In the remote town of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra is a unique museum that offers a glimpse into armoured history. Cavalry Tank Museum is the sole museum in the country that is dedicated to tanks and armoured vehicles. So, if you are fond of armour and fond of automobiles, you must go back in time and learn more about the military history of the place. Getting to witness the evolution of warfare machinery is truly quite fascinating. To immerse yourself in a unique experience while in Maharashtra, the museum is one of those places you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Quick Details
Cavalry Tank Museum Address: Iwale Nagar, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 414001
Cavalry Tank Museum Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday closed)
Cavalry Tank Museum Ticket price: ₹10
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Ahmednagar Fort, Meherabad, Shirdi, and more
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
About
Photo: Articseahorse / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The museum was established in 1994 by the Armoured Corps Centre and School. The museum showcases the rich history and evolution of India’s armoured forces. The museum is located in the military cantonment of Ahmednagar. It is spread across a large area and is an open-air museum that has 50 armoured vehicles and different types of vehicles ranging from tanks used during World War II to those utilised in modern-day conflicts. Some of the key exhibits inside the museum include the Centurion Tank, Sherman Tank and T-55 and T-72 Tanks.
How To Reach
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By Air: Pune International Airport is the nearest airport to the museum and once you land at the airport, there are taxis and buses available outside the airport to take you to the museum.
By Rail: If you are taking the train, Ahmednagar Railway Station is your nearest railhead, located quite close to the museum. From the station, you’d have to take local transport to reach the museum.
By Road: Regular buses and private taxis are available, making the road journey comfortable. You can reach this museum from anywhere in Maharashtra, given how well-connected it is to the nearby cities around.
Things To Do
1. Explore The Tank Collection
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Without a doubt, the highlight of the museum is the extensive tank collection. It has an extensive open-air collection of tanks and armoured vehicles, which is quite fascinating to unfold. There are 50 different exhibits available in this museum, which adds to its convenience. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll encounter tanks from different periods, each representing a significant leap in military technology. The collection spans from World War II-era tanks like the Sherman, which was pivotal in the Allied victory, to modern battle tanks like the T-72, which played a role in recent military operations.
2. Learn About India’s Armoured Corps History
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Given that the museum is a reflection of India’s military history, that’s another aspect you can’t miss out on exploring. The museum offers a detailed narrative of how tanks have been utilised by the Indian Army, from the pre-independence era to modern times. Also, getting to know about the individual tanks and warfare and how things have evolved along the way is not an everyday thing, to say the least. You get to learn about the bravery and strategic acumen of Indian soldiers who operated these individual tanks and vehicles.
Places To Visit Near Cavalry Tank Museum
1. Ahmednagar Fort
Photo: SafarNama / Wikimedia Commons
A few kilometres away from the museum is Ahmednagar Fort, which is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The fort dates back to the 15th century when it was constructed by Ahmed Nizam Shah. It is said that it was one of the strongest forts in the country at one point in time. It was famously used as a prison during the British colonial era, and Jawaharlal Nehru was imprisoned here during the Indian freedom movement. During his captivity, he wrote the book “The Discovery of India.”
Distance From The Museum: 4.3 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Shirdi
Photo: ShirdiSaiGurusthanTrust / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A few hour’s drive away from the museum, Shirdi is another popular pilgrimage and spiritual spot that you can visit. The main attraction in the town is the Sai Baba Temple which the devotees visit regularly. Aside from the main temple, visitors can explore other religious landmarks in Shirdi, such as the Dwarkamai Mosque, Chavadi, and Gurusthan, all of which are associated with Sai Baba’s life.
Distance From The Museum: 90 Km
Timings: 24*7
3. Randha Falls
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another nearby tourist attraction that you must add to your travel plans is Randha Falls. The beauty of this waterfall doesn’t require any introduction. These falls are located on the Pravara River and drop from a height of about 170 feet, creating a spectacular sight, especially during the monsoon season. Visiting the waterfalls also allows you to indulge in picnics and nature walk experiences around the area.
Distance From The Museum: 143 Km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
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When you are planning your stay around Ahmednagar for a few days, there are numerous hotels and resorts available in the area. Some of the accommodations you wouldn’t regret booking are Iris Premiere, Hotel Aurus, Hotel Farhat Executive, Hotel Radiance and Hotel Paradise.
Where To Eat
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You can find numerous restaurants and local eateries near the Cavalry Tank Museum. From authentic Maharashtrian food to international cuisine, you can find them all. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include Little Italy, Hotel Sagam Family Garden Restaurant, Rasrang Misal, Street Court Pure Veg Restaurant, and Sandeep.
Other Factors To Consider
Tips For Travellers
- You will have to walk quite a lot, so ensure that you are wearing comfortable shoes.
- Carry water and snacks, as the museum does not have a cafeteria.
- Avoid visiting during the summer months since it is an open-air museum.
- There are no issues with Cavalry Tank Museum photos, so carry good cameras with you.
- You have to check the museum’s website for all the rules and regulations of the museum.
Visiting the Cavalry Tank Museum is one of the most fun, historic and engaging activities that you have to experience while visiting Ahmednagar. Every corner of the museum has a history tied to it and you get to unfold a lot of the details about India’s military past. So, plan a trip with TripXL to avail the absolute best experience exploring the museum and the area around it.
Cover Photo: Glasreifen / Wikimedia Commons