Disclaimer While we have tried to incorporate as much information as possible within the limited space, exhaustive coverage has not always been possible. The factual information given here is liable to change from time to time. For up-to-date information, please contact your nearest India Tourism or State Government Tourist Office.

MUSEUMS OF INDIA

A storehouse of history and culture, India has inherited a bounty of artifacts and monuments, symbolising cultural and historical heritage. Its museums offer a glimpse into its past, often spanning a history of five thousand years under one spacious roof.

The British set up the Archaeological Survey of India in the 19th century to document the wealth of material available in the country. Viewing Indian art and culture as an integral part of the country's heritage, they began housing the collections in suitable institutions.

The first museum, the Indian Museum was established in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) in 1875.

Today, the concept of a museum has assumed considerable significance. In addition to general museums, there are specialized museums such as museum of science, natural history, ethnography, tribal art, textile and dolls, taking visitors across a journey spanning ancient civilisations to imperial dynasties. With Indian museums, moderately priced and often free, the experience is that can be enjoyed with the family at a leisurely pace.

Note: Normally the museums are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Generally, these are closed on Sundays/Mondays and Government holidays.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Sri Pratap Singh Museum, Srinagar : Shawls, paintings, armoury, copper and jade ornaments and utensils are among some of the items on display.

Dogra Rt Gallery Jammu : Prehistoric terracotta objects are great views at this museum. Some terracotta busts of women with typical Gandhara facial features and Greek hairstyles are believed to date back to the 4th and 8th centuries AD. A rich collection of miniature paintings represent examples from the Jammu, Basbhli and Kangra schools. There are also ancient coins, silver and copper ornaments and Sanskrit and Pharsi manuscripts.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

The Library Of Tibetan Works And Archives, Dharamshala : This library is one of the most important institutions in the world dedicated to preserve and disseminate Tibetan culture. It serves as a repository for Tibetan artifacts and manuscripts, as well as a centre for language and cultural education. The library holds more than eighty thousand manuscripts, books and documents. It also holds hundreds of thankas, statues, six thousand photographs and other artifacts.

Bhuri S1ngh Museum. Shimla : This museum has a large collection of embroidered Chamba-Rumals and old coins. Some of its other main attractions are a collection of hill jewellery and costumes- both traditional and royal, along with various displays of arms and armour. It also features carved doors from old palaces and numerous frescoes.

Shimla State Museum : It has a collection of contemporary and antique works of art, with its main attraction being the magnificent "Pahari" miniature paintings. The museum also features stone sculptures of considerable antiquity. There is a collection of assorted bronzes, arms and armour, dolls, anthropological items and numismatic finds.

The Nicholas Roerich Gallery, Shimla : This gallery hosts a collection of paintings of the late Nicholas Roerich. The paintings in this gallery reflect Nicholas Roerich's love for the mountains, expressed in his use of brilliant deep colours. In his paintings, he blends his Russian background with the mythological landscape of the Himalayas.

Indian Institue Of Advanced Studies, Summerhill, Shimla : The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is a sample of British colonial architecture. With its vast expanse of gardens, it has an ideal ambience for philosophers, scholars and intrepid travellers.

Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum, Naggar : This museum has a collection of local folk art, as well as a gallery of Russian folk art. The museum also has a few paintings by Roerich and several paintings by his Russian followers.

PUNJAB AND HARYANA

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Amritsar : A fine collection of paintings, arms, manuscripts and coins of 18th and 19th centuries are featured.

Government Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh : Gandhara sculptures, paintings from Mughal, Basohli and Kangra schools are the main attractions on display.

Anglo Sikh War Memorial, Ferozeshah : There are portraits of historical personalities as well as paintings depicting scenes of battles of the Anglo-Sikn wars on display. Poetic couplets of the contemporary poet Shah Muhammad are also a popular exhibit of the museum.

Art Gallery, Patiala : The gallery mainly features arts and crafts from the Punjab region. The highlight of the museum is its collection of medals, the largest in the world. There is also a collection of embroidered phulkaris, shawls and miniature paintings from the Sikh school.

Sanghol Museum : The main exhibits are the archaeological finds of Punjab's ancient civilisation. A Stupa from a Buddhist monastery dating back to 1st century is the most popular display.

