National Rail Museum

After much begging from my kids, we finally visited the National Rail Museum just as the weather was warming up (late March). We went on a weekday morning around 10am which meant that the place was almost empty except for a nursery group that had arrived before us and were sitting excitedly on the mini-train, waiting for the first ride of the day. We jumped on and took a ride (extra 20 rps per person? You can buy the tickets at the front entrance). I believe the mini train ride was the highlight for me and my two girls (age 4 & 6). Afterwards we roamed the small indoor museum but as they had no interest in the technicalities of trains, we passed through it pretty quickly.

For the adults, you MUST read the hilarious sign on the wall about how it came about that trains began to have attached bathrooms!

Next door is a small outdoor play area with slides and swings. The sun was beginning to come out so we skipped this, but if you come later or earlier, it might be a short fun diversion.

We were kind of confused as to the layout of the museum. The outdoor portion with lots of old trains didn't seem to be organized in some kind of order, but perhaps that was my ignorance. We just wandered about, reading the signs about the trains. Since my girls weren't interested, this was also quite short. The two highlights from the outdoor trains are the Prince of Wales Saloon and the Maharaja of Mysore. Both those cars have steps from which you can peek into the window. Unfortunately, it was quite hard to peek into the window but you can make out some things.

As we prepared to leave after this very short field trip (probably about 1 hour or less for all that we saw), we began to see more and more preschool/play school groups arriving, and picnicing on the big lawn. If we had brought our lunch, we could have lingered longer in the museum, and played on the grass, etc.

There was also a functioning restaurant in the middle of the museum. There are the usual chips, drinks and ice cream vendors right outside the museum.

TARA'S (6 years old) NOTES: The toy train ride was my favorite part. It was cool to see the trains of the past because some of them were beautiful. Don't take photos inside the museum, it's not allowed.

STROLLER: quite do-able by stroller but there are tracks to cross if you are exploring outdoors. There were paths though that you could possibly stay on the whole time.

TIPS: located close to the Bhutan Embassy. There are signs for the museum, the first one I saw being at Nehru Park. I used my phone's GPS and it was quite handy in getting us there easily but it should be easy to just follow the signs. It was quite easy to get an auto to leave from the museum as well.

Some people were using the audio tour headsets. Perhaps that would make it more interesting.

FEES: 10 rps for adults, including foreigners. less for kids. Honestly I don't remember the exact amounts but very reasonable fees and no extra foreigner charges!

FINAL VERDICT: Worth the trip if you want a couple hours of educational fun since the fees are quite reasonable and almost every kid would love a mini train ride. My girls couldn't have been less interested in trains but they still came back raving about the place.

(from the Delhi Tourism Website )

National Rail Museum

Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Ph.: 26881816, 26880939
Timing : 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.  
Closed : Monday
This unique museum has a fascinating and exotic collection of over 100 real size exhibits of Indian Railways. Static and working models, signaling equipments, antique furnitures, historical photographs and related literature etc. are displayed in the museum. The line-up of old coaches includes the handsome Prince of Wales Saloon, built in 1875. Not to be outdone is the Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon built in 1899 with its brocade covered chairs and an elegant rosewood bed; one can peer in through the windows for a good look.
The star attraction here is the Fairy Queen, built in 1855 and considered to be one of the best preserved steam locomotive engines of her age. A ride in joy train and mono rail (PSMT) is the most exciting experience besides boating. Do not miss the handsome Fire Engine on your way out.