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Baba Bhalku Rail Museum is situated in Shimla and presents the rich heritage of the Kalka-Shimla Railway line. The museum has been named after a local saint, Baba Bhalku, who showed the path to the Britishers for laying down the track. It displays many rare artefacts and exhibits from the early 20th century, including vintage silver cutlery and floral crockery. It contains old railway manuals, labels, steam locomotive headlights, brass lamps, lanterns, and ticket-puncturing machines. The museum sheds light upon the luxuriant history of rail connections, and visitors can learn about the city’s past, politics, and art.
Location
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
Baba Bhalku Rail Museum is located at Old Bus Stand Road, Lalpani, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, and on the way to the Education Board and Rajdoot Hotel, near Lalpani. One of India’s heritage trains, the Kalka-Shimla Train, was constructed between Kalka and Shimla in 1903. Spanning 889 bridges and 102 tunnels. Baba Bhalku was honoured with a turban and medal by the British Government, and in 2011, a railway museum was opened to celebrate his contribution towards the Kalka-Shimla Railway Track.
How To Reach
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The Rail Museum is situated at a distance of 450 metres from Shimla and 117 kilometres from Himachal Pradesh. Tourists can reach by car, taxi, or bus.
By Rail: The Rail Museum is located at a distance of 1 kilometre from Shimla Railway Station and 86 kilometres from Kalka Railway Station. Travellers can reach by bus, car, or taxi.
By Air: The Rail Museum is nestled at a distance of 20.8 kilometres from Shimla Airport. Visitors can reach by car, bus, or taxi.
Places To Visit Around Baba Bhalku Rail Museum
1. Christ Church
Photo: ShashankSharma2511 / Wikimedia Commons
Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in Northern India after St John’s Church Meerut. The prayers are recited in Hindi and English. The church is illuminated at night. It has unique features like five stained glass windows and a copy of the ones in the Florentine Cathedral, portraying Christian virtues like faith, hope, charity, and patience. This neo-Gothic style church was built in 1857 for the Anglican British community in Shimla. This church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844 and consecrated in 1857. Christ Church has a great collection of books and ancient scriptures, making it an ideal destination for worshippers and travellers.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 1 PM, 2:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
2. Viceregal Lodge
Photo: Mathewjoseph007 / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the centre of Shimla, is the Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as Viceregal Lodge. It is a historic residence that houses ancient British articles and photographs dating back to British rule. With Jacobethan features, this building was completed in 1888 with an estimated value of about 38 lakh rupees. This lodge has light blue-grey stone masonry and elaborate woodwork inspired by castles from the English Renaissance and Scottish Highlands. This beautiful property is a grand main building with lively orchards, wide lawns, and quiet nature trails against the serenity of the landscape of Himachal Pradesh.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 20 (Indians), ₹ 500 (Foreigners)
3. Army Heritage Museum
Photo: Rishabh sharma007 / Wikimedia Commons
The Army Heritage Museum is located in Annadale, Shimla. It showcases weapons, ammunition, and life histories of Indian warriors. The other noted attractions here include the Pakistani letter box, a 5,000-year-old document featuring wars and martial forces, and the one showcasing the achievements of Indian warriors. Various weapons, such as the AK-47, are showcased here, and army uniforms dating back to pre-independence times are displayed. It is one of the places one must visit during their tour of Shimla as it offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Indian Army.
Timings: 10 AM – 2 PM and 3 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
4. Kali Bari Temple
Photo: Ajay Lamichhane / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kali Bari Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Shimla, and it is dedicated to the reincarnation of Goddess Kali, Shyamala. Constructed in 1823 by Bengali Brahmin Ram Charan Brahmachari, it has unique Hindu-style architecture with a blue-tinged wooden idol. People believe that Maa Kali resided here, and the city has been named “Shimla” after the goddess. Pilgrims can attend the evening aarti and be a part of the temple priests’ holy verses or slokas.
Timings: 6 AM-7 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
5. Shri Hanuman Temple
Photo: Rohan1331 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the top of Jakhu Hill in Shimla is the Jakhu Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. It hosts a huge festival called Dussehra. A 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman, the world’s tallest statue, was inaugurated at the temple in 2010, thereby being higher than the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, surpassing the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Accessible via foot, horse, taxi, or ropeway, the Jakhu Ropeway opened in 2017. The temple provides a 360-degree view of the whole town, covered by a green cedar forest.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Where To Stay
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Shimla features many accommodation facilities that suit different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places to stay here are Hotel Surya, Hotel Amber Shimla, Hotel Sidharth Regency, Hotel Bajlees Regency, Hotel Victory, BrightLand Hotel, The Cedar Grand Hotel & Spa, and Landmark Hotel. For a good, hassle-free experience, ensure you book in advance, consider proximity to the local attractions, dining options, and public transport, and check on travel websites or apps for current reviews.
Where To Eat
Photo: Acoomar / Wikimedia Commons
Everything from casual cafes to fine dining, Shimla offers a wide variety of dining options: Hills Edge Restaurant, Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar, Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar, Cafe Under Tree, Cafe Simla Times, Zaika Shimla, 45 The Central, and Cafe Sol—all boasting an appealing fusion of local and international cuisine along with relaxed environments and heartfelt attention to detail through the representation of locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are essential for peak season.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Baba Bhalku Rail Museum depends on one’s preference for the weather and the amount of people present. The dry season, December through April, guarantees dry and sunny weather—ideal for outdoor activities and a little sightseeing. On the other hand, during the wet monsoon season from May to November, there are frequent showers and increased humidity. It will not be as crowded, and prices are cheap this off-season. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entry fee to the Baba Bhalku Rail Museum. Depending on the individual accommodation choices and travel, each trip may cost from ₹8,000 to 15,000 per person.
Tips For The Travellers
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking around the museum and the out-of-the-way sights surrounding it.
- Bring a light jacket with you if you are going out in the evening or early morning on a visit since it gets pretty cold.
- If you’re feeling peckish, try the local Himachali and Tibetan cuisine available here, especially their momos and thukpa.
- Show respect to the culture and tradition of the locals, particularly when entering places that represent their religion.
- Always carry enough cash because some small shops may not accept card payments.
The Baba Bhalku Rail Museum offers a captivating journey through the region’s rich history, part of the rail history, and natural wonders. The town’s cultural diversity and natural beauty make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, culture enthusiast, or curious traveller, this museum promises a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Plan a trip with TripXL and immerse yourself in this cultural tapestry.
Cover Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
