Junagadh Museum, also known as Darbar Hall Museum, is a major tourist attraction in Junagadh, Gujarat. The museum is housed in a beautiful palace that was once the court house of the Nawabs of Junagadh, the local rulers who ruled the region from 1730 to 1948. The museum showcases a wide range of memorabilia that reflect the history, culture and lifestyle of the Nawabs and their subjects. Here are some of the things you need to know before visiting the Junagadh Museum. Visit during One Day Junagadh sightseeing Trip By Private Cab
Location of Junagadh Museum
The museum is located at the entrance of the Uparkot Fort, inside the royal palace complex. The address is Taj Manzil Building, Sardarbaug, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001. The museum is easily accessible by road from various parts of the city and the state.
Timing/Entry Fees Junagadh Museum
The museum is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on all days except Wednesday, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The entry fee is Rs. 5 for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 for foreign nationals. There is an additional charge of Rs. 100 for camera and Rs. 500 for video.
How to Reach Junagadh Museum
The nearest railway station to Junagadh Museum is Junagadh Junction, which is about 3 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from there to reach the museum. The nearest airport to Junagadh Museum is Rajkot Airport, which is about 100 km away. You can take a bus or a cab from there to reach Junagadh city and then proceed to the museum.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Junagadh Museum
There are many other tourist attractions near Junagadh Museum that you can explore while visiting the city. Some of them are:
- Uparkot Fort: This is an ancient fort that dates back to 319 BC and was built by Chandragupta Maurya. The fort has many interesting features such as Buddhist caves, rock-cut wells, cannon bastions and a mosque.
- Mahabat Maqbara: This is a stunning mausoleum complex that was built by Nawab Mahabat Khan II in the late 19th century. The complex has two mausoleums, one for the Nawab and one for his vizier, and a mosque. The mausoleums are adorned with intricate carvings, domes, minarets and arches.
- Girnar Hill: This is a sacred hill that rises to a height of about 1100 meters above sea level. The hill has many temples dedicated to various Hindu and Jain deities. The most famous temple is the Ambaji Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.
- Sakkarbaug Zoo: This is one of the oldest zoos in India and was established in 1863 by Nawab Rasul Khanji. The zoo houses many endangered species such as Asiatic lions, leopards, tigers, bears and crocodiles.
Things to Do/Must See Junagadh Museum
The Junagadh Museum has many things to do and see for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the must-see items are:
- Arms Gallery: This gallery displays various weapons used by the Nawabs and their armies such as swords, daggers, guns, rifles, pistols and cannons. Some of the notable weapons are the stick gun, which was used to shoot birds; the tiger nails, which were worn by hunters as protection against tigers; and the Jamnagar daggers, which were made of silver and had intricate designs.
- Textile Gallery: This gallery displays various costumes worn by the Nawabs and their families such as sherwanis, achkans, turbans, dupattas and sarees. Some of the costumes are made of silk, brocade, velvet and zari. The gallery also exhibits some carpets, tapestries and curtains that were used to decorate the palace.
- Palanquins Gallery: This gallery displays various palanquins or palkis that were used to carry the Nawabs and their guests on special occasions such as weddings, festivals and ceremonies. Some of the palanquins are made of wood, metal and silver and have elaborate carvings and paintings.
- Howdahs Gallery: This gallery displays various howdahs or seats that were used to carry people on elephants. Some of the howdahs are made of silver, brass and wood and have ornate decorations and motifs. One of the most impressive howdahs is the silver-plated howdah that has silver mermaids on four corners and a tiger posing as protecting the rich velvet seats.
- Durbar Hall: This is the main attraction of the museum and is a replica of the original court room of the Nawabs. The hall has a grand throne, a chandelier, a carpet, a portrait of Nawab Mahabat Khan III and various furniture and textiles that were used by the Nawabs and their courtiers.
Significance of Junagadh Museum
The Junagadh Museum is a significant place for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Junagadh and Gujarat. The museum preserves and showcases the legacy of the Nawabs who ruled the region for over two centuries and contributed to its development and prosperity. The museum also reflects the diversity and richness of the art, architecture, craft and lifestyle of the people who lived in Junagadh during the Nawabs’ era.
FAQ
Q: Is photography allowed inside the museum?
A: Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum but you have to pay an extra fee for camera and video.
Q: Is there a guide service available at the museum?
A: Yes, there is a guide service available at the museum but you have to book it in advance.
Q: Is there a cafeteria or a restaurant near the museum?
A: Yes, there is a cafeteria inside the museum complex where you can get snacks and beverages. There is also an open-air garden restaurant near the science museum where you can enjoy a meal.
Conclusion
Junagadh Museum is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history, culture and art. The museum offers a glimpse of the Nawabs’ era and their way of living. The museum has many galleries that display various items such as weapons, costumes, palanquins, howdahs and furniture that belong to the Nawabs and their subjects. The museum also has a durbar hall that recreates the court room of the Nawabs. The museum is located in a beautiful palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs.
The museum is open on all days except Wednesday, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The entry fee is nominal and photography is allowed with an extra charge. The museum is easily accessible by road from various parts of the city and the state. The museum is also close to many other tourist attractions such as Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, Girnar Hill and Sakkarbaug Zoo. Junagadh Museum is a place that will surely fascinate you with its charm and elegance.
