – The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum is a museum that traces the growth of the police force in India throughout history. The museum is located opposite the main railway line, which makes it easily accessible. The museum was opened in the year 2000, and it includes in its yards exhibitions dedicated to weapons and ammunition, an exhibition dedicated to manuscripts, DNA tests, human bones and fingerprints, and an exhibition that includes various medals awarded to policemen according to their ranks.
Place address: Karbala, Kollam, Kerala 691001, India
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28- Indo Portuguese Museum
Indo Portuguese Museum – museum in Kochi that includes exhibits and artifacts that show the Portuguese influence on art and culture in the region. The museum was established with the efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, who was the bishop of the city. The museum contains many sections, including a section that shows the religious influence in which visitors will find altars and crosses from the sixteenth century, and a section that shows the artistic influence in which visitors will find paintings and statues, and a crafts section in which visitors will find some crafts that the Indian population made from the Portuguese.
Place address: Bishop Kureethara Rd, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
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29- Valmeekam Tribal Museum
Valmeekam Tribal Museum – museum that displays the tribal history of the province of Wayanad, located in the north of the state of Kerala. The museum was opened after the province of Wayanad offered the Ministry of Antiquities part of its national library to establish an archaeological museum that tells the history of the province through all the artifacts discovered within its borders. The museum aims to shed light on the role played by the province on the border with several states throughout Indian history, with emphasis on its role as a center for trade with neighboring states and as a border town. The museum has two floors and displays 1,000 artifacts that have been excavated in Wayanad over the years.
Place address: Palvelicham, Kerala 670646, India
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30- Madame Tussauds Delhi
Madame Tussauds Delhi – Madame Tussauds offers an experience that transports you to another world, a truly ‘fairytale’ world. Where you can see very realistic wax statues of the most famous people in India, from Mahatma Gandhi, to the brightest stars of Bollywood such as Shahrukh and Karina. Knowing that online booking is the only way to guarantee entry because tickets are limited. Children under 3 years old can visit for free. This museum is visited by locals and tourists alike due to its magnificence.
Place address: Madame Tussauds Delhi, Regal Building, 44, Connaught Cir, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the wonders of India. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this amazing region. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, India has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and tag us on social media using #ExploreIndia. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!