NEW DELHI

The National Museum : The National Museum has a remarkable collection of Indian art and sculptures dating from the prehistoric era through the late medieval period. Relics of the Harappan civilization, paintings, manuscripts and mural paintings from Buddhist shrines in central Asia are on exhibit here. The rich and varied collection is spread over three spacious floors, and at least one day is required to see the exhibits. Tel: 23019272, Timings: Open 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Rs. 5.

The National Gallery Of Modern Art : This museum in the heart of the nation's capital has rare paintings dating from the 1850s.

The Rail Museum : This compact but informative museum displays a range of interesting locomotives. A small toy train takes children around the museum. The highlight of the museum is the oldest working locomotive in the world, the Viceregal Dining Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1876). Tel: 26881816, Timings: October to March, 9.30 a.m to 5.00 pm. April to September, 9.30 a.m to 7.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Adults Rs. 3. Children Rs. 2.

The Nehru Memorial Museum : This elegant colonial building was once the official residence of the British commander-in-chief of the Indian army and is a memorial to Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru was India's first Prime Minister who lived in this building for sixteen years. His life is depicted using rare photographs from his family album. Memorabilia and personal possessions of Nehru are also displayed here. Tel: 23016734, Timings: 9.30 a.m to 4.45 p.m. Closed: Mondays and public holidays Entry: Free

The Gandhi Memorial Museum (Rajghat) And The Gandhi Smriti Museum (Tees January Marg) : There are two museums and a monument at Rajghat where Gandhi was cremated. The museum has a large collection of photographs on Gandhi's life and a few of his personal belongings. The life of Gandhi has been illustrated in an unusual way in these museums by using a series of small doll houses and terracotta dolls portraying the major events in his life. Tel: 23012834, Timings: 10.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry: Free

Tibet House : This house contains ceremonial items from Tibet when the Dalai Lama fled following the Chinese occupation. There are also many Tibetan handicrafts on display. Entry fee: Adults Rs. 10, Children Rs. 5

The Archaeological Museum At The Red Fort : This museum features objects belonging to the Mughal period. Documents, royal decrees carrying stamps and signatures of the emperors along with maps, engravings and paintings are popular exhibits.

International Dolls Museum : This museum houses six thousand dolls from eighty countries. There is also a section that comprises of five hundred dolls dressed in costumes worn all over the country. Tel: 23316970-74, Timings 10.00a.m. to 6.00p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

The Crafts Museum At Pragati Maidan : This is an open-air museum where craftsmen from different parts of India exhibit their trade. Designed by Charles-Correa, the museum has an impressive collection of folk and tribal arts, crafts and textiles. There is also a village complex where one can study the architecture of village houses. Tel: 23371817, Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.50 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Free.

Museum Of Natural History : The Museum has a large collection of flora and fauna of the country. There are also regular film shows and illustrated lectures on wildlife and conservation for children. Tel: 23314849

UTTAR PRADESH

Allahabad Museum : The Allahabad museum has an impressive collection, from the Maurya, Sunga, Kushan and Gupta periods. It also hosts sculptural masterpieces from the early medieval period.

Sarnath Archaeological Museum : The main exhibit includes one of the earliest images of Buddha. It also has the prized Ashokan pillar and a large collection of figures and sculptures from the Mauryan, Kushan and Gupta periods.

Government Museum, Mathura : The museum is a treasure trove of sculptures, coins, terracotta, inscribed bricks, pottery pieces, clay seals and bronze objects.

Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi : It has a vast collection of paintings, sculpture and textiles. The museum hosts an exquisite specimen of Nepalese and Tibetan "thankas" and paintings of contemporary artists. Ancient terracotta objects on display date back to the Harappan civilization, Mauryan, Sunga and Gupta periods. Red sandstone reliefs from the 2nd century B.C and the Buddhist stupa from Bharhut are among the prominent attractions of the museum.

