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Be it the architecture and the buildings or the exhibits that have now been transformed into museums, the list of attractions in Gujarat is extensive. Lady Wilson Museum, located in Valsad, is one such place. The museum is named after the former British Resident of Baroda and offers a glimpse into the rich British colonial history in the country. With the artefacts, documents and photographs on display, you get a look into the history of British rule in India. Before you plan your visit to this museum in Gujarat, having a comprehensive idea about it and its activities would better streamline your travel experience.
Quick Details
Lady Wilson Museum Address: Valsad, Gujarat 396050
Lady Wilson Museum Timings: 10:30 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
Lady Wilson Museum Ticket Price: Indian Nationals: ₹5 per person, Foreign Nationals: ₹50 per person
Facilities: Educational tours, cafeteria, souvenir shop, etc.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
About Lady Wilson Museum
Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are a lot of miscommunications regarding the origins of the Lady Wilson Museum. It is located in Valsad district, in the south of Gujarat. The tale starts with Ramsinh, a prince of the Sisodia dynasty of Udaipur Mewar, who conquered the hilly and forested area where the museum currently exists, after defeating the tribal chief Nathorat. It was later in 1766 that Dharamdevaji from the same dynasty changed the capital to Dharampur. Later, Maharana Mohandevji, his grandson, built a Silver Jubilee Hall in the same region to commemorate his grandfather’s 25th year of ruling.
Around seven or so years later, in 1928, Lord Lesley Wilson, Governor of the Bombay Presidency paid a visit to the remote capital of Dharampur. Mohandevji’s son wanted to honour the Governor, which is when he transformed the Silver Jubilee Hall into the museum we know today. He named it after Lady Wilson since she inaugurated the museum in January 1928. The majority of the exhibits that you witness inside the museum are due to the foreign tours of Vijaydevji, who collected different artefacts during his trips and brought them back. These artefacts were gifts that he received between 1927 to 1937.
How To Reach Lady Wilson Museum
Photo: VishuN / Wikimedia Commons
The museum is located in the Valsad district, which is in the southern region of Gujarat. It is well-connected to the remainder of the state.
By Air: The nearest airport to the museum is the Surat (STV) Airport, which is roughly 100 km away. From the airport, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach Valsad and to the museum as well.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from the museum is Valsad (BL), which is roughly 35 km away. There are numerous local transportation mediums from outside the railway station, which you can avail to reach the museum.
By Road: Valsad is well-connected by road to various cities in Gujarat and neighbouring states. You can leverage the maps to navigate through the national highways to reach Valsad, followed by Dharampur where the museum is.
Things To Do In Lady Wilson Museum
The beauty of the museum goes beyond the staple Indo-Saracenic architecture. There are nine different galleries and exhibits inside the museum for you to explore.
1. Explore The Natural History Exhibit
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The most important and probably the most crowded exhibit inside the museum is the natural history section which offers a glimpse into British rule and colonial influences. The museum’s galleries are filled with different kinds of components related to geology, reptiles, mammals, and aves. There are preserved specimens showcasing stuffed birds, wild animals and the skin of snakes too. One of the highlights of this exhibit is the “Skeleton of Blue Whale.” There are bottled specimens available inside this particular gallery as well.
2. Discover The Philatelic And Arms Sections
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are interested in stamps and covers and stationeries that were used back in the day during colonial rule, then you have to make your way inside the philatelic section first. There is a section specifically dedicated to postal stamps and stationeries that were used in history. Also, there is a collection of these items ranging from 30 different countries that Vijaydevji travelled to. In the arms section, you will get to witness different kinds of armour that belonged to the royals. Some of the major attractions include the silver-mounted camel gun of Mogul soldiers and the sword of the Lepcha soldier of Darjeeling.
3. Witness The Foreign Art Gallery
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another important part of the museum that you have to witness without fail is the foreign art gallery, which houses an extensive collection of items that Vijaydevji collected and brought back to India after his foreign tours. There is glasswork, porcelain, ceramics, wood carvings, and Buddhist icons. The majority of these items are sourced from Southeast Asian countries like China, Thailand and Japan.
4. Marvel At The Indian Art Gallery
Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Indian Art Gallery is a class apart. Inside, you will find all the collections that Vijaydeviji acquired during the industrial exhibitions that were hosted by the British. It is quite interesting to explore these individual exhibits from up close because you get to witness items like glazed wares of chunar, the Beadwork of Saurashtra, the Woodwork of Surat and the ivory work of Mysore.
5. Explore The Anthropology Gallery
Photo: Xicotencatl / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The last and potentially one of the most fascinating galleries to explore inside the museum is the Anthropology Gallery. There are three sections – Physical Anthropology, Foreign Ethnology and Indian Ethnology, showcasing different aspects of human evolution, something that’s bound to leave you in awe. Also, you get to learn about the different tribes along the Dharampur region.
Places To Visit Around Lady Wilson Museum
After your exploration of the museum is over, you can then step out to explore the surrounding tourist attractions.
1. Tithal Beach
Photo: Muku0793 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To unwind and relax after a few hours of walking inside the museum, you can head to Tithal Beach, which is reportedly one of the most popular beaches in Gujarat. The combination of the black sand beach with the calm waters makes it a perfect spot for you to swim. You can also witness sunset views and visit the Swaminarayan and Saibaba temples nearby.
Distance From Museum: 32 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Parnera Hill
Photo: Jashu Ram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another historical site that’s also renowned for its natural beauty is Parnera Hill. It houses a fort built during the reign of the Marathas, and temples, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The hill is also a popular spot for trekking so if you are in the mood for some adventure around remote locations of South Gujarat, this is a great destination.
Distance From Museum: 25.7 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
3. Wilson Hill
Photo: Sagar Parmar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Wilson Hill is a nearby hill station that’s perfect for a serene getaway in the lap of nature. With the cool and pleasant weather in the surroundings, you have the convenience of truly soaking in the views of the lush greenery and trekking to the numerous viewpoints that exist in the hill station. You can explore popular sightseeing spots like Shankar Waterfalls and Shankar Dhodh.
Distance From Museum: 26.4 km
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit
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The museum is open throughout the year, beckoning tourists from across the country. However, the ideal time to visit is between October and February when the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making sightseeing a lot more comfortable. Even summer months, between April to June, are great but the temperatures can soar above 40°C, making things uncomfortable.
Where To Stay & Eat
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Valsad is the nearest city to the museum, making it a perfect spot for you to find affordable and luxurious accommodations for your stay. A few of the popular picks include Palm Beach Resort, Shanti Resorts, Woods, The Clubhouse and The Gold Beach Resort. Additionally, being a popular tourist attraction, it is surrounded by local eateries and restaurants. Among the popular ones, a few worth exploring are Vivek Lunch Home, Madhuli Restaurant, Atithi Pure Veg Restaurant and Restaurant Sabziwala.
Exploring the Lady Wilson Museum in Valsad is one of the most engaging and refined tourist experiences in South Gujarat. Be it the history or the unique artefacts, getting to explore them up close and learning about them enables you to get a glimpse into the rich colonial history of India. You can plan your trip with TripXL for a seamless travel experience in Gujarat.
Cover Photo: Nizil Shah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
