India has its fair share of the usual museums, from those exhibiting ancient artefacts like jewellery, manuscripts, armaments and other customary things. However, what’s the fun in visiting the same kind of museums time and again? On your next Family Trip in India, explore the following extraordinary museums, scattered throughout the country that will surely teach you a lesson or two on its unique belongings –
- National Rail Museum – Housing a popular but unique open-air collection of trains, the National Rail Museum in New Delhi has ten life-sized exhibits of an assortment of trains commissioned by the Indian Railways. Their key monument, Faery Queen never fails to enthral children. It’s the best preserved locomotive steam engine of the 1800’s.
- Sulabh International Museum of Toilets – Another rarity in the capital, it’s probably the sole museum worldwide committed to recording and preserving the unique history of toilets. It contains a vivid display, factsheet and pictures of toilets from their inception across the world and evolution through the ages through its variously designed collection of masterpieces.
- Heritage Transport Museum – Gurgaon’s four-storied Heritage Transport museum is a prime example of the evolution and progression of the modes of transportation in India – from handcarts to cycle rickshaws, and cars to everything in between.
- NIMHANS Museum – Visit the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Museum in Bengaluru to witness the intricate workings of the brain – human and otherwise. A must visit on your Family Trip in India, it’s over 600 brain samples will definitely delight children.
- Nizam’s Museum – Well known as Hyderabad’s Purani Haveli, the Nizam’s Museum is a rare one showcasing gifts received by the final Nizam of Hyderabad. Earlier used as a Royal Palace, today it houses some famous presents including a breathtaking 1930 Rolls Royce amongst other rarities. Who wouldn’t want to receive such fantastic gifts?
- Monetary Museum – Operated by the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s minting press and focal bank, the Monetary Museum in Mumbai serves the purpose of preserving India’s monetary history. Besides showcasing the evolution and use of money in the subcontinent over the years, they also display scarce outdated currency.
- Mayong Black Magic and Witchcraft Museum – Situated a stone’s throw away from Guwahati, this bizarre museum is home to an assortment of mythological and ancient trinkets relating to Black Magic and Ayurveda. Its inspiration is the township of Mayong – India’s first city of black magic.
- Paldi Kite Museum – The erstwhile capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is home to the Paldi Kite Museum, a fascinating collection of kites of all shapes, sizes and materials. Besides housing some exceptional kites, it provides interesting kite related information.
- Jawahar Toy Museum – Every child’s wish fulfilled, the Jawahar Toy Museum in Puducherry is a rare gem. Enter the premises and you will be serenaded by an array of toys, transforming you back to your own childhood.
- Shankar’s International Doll Museum – What better way to end your family museum tour than by visiting one of the world’s largest collections of dolls assembled from across the seven oceans and seas? Situated in Delhi again, your kids will fall in love with this place.
- Fossil Park Museum – The fossil museum of India is located in the mesmerising valleys of the Shivalak mountain range. In Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmuar one finds a unique collection of preserved fossils dating back centuries – definitely something for the kids to share with their classmates.
So while looking for things to do in India with the family knock on the doors of these unusual museums and get surprised by their contents.
Summary
A mystical country that has for centuries beckoned travellers with its secrets and charms, India is a fascinating collection of people and objects. Adding to the explorer’s curiosity, the above 11 unusual Indian museums having everything from toilets to brains – are worth visiting.