Lucknow State Museum : The museum boasts a splendid collection of objects centred on the arts of Avadh and the customs, habits and mythology of India. Some of its main attractions are an inscribed wine jar bearing the name of Aurangzeb Alamgir from the 17th century, a jade chamakali with the name 'Jahangir' from 1036 A.D., and a wooden sarcophagus dating back to 1000 B.C. The museum also has rare silver and gold coins, Egyptian mummies and a statue of Saraswati, dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan Government Museum, Ajmer : An excellent collection of sculptures from the Chauhan centre of the Baghera district, dating from 10th century A.D. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners)

Government Museum. Alwar : A unique collection of arms, lacquered and ivory work, musical instruments and brass and pottery works from Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Sri Lanka are on display. The museum also has miniature paintings as well as Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed) Entry: Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs.10 (foreigners)

Archaelogical Museum, Amer : The museum features two 'Yupa Pillars' (sacrificial posts) with inscriptions from Barnala as well as Pratihara sculptures of the 8th century and terracotta belonging to early historical periods. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners)

Virat Nagar Museum, Bairat : The museum features excavated material from ancient sites. The exhibits include pottery, old coins, seals, metallic pieces, weapons and statues. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. ( Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners)

Ganga Golden Jubilee, Bikaner : Silk robes and various 'Farmans' bearing original imperial seals, issued by emperors including Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb are the main exhibits in the museum. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

Government Museum, Bharatpur : A rich collection of archaeological wealth of nearby areas, as well as objects from the old Bharatpur state are on display. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

Fort Museum, Bikaner : A fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry including jade handle daggers, inlaid handguns and camel guns. Gold and silver 'howdahs', 'jhulas', 'palkis' and a biplane from the First World War are also exhibited. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. Entry: Rs. 10 (Indians) & Rs. 50 (foreigners).

Fateh Prakash Palace Museum, Chittorgarh : The museum has a beautiful collection of sculptures, weaponry and soldier uniforms. It also has clay models of local tribes in their traditional outfits. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

The Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh Museum. Jaipur : The museum is divided into three main sections, the textile gallery, the arms gallery and the art gallery. The museum provides a glimpse into the grandeur and majesty of royal India.

Government Central Museum, Jaipur : The museum displays various sketches of Persian gardens. There are also miniature paintings of various sub-schools of Rajasthan and an Egyptian mummy belonging to the Ptolemaic epoch. Timings: 9.30 a.m - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

Juneja Art Gallery, Jaipur : This museum hosts an impressive collection of paintings and artifacts. Timing: 10.00 a.m - 8.00 p.m. Tel. 367448, 412416 (Sunday closed).

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh (II) Museum. Jaipur : A vast collection of miniature paintings, illustrated manuscripts, decorated book covers, palm-leaf manuscripts and printed books. Timings: 9.30 a.m - 4.45 p.m. Tel. No. 608055. Entry: Rs.150 for foreigners (no charges for still camera), Rs. 35. For Indians (Rs. 25 for ordinary camera). Rs.150 for video camera.

Museum Of Indology, Jaipur : There is a large collection of folk and tantra art in this museum. Old manuscripts and archives on Indian textile designs, tantrik paintings and 'yantras' are also popular exhibits. Timings: 9.30 a.m - 4.45 p.m. Tel. No. 607455 Entry: Rs. 20 for Indians, Rs. 40 for foreigners.

Hawa Mahal Museum. Jaipur : The museum displays the sculptural heritage of Rajasthan. Items on display include antiquities, fish hooks, arrow heads, swords, helmets, all belonging to the Maharajas of Jaipur. A big storage vessel from the 2nd century A.D is also on display. Timing: 9.30 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. Tel. No. 618862. Entry: Rs. 5 for Indians (Friday closed), Rs. 10 for foreigners .

Folklore Museum. Jaisalmer : A rich collection of paintings, photographs, costumes and jewellery from the region is on display. There are also articles connected with folk and cultural lifestyles in the museum. Timings: 10.00 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed) Entry: Rs. 10 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners)

Government Museum, Jaisalmer : The museum has a large collection of wood and marine fossils. There is also a sculpture from the ancient township dating back to the 12th century. Timings: 10-00 a.m. - 4. 45 p.m. (Friday closed) Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

Government Museum, Jhalawar : The museum has sculptures and architectural fragments of the 8th century city of Chandravati, and sculptures and epigraphs from the Jhalrapatan region. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed) Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

Government Museum, Jodhpur : A large collection of stuffed animals, including a number of desert birds are featured. There are also wooden biplane models and a model. 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners)

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Jodhpur : This museum features a rare collection of clocks, watches, fine china, ornate mirrored furniture and crystal ware of an extraordinary brass battleship. Timings: Timings: 9.50 a.m. – 4.45 p.m. Entry: Rs. 10 (Indians) & Rs. 100 (foreigners).

