Historical Sights and Heritage

A Journey Through Time & Culture

Delhi is home to some of the best museums and historical sites in India, showcasing ancient artifacts, cultural heritage, war memorials, and modern innovations. These museums offer a deep insight into India’s rich history, art, science, and independence movement.

Here are the must-visit museums and historical sites in Delhi:

 

1. National Museum – India’s Largest Museum

 Location: Janpath, New Delhi
 Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹650 (Foreigners)

One of the most prestigious museums in India, the National Museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, sculptures, rare manuscripts, weapons, and textiles from different eras.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Harappan Gallery – Ancient artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Buddhist Gallery – Sacred relics of Lord Buddha.
• Coins & Jewelry Gallery – Rare coins from different dynasties.

 

2. Gandhi Smriti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial

 Location: Tees January Marg, New Delhi
 Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: Free

This museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and is the site where he spent the last 144 days of his life before his assassination in 1948.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Gandhi’s Room – Preserved as it was during his time.
• Martyr’s Column – The exact spot where he was assassinated.
• Rare Photographs & Artifacts related to Gandhi’s life and freedom struggle.

 

3. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

 Location: Safdarjung Road, New Delhi
 Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: Free

A museum dedicated to Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, featuring personal belongings, rare photographs, and letters from her life.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Indira Gandhi’s Saree – Stained with blood from the day of her assassination.
• Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Section – Showcasing his life and tragic assassination.

 

4. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum – India’s Presidential Palace Museum

 Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
 Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: ₹50

This museum inside India’s Presidential Residence showcases the history of India’s Presidents, their lifestyle, and the country’s governance.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Replica of Rashtrapati Bhavan with 3D visuals.
• Gifts received by Indian Presidents from world leaders.
• Mughal Gardens (Open only in February-March).

 

5. National Rail Museum – A Paradise for Train Lovers

 Location: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
 Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)

This museum showcases India’s rich railway heritage, featuring vintage locomotives, royal train carriages, and interactive exhibits.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Fairy Queen – The world's oldest working steam locomotive.
• Maharaja of Patiala’s Train Coach – A luxurious royal carriage.
• Joy Train Ride – A mini train ride for visitors.

 

6. Red Fort Museum – A Historical Treasure Inside the Red Fort

 Location: Red Fort, Old Delhi
 Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: Included in Red Fort Ticket (₹35 for Indians, ₹500 for Foreigners)

Housed inside Delhi’s famous Red Fort, this museum displays weapons, paintings, costumes, and documents from the Mughal era.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Mughal Emperor’s Throne & Weapons
• Rare Paintings of Shah Jahan & Aurangzeb

 

7. Nehru Planetarium – A Space Enthusiast’s Dream

 Location: Teen Murti Bhavan, New Delhi
 Timings: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: ₹80 (Adults), ₹50 (Children)

A science and space museum dedicated to Jawaharlal Nehru, featuring interactive exhibits, space models, and 3D planetarium shows.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Solar System Simulation
• Astronomy Shows on a Dome Screen

 

8. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets – A Unique & Quirky Museum

 Location: Palam, New Delhi
 Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
 Entry Fee: Free

A one-of-a-kind museum, showcasing the history of sanitation, toilets, and plumbing systems from ancient times to modern technology.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Ancient Roman & Indian Toilets
• Royal Toilets from Medieval Europe

 

9. Purana Qila Museum – Inside the Ancient Fort

 Location: Purana Qila, New Delhi
 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: Included in Purana Qila Ticket

This museum is located inside Purana Qila (Old Fort) and showcases artifacts from the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Pottery & Terracotta Figures from ancient civilizations.
• Swords & Shields used in Mughal Wars.

 

10. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art – Delhi’s Contemporary Art Hub

 Location: Saket, South Delhi
 Timings: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
 Entry Fee: Free

A modern art museum, featuring Indian contemporary paintings, sculptures, and digital art installations.

✔ Must-See Exhibits:

• Works by famous Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma & M.F. Husain.

 

Why Visit Delhi’s Museums & Historical Sites?

✅ Explore India’s rich heritage – From Mughal artifacts to freedom movement memorabilia.
✅ Perfect for history & art lovers – A deep dive into ancient and modern India.
✅ Family-friendly & educational – Museums in Delhi offer interactive exhibits for all age groups.

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, science geek, or just curious about India’s past, Delhi’s museums offer an enriching and unforgettable experience!