National Rail Museum
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi, 110021
Delhi’s National Rail Museum teaches visitors about all aspects of Indian trains and the rail network, which is one of the largest in the world. It’s a spacious museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, the outdoor areas designed to look like a railway yard. It displays many real locomotives from around the country, railway simulators, toy train rides, and documents, maps, books, and other items related to railway history.
The basics
The National Rail Museum is both educational and fun, with informative exhibits as well as interactive games and rides. Travelers interested in history as well as young kids, and everyone in between, will find something of interest here. As well as displaying old trains and carriages, the National Rail Museum also works to restore important pieces. Most travelers visit independently, and it’s an especially good attraction to visit with kids.
Things to know before you go
- Entry tickets are more expensive on the weekends and public holidays.
- There are separate ticket prices for general entry and for the various simulation rides, toy trains, and other attractions.
- As well as on-site snack vendors, visitors can dine in the opulent The Rails Restaurant, the inside of which replicates Mumbai’s Victoria Terminus station.
How to get there
The National Rail Museum is located in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, not far from Nehru Park and Safdarjung’s Tomb. The Metro is the easiest way of getting around Delhi as it’s clean, cheap, efficient, air-conditioned, and saves the hassle of getting stuck in traffic. The museum is closest to Sir Vishveshwaraiah Moti Bagh station or Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus station, both on the Pink Line. You can walk the rest of the way to the museum, or take an auto-rickshaw, many of which will be waiting outside the Metro stations.
When to get there
As entry tickets are more expensive on weekends and public holidays, visit midweek if possible to save some money and to avoid the heaviest crowds. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits, so you can enjoy a visit whatever the weather is like.
Read up on the Metro’s History While Riding the Delhi Metro
While trains have been a part of Indian life for a long time, the Delhi Metro is a relatively new addition to the city’s public transit. It was started in 2002, with many lines and stations opened to coincide with the 2010 Commonwealth Games being held in Delhi. While riding the Metro, keep an eye out for detailed information boards, photos, and maps inside some stations, which document the construction of the enormous network.
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