Government Museum, Kota : The museum features miniature paintings of Bundi, Kota, Nathdwara and Jaipur schools. There are also a number of manuscripts in Sanskrit, arms and several kinds of handicrafts on display. Timings: 10.00 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners)

Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Jodhpur : The Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery display a superb collection of specimens of great historical value. The armoury exhibit has some of the finest collections of old weapons and arms. Timings: 9.50 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. Entry: Rs. 20 (Indians) & Rs. 100 (foreigners).

City Palace Museum. Udaipur : This vast museum has a variety of colourful peacocks in mosaic and painted tiles. In the Manak (Ruby) Mahal section, there are glass and porcelain figures, while the Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. In the boldly striped floor of Bhim Vilas, are scenes from the Radha - Krishna stories painted on the walls. The Moti Mahal section has an array of beautiful mirror work. Timings: 9.30 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 65 (Indians) & Rs. 65 (foreigners).

Shilpgram, Udaipur : A wide collection of folk art that gives a glimpse of the tribal life of Rajasthan. Timings: 9.30 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. Entry: Rs. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, Udaipur : The main attractions are dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings. The highlight of the museum is its puppets on display. Timings: 9.50 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. Entry: R.s. 5 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (foreigners).

GUJARAT

Calico Museum Of Textile, Ahmedabad : It hosts a superb collection of textiles, pichhwais and patachitras (paintings on cloth).

Archaeological Museum, Lothal : The museum contains items from the excavated site of what was probably a port town of the Harappan civilisation.

Utensil Museum, Ahmedabad : Features a magnificent collection of Indian utensils. There are more than ten thousand exhibits displaying a vast range of techniques and tools used to make and decorate these household items.

Vadodara Museum And Picture Gallery : An amazing collection of art and archaeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. The museum also has a collection of Indian miniatures, European oil-paintings and objects from Japan, Tibet and Nepal.

MADHYA PRADESH

Government Archaeological Museum, Bhopal : The statues of Ashtalakshmi, Buddha, Siva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Harihar, Saraswati, Yakshi and sculptures from Hinglajgarh are the main attractions of this museum.

State Museum, Dhubela : Excellent specimens of Yogini figures from Gurgi which may be dated between the 10th and 12th century are on display.

The Gujari Mahal Museum, Gwalior : The museum has perhaps the richest collection of objects consisting of early and medieval sculptures, coins and inscriptions in India. The museum also has copies of Bagh paintings on display. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Salbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in the custody of the curator of the museum and can be seen on request.

Central Museum, Indore : This museum hosts an excellent collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh, inscriptions, medieval metalware and antiquities from excavated sites. Ancient coins and seals objects of modern European art are also displayed.

Sarod Ghar, Gwalior : A museum for Musical Heritage, Sarod Ghar is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian Classical Musical heritage and culture. Set up in the name of Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan, the legendary Sarod maestro, father and guru of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the museum has been housed in what was once their ancestral home. The house has a colourful history with four generations of sarod players being born here. The museum houses a collection of old and contemporary instruments belonging to great and illustrious musicians of the past. It also houses an impressive collection of photographs and documents. In the words of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, "...in this building, wherever you look, there is Taal (Rhythm)....there is Sur (Sound)…there is Sangeet (Music)".

MAHARASHTRA

Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai : The Gallery with its four exhibition halls is the most prestigious venue for art exhibitions.

