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The concept of visiting a Doll Museum might seem daunting but Doll Museum Chandigarh is one of the most unique destinations to explore in Punjab. Filled to the brim with different types of dolls, each exhibit and artefact has a story to tell. It is one of the city’s most cherished museums, known for its collection of dolls from around the world. Not just for recreational purposes, the museum also offers education about the exhibits, showcasing cultural diversity, artistic craftsmanship, and unique collections. When you are in Chandigarh exploring popular sightseeing spots, consider adding the Doll Museum to your itinerary for a fun exploration.
Quick Details
Doll Museum Chandigarh Address: Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, 23B, Sector 23B, Chandigarh, 160023
Doll Museum Chandigarh Timings: 10 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday closed)
Doll Museum Chandigarh Ticket price: ₹10 per person
Contact Number: 1800 180 2116
Established: 1985
About The Doll Museum Chandigarh
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The Chandigarh Doll Museum, also known as the International Dolls Museum, boasts a collection of over 250 dolls from around 30 countries. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to understand the history and cultural significance of dolls as symbols of folklore, tradition, and artistic representation. Established in 1985, each doll inside the museum is unique and one of a kind. Every doll on display has been made with attention to detail and some of them even have traditional attire. Some of the countries from where the dolls hail from are India, Japan, Russia, Germany, Korea, Spain, and many others.
How To Reach The Doll Museum In Chandigarh
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Since the Doll Museum is located in Sector 23B, which is quite centrally placed, reaching the museum is not a hassle at all.
By Air: Chandigarh International Airport is one of the nearest airports to the Doll Museum, roughly 12-13 km from the museum. You can either hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw from outside the airport for an easy commute.
By Rail: For tourists travelling via railway, Chandigarh Railway Station is your nearest railhead. From there, you can take auto-rickshaws and taxis are available, making it a fairly easy journey from there.
By Road: If you are in Chandigarh, public buses are leaving from multiple points, especially Sector 17, which is around 2 km from the museum. You can also hire a taxi or auto from anywhere in Chandigarh to reach the museum.
Things To Do At The Doll Museum
Given how extensive the Doll Museum in Chandigarh is, there are various activities that you can indulge in while you are at the museum.
1. Explore The International Doll Collection
Photo: Buete / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the main attractions inside the Doll Museum is the international doll collection. There are roughly 250 different dolls from various countries, each depicting a story of its own. When exploring these dolls, you have to take your time to explore each one of them and get insights into their native culture and the traditional attire of the country. The detailed craftsmanship and the fabrics used in creating each of these dolls are the highlights.
2. Discover Indian Heritage
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Along with the international collection, the museum also has a significant collection of dolls belonging to Indian heritage, which you must stop and explore. Each one of these dolls is adorned in traditional attire and culture of different Indian states. From the vibrant Rajasthani dolls to the elegant South Indian dolls, this section of the museum celebrates India’s cultural diversity. Some of the dolls even reflect the various dance forms, festivals, and rituals.
3. Visit The Gift Shop
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If you are mesmerised by the dolls inside the museum and want to take back a souvenir with you, there is a gift shop inside the museum that you must visit. There are handmade dolls, postcards, and miniature replicas of some of the museum’s most iconic dolls in the gift shop, which you can consider purchasing. Not only do you get to carry a memory of your visit, but buying from the gift shop also gives back to the local artisans.
4. Explore The History Of Dolls
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Inside the Doll Museum in Chandigarh, there is a dedicated corner that depicts the history of the dolls. If you are a curious soul who wants to get a glimpse into the same, you can stop to explore them at length. There are elaborate description cards in this section giving a rundown of the history, making it a fascinating experience for not just children but also adults.
5. Explore The Other Exhibits
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Beyond the dolls inside the museum, there are a whole lot of other elements and exhibits that you must stop to explore. In the middle of the exhibition hall lies the huge model of a German railway station, which is another major attraction. Also, there are extensive murals inside the museum, which you must stop to witness. There is a dedicated section for entertainment for the kids, which you can stop to explore as well.
Places To Visit Around The Doll Museum
Beyond the charm of the Doll Museum, there are numerous other sightseeing spots around, which you must not miss out on when in Chandigarh.
1. Rock Garden
Photo: Ijon / Wikimedia Commons
Starting the list with potentially one of the most alluring elements, the Rock Garden. It is one of the most iconic destinations, which was made in secrecy by Nek Chand, a government official. He used his creativity and innovation to use scrap elements and waste products to create sculptures and beautiful elements that are now preserved inside the Rock Garden. Sculptures made from broken ceramics, tiles, and bottles are scattered throughout the garden.
Distance From Doll Museum: 5.5 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
2. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is Asia’s largest rose garden, spread across 30 acres with over 1,600 varieties of roses. The garden is named after India’s former President Zakir Hussain and is a haven for both nature lovers and photographers. Each year, the garden plays host to the famous Rose Festival, which draws visitors from all over the country. Inside the garden, there are several fountains, walkways, and a variety of trees and medicinal plants, adding to its beauty.
Distance From Doll Museum: 1.3 Km
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
3. Elante Mall
Photo: Barthateslisa / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in the mood for some shopping and to appease your hunger after a long day of sightseeing, Elante Mall is a great spot. Elante Mall is the largest shopping mall in Chandigarh. With a wide range of Indian and international brands, it is a shopper’s paradise. The mall also houses a multiplex cinema, a gaming zone for children, and several dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining. There are extensive retail options inside the mall, making it a great option for individuals who want to splurge.
Distance From Doll Museum: 6.7 Km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Where To Stay Near The Doll Museum In Chandigarh
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Chandigarh is a bustling city that welcomes millions of tourists every year, so there is no shortage of good hotels. Some of the most popular accommodation options include Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh, Hotel Royal Park 22, Amara Hotel, and Radisson Chandigarh Zirakpur.
Where To Eat Near The Doll Museum In Chandigarh
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There are several restaurants near the Doll Museum, serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. You can try authentic Punjabi cuisine or explore multicuisine restaurants too. A few of the best options to explore are Urban Café, Saffron, Piccante, Baluchi and Black Lotus.
Best Time To Visit Doll Museum In Chandigarh
Photo: Vaibhavx34 / Wikimedia Commons
The Doll Museum in Chandigarh is accessible and open throughout the year. However, winter months are usually considered the best period since the weather is quite pleasant, making the exploration a lot more comfortable. During these periods, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C with little to no risks of rainfall. Also, when visiting the museum, consider going early in the morning to beat the crowd and explore the exhibits peacefully.
Other Factors To Consider
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For a well-rounded exploration of the Doll Museum in Chandigarh, ensure that you keep a check on the following pointers.
- Plan for at least 1 – 2 hours at the museum to fully enjoy the exhibits.
- Check for special workshops and guided tours that might be available during your visit.
- Taking Doll Museum Chandigarh photos isn’t allowed, so avoid breaking the rules.
- Carry water and snacks, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions around the museum.
Doll Museum Chandigarh is one of the most alluring and unique museums in India, offering a glimpse into a variety of dolls from different backgrounds and heritage. The next time you are in Chandigarh looking to explore a unique destination, add this to your itinerary. You can plan your vacation to Punjab with TripXL to avail the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Anonymous / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
