Dasara festival is the time when tourists make a beeline to visit the royal city of Mysore. All the tourist spots are swarmed by people enjoying their holidays.
Not many people are aware of the Railway Museum Mysore and unfortunately a visit to this museum is not part of the itinerary of the tourists.
The Railway Museum Mysore was set up in 1979 by Indian Railways. Ticket issuing booth in the museum is an old inspection car.
Vintage locomotives are exhibited in an open area.
Chamundi Gallery exhibits many pictures and paintings that resonates the development of railways in India.
The royal carriages displayed in the Sri Ranga Pavilion are the highlight of the museum.
Maharaja of Mysore contributed the royal carriages to the museum.
It is awesome to peer into the luxurious Mharani’s salon, which comprises of a Kitchen, store, toilet, dining car, dresser, which was manufactured in 1899.
The Maharaja’s coach has a writing table, comfortable chairs and bed.
An interesting story is behind the 1920 Austin rail car.
The car was sold to a scrap dealer and was bought by a railway employee. He restored the car and instead of fixing tyres to run on road, he fitted rail wheels and removed the steering wheel! It was used as a rail-car by inspection officials on track.
Other interesting items related to railways on display are:
- Steam engine
- 1934 steam water pump
- 1885 hand operated crane
- Railway Signals
- Lights
- Phones
Children are taken on a short ride in battery-operated mini-train. A nominal entry and camera fee is charged.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Museum
Situated: Railway Museum is opposite to the entrance of CFTRI on KRS Road , Mysore
Distance: Mysore is 140 Kms from Bangalore; Museum is 3 Kms from city center
Transport: Well connected by road and rail
Facilities: Rest room available
Timings: 10 am to 1 pm and again from 3 pm to 5 pm
Holiday: Monday