National Gallery Of Modern Art, Mumbai : The Gallery plays host to the work of leading Indian Artists.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya, Mumbai : Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, the Museum has 3 main sections - Art, Archaeology and Natural History. The art section has a rich collection of Indian paintings representing its different styles, European paintings, Tibetan and Nepali Art, textiles, armoury, glass and Jade collections, objects carved in rock crystal, metalware and lacquered woodwork. Exhibits in the archaeological section include primitive tools and ornaments excavated by Sir John Marshall in Mohenjodaro in 1922. Timings: 10.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. (Daily except Mondays). Entry Fee: Rs.10 (Indians). Rs.300 (Foreign Visitors) Contact: Director, Tel : 022-2844519, 2844484.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sanghralaya, Mumbai : Located at Laburnum Road at Gamdevi near Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhavan was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he used to stay from time to time between 1917 and 1954. The Museum houses a pictorial gallery, personal items of Mahatma Gandhi, a 20,000 volume research library and a film and recording archive. Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Entry Fee : Rs.3. Contact: Director, Tel: 022 - 3805864.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum / Victoria And Albert Museum, Mumbai : The Museum located at Byculla has interesting exhibits such as archaeological finds, maps and photographs which depict the history of Mumbai. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Entry Fee: Rs.2 (Adult), Re. 1 (Child). Contact: Director, Tel: 022 - 3757943.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Mumbai : Adjoining the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya (The Prince of Wa1es Museum) is the Hornbill House, the headquarters of the Bombay Natural History Society. It is an institution of a different kind where collectors have been donating their prize specimens of animals and birds for over a century. BNHS also boasts of an extensive library of nature books, which can be used by non members for purpose of research and studies, by taking prior permission.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune : Paintings, handicrafts, armour-suits. musical instruments and other objects of art are on display. The 17th century lamps and other articles belonging to Mughal and Maratha periods are the highlights of the museum.

GOA

Sculpture Gallery : The Gallery displays stone sculptures and bronzes of different deities, Hero and Sati stones etc. The gallery also exhibits inscriptions or their photographs dating from the 4th century A.D. onwards, significant among them being a copper plate inscription of Viravarma, a Kadamba King dating back to 1049 A.D. The oldest object in the museum is a fossil bone dating 10000 B.C.

Christian Art Gallery : The Gallery exhibits wooden statues of various Christian Saints and others including Pieta. There are portraits of Portuguese Governors and Prime Ministers, rare paintings on wood, metal and canvas, furniture pieces etc.

Banerji Art Gallery : This museum features terracotta objects of the Harappan civilization, seals of Janapadas, stone sculptures of the Gandhara School of art and wooden sculptures of south east Asia. Also displayed are Rajasthani miniature paintings, Patachitras of Orissa and a Vishnu image of the Gupta period.

Religious Expression Gallery : Musical instruments, worship utensils, palm leaf manuscripts and paper manuscripts of different religious texts and old photographs of religious ceremonies and festivals are on display here.

Cultural Anthropology Gallery : Displayed in this museum are objects related to cultural anthropology, household utensils, games, weights and measures.

Contemporary Art Gallery : Paintings and sculptures of Goan as well as other Indian artists like R. Chipmaker, F. N. Souza, S. H. Raza, M. F. Hussain are on display.

Western Bronze Gallery : Replicas of bronze sculptures of European artists like Claude, Dalon are among display. Timings : 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays Contact: Director of Museum, Tel: 0832 - 226006.

BIHAR

Mainly ancient sculptures in bronze and terracotta are on exhibit. Other sections on numismatics, the decorative arts, paintings, manuscripts, arms and armoury, geology and natural history are frequently visited. Address: Gaya, Bihar 823001, Bihar. Timings: 10.50 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Monday and public holidays. Entry: Free

Jalan Museum, Patna : The Jalan museum is constructed at the historical site of Sher Shah's Fort in Patna. The museum has a rich private collection of jade, Chinese porcelain paintings and silver filigree work of the Mughal period.

Nalanda Archaeogical Museum : The museum has a rich collection of archaeological finds including sculptures, terracotta, bronzes, panels, pillars and other fragments excavated in its vicinity. Tel: (06112) 81824, 81831, Fax: (06112) 81831 Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays. Entry fee: Rs. 2.

Patna Museum : This museum hosts a splendid collection of sculptures. The main attraction is a polished sandstone female attendant or yakshi, holding a flying-whisk, dating from the 3rd century. Address: Buddha Marg, Patna 800001 Telephone: (0612) 230175, 235751 Timings: 10.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

ASSAM

Assam State Museum, Guwabati : The museum mainly has sculptures from the Assam region done in stone, wood, metal and terracotta. The scripture of the bust of the Devi from the 9th century and the figures of lovers are prominent exhibits on display.

WEST BENGAL

Indian Museum, Kolkata : This museum has a wide range of items on display from Tibetan and temple banners, metal images, ornaments, silver wares, glass wares, pottery, ivory and bone work to wooden sculptures. Besides cultural artifacts, the museum also hosts eighty thousand specimens of meteorites, precious stones, ornamental building stones, rocks and minerals and fossils. Address: J.L. Nehru Road Kolkata - 700 016. Tel: 2495699, Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fees: Indians - Rs. 10, foreigners - Rs. 150.

