India, with its rich legacy and checkered history, is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. From historical artifacts to trains, philately to dolls, and vintage cars, India is surely a country that loves collecting its treasures; hence there are a wide array of museums that will leave you mesmerized. Almost all major Indian cities have museums that are the pride of the country. So, during your tour of India, be sure to set aside time to immerse yourself in the wonderful experience of discovering India’s rich history through the amazing exhibits in these museums. Most museums have audio guides in different international languages, making the tour interesting and easy to understand.

Indian Museum, Kolkata

The Indian Museum, established in 1814 at the heart of the city, is among the most famous museums in India and a must-visit when you are in the city Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). It is not only the largest multipurpose museum in India but is believed to be the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. Located very close to the bustling New Market and the Asiatic Society building, the Indian Museum has an exquisite collection of antiques, ornaments, beautiful Mughal paintings, skeletons, and fossils. It also has a mummy among its treasured exhibits, which catches the attention of all visitors. The museum is spread across sections containing galleries of archaeology, geology, Egyptian art, birds and fishes, coins, insects, and art. Being one of the oldest museums on the globe, it is highly regarded on every tourist’s list and is a must-visit destination.

Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad

The Salar Jung Museum, located in the southern city of Hyderabad, is an excellent place to take a peek into prehistoric times. A Mecca for historians, the museum boasts an amazing collection of artifacts spanning from the 2nd Century BC to the early 20th Century CE. Originally established by the Salar Jung family of the Deccan Dynasty, the museum has collections from across the world. The breathtakingly beautiful statue of ‘Veiled Rebecca’ which was acquired by Salar Jung I from Rome is the highlight of this museum. With approximately 46,000 art objects, 8,000 manuscripts, and 60,000 photographs, the museum is considered one of the best in India. It has a total of 39 galleries spread across three buildings: the Central Block, Eastern Block, and Western Block. A visit to the Salar Jung Museum, with its rich history, leaves a lasting impression on all its visitors.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

The 100-year-old Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is one of the largest museums in India. Opened to the public in 1922, the majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture of the building captures everyone’s attention even before seeing its precious treasures. The museum was honoured with the 2010 UNESCO Asia- Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The museum was founded to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, hence its original name (Prince of Wales Museum). However, in 1998, the museum was renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.

The museum houses over 50,000 exhibits from ancient Indian history and also showcases many artifacts from abroad. The museum has a comprehensive collection from varied fields such as art, archaeology, and natural history. Visitors can also catch a rare glimpse of exhibits from the Indus Valley civilization. A visit to the museum is an exhilarating experience, with tall palm trees and well-maintained flower beds that add to the aesthetic beauty of this heritage building.