New Delhi, India’s capital, is known for its historical monuments and scenic beauty. One such historical monument is the Gandhi Smriti Museum. This museum, formerly known as the Birla House or Birla Bhawan is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The simple yet beautiful residence, now converted into a museum is the place where Gandhiji spent his last days of life and was assassinated on 30th January 1948. If you are interested in the history and heritage of India, the Gandhi Smriti Museum in Delhi is an ideal place.
About Gandhi Smriti Museum
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The museum was the residence of industrialist BD BIRLA. It is the same place where Gandhiji, fondly known as Bapu, spent his last days and was assassinated here on his way to offer his evening prayers. The Museum houses a large collection of pictures, symbols, and personal belongings of Gandhiji. A series of terracotta dolls illustrating Gandhiji’s life is the major attraction of the Gandhi Smriti Museum Delhi. The Museum also displays the freedom struggle of Gandhiji and India. It is one of the biggest museums and has a huge library with around 60,000 books.
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Location
The museum is located on the Tees Jan Marg in front of the National Defence College near the Birla House in New Delhi. Gandhiji spent 144 last days of his life at the place. The exhibition on the Mahatma, the room where he lived, and the prayer ground where he was martyred with God’s name on his lips attract a large number of visitors daily. Gandhi Smriti Museum address is quite easy to navigate.
How To Reach
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By Metro: The museum in Delhi is located near the Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station in Delhi. The museum is a 12-minute walk away from the metro premises.
By Air:The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport at a distance of 16 min which is 11.3 km from the museum.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the New Delhi Railway Station. Cabs, buses, and other public transport are easily available to reach the museum in Delhi.
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Places To Visit In And Around Gandhi Smriti Museum
Gandhi Smriti Museum in New Delhi is located close to several other iconic tourist destinations which need your attention. Some of them are listed below.
1. Gandhi Memorial Museum
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The Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum in Delhi is a museum established to commemorate the first prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi. Located near the museum, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum is built in the building where she used to live with her family and the place where she was assassinated. The Museum displays the artefacts, the material remains, and personal belongings of the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and her son Rajiv Gandhi.
Location: 1, Safdarjung Rd, Safdarjung Lane Area, New Delhi, India
Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:45 PM
2. Sikandar Lodi Tomb
Photo: Anupamg / Wikimedia Commons
The tomb of Sikandar Lodi is the tomb of the second ruler of the Lodi Dynasty, Sikandar Lodi, situated in New Delhi. Located inside the lush green and verdant Lodhi Gardens, the Sikandar Lodi Tomb is a great place to unwind, relax, and admire the beauty of Islamic architecture. The lush green and manicured gardens display a wide array of flowers that further enhance the beauty of the tomb and its surroundings. Experience tranquillity at this quaint place in New Delhi that offers both historical and aesthetic ambience.
Location: Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Visiting Hours: 5 AM – 8 PM
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3. Safdarjung Tomb
Photo: Chitranshi / Wikimedia Commons
Safdarjung Tomb is located close to the museum and is the last enclosed garden tomb in India. Built in the tradition of Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb was built in 1753 as a mausoleum of Safdarjung, the viceroy of Awadh under the Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah. The Tomb houses a vast lush garden area along with a fountain that lights in the evening, enhancing the beauty of the tomb. The tomb also houses several pavilions like Moti Mahal, Badshah Pasand, Jangli Mahal that are decorated exquisitely with intricate carvings, Islamic motifs, and floral patterns.
Location: Intersection of Safdarjung Tomb and Aurobindo Marg
Visiting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry fee: ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
4. Rashtrapati Bhawan
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Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi is another prime location situated on one end of Kartavya Path. Located close to the museum, The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the residence of the Indian President and houses the famous Mughal Gardens or the Amrit Udyan. The Amrit Udyan is a kind of botanical garden that displays diverse species of exotic flowers, shrubs, herbs, medicinal plants, and more. Amrit Udyan has several iconic spots including the Rose Garden, The Butterfly Garden, Good Joints, and the Children’s Play Area that are worth visiting.
Location: Kartavya Path, Opposite India Gate, New Delhi, India
Visiting Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
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5. India Gate
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At the centre of Delhi, stands an iconic monument, known as the India Gate. The monument was built in memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Amar Jawan Jyoti was built near the India Gate which burns 24 hours in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives during the India-Pakistan war of 1971. The beauty of India Gate is best witnessed during the night when the entire area brightens up with colourful lights. The monument is surrounded by lush green lawns and fountains which has now become a popular picnic spot.
Location: Kartavya Path, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi
Visiting Hours: 24*7
Where To Eat
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After exploring the captivating tourist destinations around the museum in Delhi, get ready to experience unique culinary delights. There are several eateries, aesthetic cafes, and restaurants that offer mouth-watering and palatable food that will keep you wanting for more. Some of them located close to the museum include the Out of the Box Restaurant, Pickwick, The Chatter House, Southern Masala, and more.
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Where To Stay
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Located on the bustling street of Tees Hazari Marg, the museum is close to many hotels and comfortable accommodation facilities for a peaceful stay in Delhi. These hotels offer unique staying options with top-notch facilities that will feel like home. Some of the popular names among the top-booked hotels in New Delhi include Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, Taj Palace, The Ashok, and more.
Tips For Travellers
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- Don’t litter around the national monuments, historic places, and other spots in Delhi.
- Carry your ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other necessary items.
- Carry your camera to click an array of Gandhi Smriti Museum photos.
- Keep yourself hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you.
- Make sure you use public transport and navigation so that you don’t get into any trouble.
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Gandhi Smriti Museum in Delhi is a perfect place to witness the last days of the life of Gandhiji, and explore and cherish the moments from the life of our great freedom fighter. Plan a trip to explore the museum with TripXL and capture some breathtaking images, witness the history and heritage of India, or simply admire the beauty of the museum that will surely capture your heart for eternity.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only