Ashutosh Museum Of Indian Art, Kolkata : Basalt sculptures from Pala and Sena periods are on display here. These sculptures have a distinctive blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles. Address: Centenary Building, Kolkata University College Street, Kolkata - 700 073. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on weekends and public holidays.

Victoria Memorial Museum, Kolkata : This museum houses collections from the British colonial period, including a life-size statue of young Queen Victoria. Address: Cathedral Road, Kolkata - 700 071. Tel: 223-1890. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Indians - Rs. 10, foreigners - Rs. 150.

Bangiya Sahita Parishad Chitrasala, Kolkata : The museum exhibits valuable medieval stone and metal sculptures, manuscripts, letters of famous Bengali authors and archaeological objects depicting the history and culture of Bengal.

Birla Academy Of Art And Culture Museum, Kolkata : Paintings of the medieval period as well as modem art are on display. Regular exhibitions of modern Indian sculptors and painters are also held. Address: 108-109 Southern Avenue, Kolkata - 700 029. Timings: 4.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Crafts Museum, Kolkata : Rural arts and crafts of different regions of India including ivories, metal objects and textiles are on display.

Ethnographic Museum, Kolkata : Hunting tools, fishing gear, dresses and ornaments, furniture, spinning and weaving aids as well as objects relating to art, religion and 'magic' are prominent Features of the museum.

Nehru Children's Museum, Kolkata : The museum has on display puppets depicting the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, dolls wearing national costumes from different countries, miniature working models of railway crossings and an elementary science gallery. Address: 94/1 J. L. Nehru, Kolkata - 700 020. Tel: 2233517, Fax : 4403890. Timings: Wednesday to Sunday 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., Tuesday 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Entry fee: Children - Rs. 2, Adults - Rs. 5.

Rabindra Bharati Museum, Kolkata : This museum is the ancestral home of the famous writer and poet Rabindranath Tagore, the only Indian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Address: 6/4 D.N. Tagore Lane, Kolkata - 700 007. Tel: 2395241/42. Timings: 10.50 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Entry: Indians - Rs. 10, foreigners - Rs. 50.

Birla Industrial And Technological Museum, Kolkata : This is India's first public science museum. It has a display of scientific models, hands-on interactive exhibits on scientific phenomenon and models of various industries. Address: 19A Gurusaday Road, Kolkata - 700 019. Tel: 247-7241. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.50 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Rs. 10.

Asiatic Society Museum, Kolkata : The Museum hosts rare, valuable and illustrated manuscripts from all over India and South-East Asia. The exhibits include the Bhabru Rock Edict of Ashoka, copper plates belonging to 11th and 12th century A.D., and a collection of rare books. Address: 1 Park Street, Kolkata - 700 016. Tel: 2290779/ 7251. Fax: 2260355. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Closed on weekends and public holidays. Entry: Free.

Kolkata Panorama At Town Hall : The Town Hall, one of the most celebrated architectural edifices of Kolkata now boasts of India's first hi-tech museum. Called the Kolkata Panorama, the state-of-the-art museum portrays and depicts stories of the Kolkata city from its inception through the Bengal Renaissance and the freedom struggle to the present day. Address: Town Hall, Kolkata. Tel: 2483085/ 2486165. Timings: 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Indians - Rs. 10 on weekdays, Rs. 15 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, foreigners - Rs.100.

ORISSA

Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneshwar : Orissa has one of India's oldest and most artistic traditions with influences form Buddhism, Jainism and Brahminical styles. The museum has a rich collection of archaeology and numismatics, armoury, natural history and contemporary art. Its palm leaf manuscripts must not be missed. There is also a gallery dedicated to Utkalmani Gopabandhu Dash.

Archaeological Museum. Konark : Its main attractions are the sculptures retrieved from the Sun Temple at Konark. These sculptures follow the architectural and artistic patterns of the temple. The sculptures depict aspects of religious, social and economic life of the people of Orissa during the 15th century.

