If you wish to immerse yourself in the rich military history, the Artillery Museum Nashik is one of the most unique destinations to visit. A visit to this museum offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the finest artillery equipment used by the Indian Army, both historic and modern. The museum, a part of the School of Artillery in Nashik, has guns, tanks and other military equipment inside. Visiting the Artillery Museum in Nashik is a must-visit the next time you want to learn about India’s defense forces.
Quick Details About Artillery Museum Nashik
Artillery Museum Nashik Address: Artillery Centre, Gandhi Nagar Airport Area, Deolali Gaon, Nashik, Maharashtra 422101
Artillery Museum Nashik Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Artillery Museum Nashik Ticket price: ₹25 per person
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Recommended Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Ideal For: History enthusiasts, families, students, defense aspirants
About Artillery Museum Nashik
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The Artillery Museum is a part of the School of Artillery in Deolali, Nashik. The main objective of the museum is to provide a comprehensive insight into the Indian Army’s artillery regiment. Inside the museum, you get to witness a vast collection of artillery guns, tanks, anti-aircraft guns and missile systems. The museum also offers a visual look into the Indian Army’s defense technologies through the ages. It preserves the legacy of past battles and campaigns besides aiming to inspire future generations through the evolution of military strategies and equipment. It is one of the few military museums in India which displays real-life artillery pieces used during significant wars like the Kargil War, the Indo-Pak wars and the battles of World War II.
How To Reach
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As you are planning your way to the Artillery Museum, it is quite centrally located in Nashik, explaining why accessibility won’t be an issue at all:
By Air: If you are planning to take a flight, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is your nearest airport. You’d need to hire a taxi to get to Nashik and then to the museum from there.
By Rail: There are two railway stations that you can get down at, depending on the train you are commuting in. These are Deolali Railway Station and Nashik Road Railway Station. The latter is a more easily accessible station. From the station, you’d need to opt for local transportation to get to the museum.
By Road: There are regular state transport buses and private taxis operating between Nashik and Deolali. The drive from Mumbai to Nashik takes about 3 – 4 hours via NH160.
Things To Do
Explore these best things to do at the Artillery Museum to grab the maximum of this trip and dive into history at its fullest:
1. Explore The Artillery Collection
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The heart of the Artillery Museum Nashik is famous for its impressive collection of artillery equipment, both historic and modern. Inside the museum, you will be greeted with numerous different types of heavy artillery guns, tanks and missile systems. These were used in key battles by the Indian Army. Some highlights include the famous Bofors gun, which played a crucial role in the Kargil War. Another one is the 105 mm Indian Field Gun, an indigenously developed artillery piece that has served the nation for decades. You can also immerse yourself in some of the older artillery pieces like Howitzers inside the museum.
2. Visit The Outdoor Display
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In addition to the indoor exhibits, the Artillery Museum boasts an expansive outdoor display area, showcasing the larger equipment. This area includes a range of tanks, anti-aircraft guns and missile systems. This is usually the main attraction among the visitors interested in witnessing the big machines like the T-72 tank and AKASH Surface-to-Air Missile system. Also, the outdoor display of the museum allows you to witness BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The highlight of the outdoor area is the opportunity to get up close to these massive weapons.
3. Engage With Interactive Exhibits
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One of the standout features of the Artillery Museum is its interactive exhibits. This makes the experience more engaging, particularly for younger visitors or those interested in the technical aspects of military equipment. There are audio visual and multimedia guides, which truly make the whole experience of exploring the individual exhibits a fun experience. One such exhibit includes a simulation where visitors can experience what it’s like to aim and fire an artillery piece. Also, if you are interested in immersing yourself in the artillery deployment, there is a section dedicated to that too.
4. Watch Documentary Films
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The Artillery Museum regularly screens documentary films and educational videos. These delve into the history of India’s artillery forces and the specific roles these weapons have played in major conflicts. These kinds of experiences aren’t everyday things, so be aware of when these documentaries are screened in the museum to experience them in real-time. One popular documentary screened at the museum focuses on the Kargil War. This particularly emphasises on how artillery played a decisive role in India’s victory.
Places To Visit Around Artillery Museum Nashik
If you’re visiting the Artillery Museum in Nashik, these are several intriguing destinations nearby that make for a well-rounded trip:
1. Trimbakeshwar Temple
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One of the most enchanting Shiva temples in India, Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is a popular pilgrimage site in India, attracting millions of tourists every year. The temple is also where the Godavari River originates. Many devotees come here to bathe in the holy river. The temple itself is located at the foothills of the Brahmagiri Hills, with enrapturing views of the surroundings.
Distance From Artillery Museum Nashik: 11.5 km
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
2. Sula Vineyards
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Another one of the unique tourist destinations to add to your travel plans is the Sula Vineyards. The vineyard offers guided tours where you get a glimpse into the wine-making process from grape to bottle. This is said to be the main highlight of the visit. Also, if you want a more immersive experience around the vineyard, book your stay at their resort. You can experience a wine-tasting session, which is one of the main attractions of this place.
Distance From Artillery Museum Nashik: 11.5 km
Timings: 10 AM – 11:30 PM
3. Pandavleni Caves
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More commonly known as Nashik Caves, Pandavleni Caves is another must-visit destination the next time you are planning your visit to Nashik. These are a series of 24 rock-cut caves located in the Trivashmi Hills near Nashik. According to history, these caves date back to around the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. These are believed to have been carved by Buddhist monks. Each cave is unique, but Cave 3 is particularly notable for its large Buddha sculpture.
Distance From Artillery Museum Nashik: 11.5 km
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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There are numerous accommodation options around Nashik. This includes budget-friendly options and the more expensive resorts. A few of the highly-rated properties, which you can add to your travel plans include Itsy Hotels Mansi, Hotel Sachin Regency, Birla Ayurveda Stay Center, Hotel Grand Rio and Swiss Traffalgaar Luxury Hotels.
Where To Eat
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You can find several local eateries and restaurants around the museum. Some of them offer a taste of the authentic cuisine of Maharashtra while others are multicuisine restaurants that you can check out. A few of the best restaurants around the area include Patang Restaurant, Seeyona Resort, Shree Purohit’s Thali and Hotel Curry Leaves.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- Obtain prior permission before visiting the Artillery Museum as it is inside a military area.
- Carry a valid ID as it may be required at the security check.
- Photography might be restricted in certain areas, so confirm the rules at the entrance.
- Since you will be walking a lot, consider wearing comfortable footwear.
- Visit during the cooler months.
The Artillery Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nashik. If you are interested in India’s military history or the evolution of artillery technology, this is the perfect place to visit. Artillery Museum Nashik offers a rare glimpse into the strength and preparedness of the Indian Army. It also renders an opportunity to learn about the valour and sacrifices of the nation’s soldiers. Plan your visit with TripXL and explore the wonders of Nashik, including the fascinating Artillery Museum.
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