The Mysore Railway Museum was established in1979 by the
Indian Railways.
It is located on the Krishnaraja Sagar Road,behind the
Mysore Railway station.
It holds the distinction of being the second such museum in
the country, after the National Railway Museum in Delhi.
The establishment of a museum away from the nation’s capital
set a great pattern for regional display of objects related to the railways.
The museum displays locomotives, steam engines, wagons,
special purpose vehicles, telecommunication equipment and several other
instruments related to the operation of the railway through ages.
The information displayed in the museum is a revelation. It
displays all instruments which were vital to the development of the Indian
railway system.
Exhibits are well maintained. Visitors are allowed to enter
the coaches on display to see the interiors. Various engine models are also on
display, with each having an arched cover to protect it from the elements.
A host of signal equipment, and trains used 100 years ago
are all there for the visitors’ viewing pleasure. There are also a few meter
gauge models placed in the museum.
Many model engine and locomotives, like
cranes and bogies are also exhibited, some even dating back to the British Era.
Collections of old signal lamps, three way teak mirror,
photographs, newspaper clippings and journals all make this very thorough
museum.
They even carved out teak posts from old stations.
It also has collection of telecom instruments which had been
used in the history of railways.
Occupying a place of pride inside the museum is the first
steam engine built in India.
There is a small park and small toy train for the kids to
enjoy. Information is displayed outside each of the trains to educate kids on
railways.
A striking feature of the museum is the Chamundi Gallery
that showcases a distinct and interesting collection of photographs and
paintings portraying the growth of the Indian Railways.
The unique feature of the museum is the Sri Ranga Pavilion
that houses the royal coaches.
These coaches belong to Maharaja of Mysore and give you an
idea about the grand fashion in which the royalty traveled.
Another major attraction of the Railway museum is the
“Maharani’s Saloon ", this royal carriage dates back to 1899.
It is a special
train used by the then Queen, boasting dining hall, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom,
royal toilet and a card room in it. It even had a servant’s carriage
attachment.
The facilities, the detailing and the luxury show what kind of a
life our royal families lead in the past. The train is nicely preserved and
maintained.
You are not allowed
to enter the ‘Maharani Saloon”, but being coach windows open you can see
interiors easily.
If you like trains and want to know about their history and
how they started up in India then visit this museum.
It is in the open air and
not very large. The place is calm and quite.
Entry fees and still camera fee was nominal.
It is a nice place to visit with kids.
It is an educational way to pass time for them.
I’m sure
they would love to see the old rail engines, the toy train and enter the
cabins.
It is certainly a must see in Mysore.
Do not miss this if you are in Mysore.