ANDHRA PRADESH

Archaeological Museum, Amaravathi : The museum has sculptures and monographs from the Chalukyan and Kakatiya periods. A pictorial depiction of Buddha's life and teachings are among the antiquities on display. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and public holidays. Entry: Free

Bhagavan Mahavir Government Museum, Cuddapah : There are ancient stone sculptures, idols and inscriptions dating back several centuries, exhibited in this museum. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and public holidays. Entry: Free.

Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad : An enormous library of rare books and manuscripts are featured in this museum. There is a prized collection of about forty thousand objects belonging to different civilizations, dating back to the 1st century. The clock room has a gallery that has a collection of more than three hundred clocks. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and public holidays.

State Archaeological Museum, Hyderabad : There are mainly early Buddhist antiquities on display. A stone shrine, polished black dolerite pillars, Fine carvings, and a wooden chariot used in temple parades are among the exhibits.

Kolanupaka Site Museum : The museum features artifacts from various historical monuments. The main exhibit is a collection of temple architecture from the Someswara temple complex. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Entry: Free.

Nagarjunakonda Museum : The museum has artifacts dating back to the 3rd century. The main exhibit is the 'Mahachaitya', the most sacred of the Stupa sculptures. Tools from palaeolithic and neolithic times, coins, and coin moulds are also on display. Timings: 9.30 a.m to - 4.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and public holidays. Entry: Free.

Victoria Jubilee Regional Museum, Vijaywada : The main collection in the museum revolves around beautiful sculptures and attractive paintings. The 'Buddha' Alluru inscriptions from the 1st and 2nd centuries are the prominent display in the museum. Arms, gold and silver coins as well as objects of the Golconda Kings are exhibited. Location: Bandar Road, Vijavawada, Krishna District. Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and public holidays. Entry: Free

Sri Venketeswara Museum, Tirupati, Chittoor : The museum features stone and wooden carvings, articles used for Puja (prayers) and traditional art and architecture from the nearby region.

KARNATAKA

Archaeological Museums, Badami And Aihole : Stone sculpture, panels and architectural fragments from the Chalukya period are prominent exhibits. Tel: 20157 (Badami). Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and national holidays.

Archaeological Museum, Halebid : The ASI maintains a sculpture gallery within a Hoysaleswara Temple. The Museum has a collection of stone sculptures. Tel: 73227. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays and national holidays.

Karnataka Government Museum And Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore :The museum has sculptures from the Hoysala and Gandhara periods. Popular exhibits include: antiquities from Mohenjodaro, terracotta from Mathura and miniature paintings from the Rajasthani and Pahari schools. Ivory carvings, sandal-wood caskets, arms and armoury are also on display. Tel: 2864483. Timings: 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Technical Museum/ Vishweshwaraiah Museum, Bangalore : This museum is a tribute to Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah, a statesman who worked to bring science and technology to the common man. The museum portrays the application of science and technology in Industry and human welfare. A mobile science exhibition is a feature of the museum. Tel: 2864114. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., daily except notified holidays.

Gandhi Bhavan : , (Kumara Krupa Road) The Museum has pictorial display of Mahatma Gandhi's life. Tel: 2871957. Timings: 12.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Hal Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum : Tel: 5228341, Timing: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days.

Archaeological Museum, Bijapur : The museum located in the premises of Golgumbaz features antiquities from the period between 1480 and 1680 A.D. These antiquities include porcelain, coins, miniature paintings, manuscripts and carpets. There are also stone sculptures and inscriptions in Kannada, Devanagari, Arabic and Persian exhibited in the museum.

The Tipu Sultan Museum : Set in the former summer palace of Tipu Sultan in Bangalore, the museum mainly exhibits personal items of Tipu Sultan and his family. Elaborately painted walls and ceilings of this wooden palace depict scenes from wars fought by him, while the interior walls are ornately painted with abstract designs and floral motifs. Timings: 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on all days.

TAMIL NADU

The Government Museum, Ooty : On display are tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays, second Saturdays and government holidays. Entry: Free.

The Government Museum, Vellore : It treasures ancient and present day articles relating to Anthropology, Art, Archaeology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-History, Zoology, etc. Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Government Holidays. Entry: Free.

