If you are a fan of trains, history, or both, you will love the Rail Museum in Mysore, Karnataka. This museum is one of the oldest and most popular railway museums in India, and showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Indian railways. From vintage locomotives and royal coaches to interactive simulators and toy trains, the museum has something for everyone.
Whether you are travelling with your family, friends, partner, or solo, you will find the museum a fun and educational destination. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Rail Museum in Mysore, including its history, location, significance, exhibits, attractions, timings, entry fee, and more. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit, and what else to see and do in Mysore and Karnataka. Read on to find out why the Rail Museum in Mysore is a must-visit for any traveller.
How to Visit the Rail Museum in Mysore
The Rail Museum in Mysore is located near the Mysore Railway Station, on KRS Road. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. You can also walk from the railway station to the museum, which is about 1 km away. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
The entry fee for the museum is INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children. You can also buy a combined ticket for the museum and the toy train ride, which costs INR 75 for adults and INR 40 for children.
The museum has a contact number (+91-821-2526200) and an email address (railmuseummysore@gmail.com) for any queries or reservations. You can also visit the official website of the museum (http://www.railmuseummysore.in/) for more information.
The best time to visit the museum is during the winter season, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. You can also visit the museum during the summer season, from March to May, when the museum is less crowded and you can enjoy the toy train ride. However, avoid visiting the museum during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the museum may be closed due to heavy rains. The museum also hosts some special events and offers throughout the year, such as the Railway Week, the Children’s Day, and the Heritage Day. You can check the website or the social media pages of the museum for the latest updates and announcements.
What to Expect at the Rail Museum in Mysore
The Rail Museum in Mysore was established in 1979, as the third of its kind in India, after the National Railway Museum in Delhi and the Regional Railway Museum in Chennai. The museum is spread over an area of 4 acres, and displays a collection of over 100 exhibits and artefacts related to the history and culture of Indian railways. The museum is divided into two sections: the outdoor section and the indoor section. The outdoor section features some of the most iconic and rare locomotives and coaches of Indian railways, such as:
The Austin Rail Motor Car, which was built in 1925 and used to run between Mysore and Nanjangud.
The Wagnall & Co 119 E Steam Engine, which was built in 1917 and used to haul the Mysore Maharaja’s saloon.
The Maharani Saloon, which was built in 1899 and used by the Queen of Mysore, Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana.
The Maharaja Saloon, which was built in 1916 and used by the King of Mysore, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway Steam Locomotive, which was built in 1920 and used to run on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
The ES 506 4-8-2 Steam Locomotive, which was built in 1930 and used to run on the Southern Railway.
The Class E 37392 Steam Locomotive, which was built in 1928 and used to run on the Eastern Railway.
The Class YP 2511 Steam Locomotive, which was built in 1963 and used to run on the South Central Railway.
The Class YG 3576 Steam Locomotive, which was built in 1959 and used to run on the South Western Railway.
The indoor section features a gallery and a simulator room, where you can learn more about the history and development of Indian railways, and experience the thrill of driving a train. The gallery showcases some of the rare and valuable photographs, paintings, models, tools, and memorabilia of Indian railways, such as:
The first railway ticket issued in India, from Bombay to Thane, in 1853.
The first electric locomotive introduced in India, from Bombay to Kurla, in 1925.
The first diesel locomotive introduced in India, from Delhi to Rewari, in 1955.
The first steam locomotive manufactured in India, at the Ajmer Workshop, in 1895.
The first diesel locomotive manufactured in India, at the Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, in 1961.
The first electric locomotive manufactured in India, at the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, in 1961.
The first computerized reservation system launched in India, at the New Delhi Railway Station, in 1986.
The first high-speed train introduced in India, the Shatabdi Express, from New Delhi to Jhansi, in 1988.
The first metro rail system introduced in India, the Kolkata Metro, in 1984.
The simulator room features a realistic and interactive simulator, where you can experience the thrill of driving a steam, diesel, or electric locomotive, on various routes and terrains. You can also take a quiz on the history and trivia of Indian railways, and test your knowledge and skills.
One of the most popular and fun attractions of the museum is the toy train ride, which runs on a miniature railway track around the museum premises. The toy train is a replica of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Steam Locomotive, and can accommodate up to 24 passengers. The toy train ride is available from 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5 pm, and costs INR 25 for adults and INR 15 for children.
Why You Should Visit the Rail Museum in Mysore
The Rail Museum in Mysore is not just a museum, but a cultural and educational experience. The museum offers you a chance to explore and appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Indian railways, and its role in the development and history of the country. The museum also provides you with a fun and interactive way to learn about the various aspects of railways, such as the technology, engineering, design, and operation.
The museum is suitable for all ages and interests, and is especially ideal for children and students, who can enjoy the exhibits, attractions, activities, and quiz. The museum is also a great place to spend some quality time with your family, friends, partner, or solo, and create some memorable moments.
The Rail Museum in Mysore is also a travel and leisure destination, as it is located in a scenic and serene location, surrounded by greenery and hills. The museum offers you a panoramic view of the city and the Chamundi Hills, and a glimpse of the rural life of Karnataka. The museum is also close to some of the most famous and beautiful places to visit in Mysore, such as the Mysore Palace, the Brindavan Gardens, and the Chamundi Hills. You can easily combine your visit to the museum with these attractions, and make the most of your trip to Mysore. Mysore is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, and is famous for its art, architecture, cuisine, festivals, and heritage. You can experience the best of Mysore’s culture and charm, and discover why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Places to stay near the museum
If you are looking for a place to stay near the museum, you will find plenty of options to suit your budget and preference. You can choose from some of the top hotel collections near the museum, such as:
The Royal Orchid Metropole, which is a heritage hotel that offers luxury and comfort, with spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a swimming pool.
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore, which is a contemporary hotel that offers elegance and convenience, with stylish rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
The Hotel Roopa, which is a budget hotel that offers value and service, with cozy rooms, a rooftop bar, and a complimentary breakfast.
The Rail Museum in Mysore is a journey through India’s railway heritage, and a must-visit for any traveller. The museum showcases the fascinating history and culture of Indian railways, and offers a fun and educational experience for all.
The museum also offers a scenic and relaxing environment, where you can enjoy the views of the city and the hills, and the fresh air and greenery. The museum is a perfect place to spend a day with your loved ones, and create some unforgettable memories. The museum is also a gateway to explore the amazing attractions and culture of Mysore and Karnataka, and discover why they are among the most popular tourist destinations in India.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive guide to the Rail Museum in Mysore, and inspired you to visit it soon. If you have visited the museum, or plan to visit it, please share your experience and feedback with us. You can also rate the museum, and leave a comment below.
Thank you for reading, and happy travelling!
