RAILWAY MUSEUM

ABOUT LOCATION

Setup in 1979 by Indian Railways, the Railway Museum in Mysore is an outdoor display of vintage locomotives. Being the second railway museum to be set up in India after the National Railway Museum in Delhi, it exhibits the milestones of Indian Railways spanning more than 150 years. The museum also rooms a section where the royal compartments used by the Kings and Queens of Mysore are preserved. The section also exhibits a pillar and a wired fence from the Old Srirangapatna railway station.

ITINERARY AT THE MUSEUM

As we enter the museum, we first come across the meter gauge, broad gauge, and narrow gauge. Later, as we stroll through, rooms that display components used in tracks, signal lamps, and a model of the railway office consisting of old furniture, rotatory telephones, and armchairs can be seen.

The rail museum exhibits an exciting assortment of several ancient steam locomotives and carriages. A rare collection of royal carriages belonging to the erstwhile Mysore rulers, the Wodeyar Kings, is one of the major highlights. The museum also preserves and presents the first steam engine built in India.

THINGS TO KNOW

ATTRACTIVE EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUM

A major attraction at the railway museum is Maharani’s Saloon. The carriage from 1899 has a dining space, a kitchen, and a royal toilet. The 1925 model Austin Railway Car is another major highlight of the museum. The car initially built to run on the road was sold to a scrap dealer. A railway employee later retrieved and restored it with rail wheels. The most interesting fact about this rail car is that it remains in working condition.

The museum maintains a massive collection of photographs, paintings, ticketing machines, and clocks depicting the development of the railways. A steam water pump from 1934 and a hand-operated crane from 1885 are among the many exciting exhibits.

TOY TRAIN RIDE

The museum offers joy rides for children on a battery-operated toy train. Hence this place is an enjoyable experience for kids in Mysore.

HOW TO REACH

Situated on the Krishnaraja Sagar Road in Mysore, this museum is about 500m from the Mysore Railway Station and around 2.5 km from KSRTC Bus Station. You can avail a taxi or a rickshaw to reach the museum. 

Parking facilities are available inside the museum premises for private vehicles.

NEARBY LOCATIONS

• Mysore Palace(2.6 km): Located at a distance of 2.6 km is one of the historical palaces in Mysore.
• Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens(4 km): A popular zoo in Mysore famous for the wide range of species it shelters.
• Chamundi Hills(13.4km): Chamundi Hills is a sacred landmark in Mysore, topped by a historic temple dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari.
• Srirangapatna (15.4 km): A historical town that hosts several fascinating architectural masterpieces, including Tipu’s Fort
• Brindavan Gardens(17.4 km): A beautiful garden with musical fountains. This is perfect for an evening picnic with friends and family.