Silappathikara Art Gallery : Scenes from Silappathikaram, the epic of the land, have been given lively shapes in stone on the walls of the gallery. Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Government State Museum, Chennai : The two main galleries in this museum display sculptures from Amravati and bronze sculptures. Closed: Fridays and public holidays. Tel: 8193238. Entry Fee: Rs 10 for Indians, $ 5 for others. Timings: 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Fort St. George Museum, Chennai : An impressive collection of portraits and paintings of former governors of Chennai as well as British royalty. Weapons, coins, porcelain and communion vessels of the church are also on display. Tel: 5671127. Entry Fee: Rs 5 for Indians, $ 2 or Rs 100 for others. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Dakshinachitra, Chennai : Traditional houses of various communities of South India have been transported brick by brick and reconstructed at this "heritage centre" on the coast off Chennai. Displayed in this museum are authentic samples of architecture, arts and crafts from the four South Indian States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kamataka.

Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple Museum, Madurai : Exquisite collection of South Indian bronzes, paintings, musical instruments, decorative arts and jewellery are the main attractions.

Palace And Museum, Padmanabhapuram : The museum has an amazing collection of wooden architecture, coins, and stone sculptures.

Pondicherry Museum : A collection of findings from Arikamadu, bronzes of the Chola period, armoury, coins and handicrafts are featured in this museum.

The Government Museum, Pudukkottai : This museum has sections on geology, zoology, paintings, anthropology, epigraphy and historical records. There is also a collection of fine sculptures and bronzes from various periods. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays, Second Saturdays and public holidays. Entry: Free.

The Government Museum, Salem : Valuable collections of terracotta and sculptures are featured in this museum. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays, Second Saturdays and public holidays. Entry: Free.

KERALA

Hill Palace Museum : The official residence of the Kochi Royal family, it is now a full-fledged ethno-archaeological and heritage museum of Kerala. On display are paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins etc. Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all days except Mondays.

Priyadarshini Planetarium : Rated as one of the best horizontal planetaria, it organises shows dealing with the origin and different stages of development of astronomy, the structure of different planets and the origin of the universe. Timings: 10.30 a.m. 12 noon, 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Entry fee: Adults - Rs. 10, Children (3-l0 years) - Rs. 5.

Science And Technology Museum : Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the exhibits here are related to science, technology and electronics. The planetarium has 40 minute science related shows in English at noon daily. Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days of the week except Mondays.

Art Gallery And Krishna Menon Museum, Calicut : The museum's most significant section is devoted to Krishna Menon. The art gallery houses the arts and crafts of Kerala, mainly paintings and carvings in wood and ivory.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Thiruvananthapuram : The museum hosts an excellent collection of carvings and architectural designs of the Kuthiramalika palace. Timings: 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee: Rs. 10.

Museum Of Kerala History, Ernakulam : Life size figures depict important landmarks of civilization from neolithic to the modern era. This museum helps to narrate the past two thousand years of the history of Kerala. Timings: The light and sound shows take place at the following hours - 10 a.m, 10.30 a.m, 11 a.m,, 11.30 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., 2.30 p.m, 3 p.m, 3.30 p.m, 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Public holidays. Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 5, Child Rs.2.

Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram : The Napier museum hosts a fine collection of Kerala's ornaments and costumes. It also has a model of the "Tharawad', the traditional Nair family home. Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. On Wednesdays, the museum opens only at 1 p.m.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Thiruvananthapuram : The gallery's main exhibits include contemporary Indian art, paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and miniature paintings from the Mughal and Rajasthani schools. Persian, Chinese and Japanese art and copies of murals, which embellished the walls of temples and palaces in Kerala are popular exhibits. Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Wednesday and Monday mornings.

The Government Museum And Art Gallery, Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala's rich heritage of sculptures in wood, stone and metal are displayed in this museum. There are also some excellent specimens of Indian, European, Japanese and Chinese paintings.

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

Anthropological Museum : The museum depicts the life of the paleolithic islanders and also houses the models of the aboriginal tools. Timings: 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Samudrika (National Marine Museum) : It is meant to create awareness on various aspects of the oceanic environment. Exhibits Include sea shells, corals and a few species of colourful fish found in these islands. Timings: 8.30 a.m to 5.00 p.m (closed from 12.00 p.m to 2.00 p.m). Closed on Mondays and public Holidays. Entry fee: Rs. 10.

Forest Museum : Situated at Haddo, this museum offers an insight into forest activities through scale models and displays decorative pieces made of different types of wood. Timings: Open on all working days.