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Mahatma Gandhi Museum Delhi or the Gandhi Smriti, is a sober shrine to the life and movement of one of the greatest figures in Indian history. It stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the last 144 days of his life before he was shot. The place is so calm and quiet, bringing one close to a philosophy that inspired fights. It houses things and pieces of memory from Gandhi’s life, the simple living he encouraged, the teaching of non-violence, and relentless fights for independence.
Location
Photo: wonker / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahatma Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of India’s Father of the Nation, is located in the heart of Delhi at Raj Ghat. Situated near the banks of the Yamuna River. The museum showcases artefacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that highlight Gandhi’s philosophies and his pivotal role in India’s independence movement.
How To Reach
Photo: WillaMissionary / Wikimedia Commons
By Metro: The closest metro station to the Mahatma Gandhi Museum is Delhi Gate and ITO metro stations. From here, it takes a mere 10 minutes of walking to arrive.
By Bus: Raj Ghat is well-connected by various Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. You can take routes such as 244, 273 or 412, which have stops nearby. Buses from multiple points in the city make travelling by public transport a convenient option.
By Air: For air travellers the closest airport, situated about 25 km from Raj Ghat. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services for a direct journey that usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Places To Visit Around Mahatma Gandhi Museum
1. India Gate
Photo: vikram__siingh / Pixabay
Any tourist who comes to Delhi must visit India Gate. This place is situated at a very short distance from Mahatma Gandhi Museum. This war memorial, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in war, is a huge construction located right in the middle of the city. Lined by huge lawns around it, this is a favourite haunt for locals and tourists alike, more so during evenings when the monument is bathed in colourful lights. You could either take a casual walk, have a picnic, or simply dishearten yourself with its grandeur; India Gate won’t disappoint.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
2. National Museum
Photo: Miya.m / Wikimedia Commons
Located just a few kilometres from that same Mahatma Gandhi Museum, the National Museum has bragging rights to being one of the most massive in India. The museum houses an immense collection of artefacts, art, and relics that go back over 5,000 years of Indian history. From ancient sculptures and manuscripts to decorative arts and textiles, it has nearly everything that defines India’s rich cultural heritage. A special mention goes to the Gallery of Buddhist Art, which hosts relics from all over Asia. The National Museum is, in a way, a treasure trove of education for those who strive to learn more about the past of India.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹650 for Foreigners
3. Humayun’s Tomb
Photo: Siddhant Ranjan Singh / Unsplash
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Humayun’s Tomb is an imposing and impressive monument of Delhi’s history, which stands not too far from the Mahatma Gandhi Museum. This great mausoleum was built by Akbar to house the tomb of his favourite wife in the middle of the 16th century and is a jewel in terms of Mughal architecture. The building itself with its striking red sandstone and marble facade is also a precursor of the later Taj Mahal. A visit to Humayun’s Tomb is like a sneak peek into this vast country’s majestic history and would, without doubt, be a spot on the checklist for all history enthusiasts.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for Foreigners
4. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Photo: Free Walking Tour Salzburg / Unsplash
As part of the itinerary for this day, the next place to visit is the Gurdwara Bang. Such is the serenity and architectural beauty that makes this Gurudwara special for being a place of worship and community service. The complex has a huge Sarovar, which is supposed to have healing qualities. Langar, or community meals, are served to anyone who visits the Gurudwara. The beauty of this Gurudwara, especially the golden dome and white marble structure, captures the eye of the visitor, especially after the sun has set and the lights come on. This visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a unique experience in itself and allows one to witness selfless service being effortlessly performed.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Stay
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There are plenty of options to choose from in Delhi ranging from budget to luxury. Luxury class- The Imperial, and The Leela Palace- feature world-class amenities and are very much accessible to the museum. For mid-range options, hotels such as The Park or Vivanta by Taj offer some amount of comfort with accessibility minus the heavy price tag. Budget travellers can opt for guesthouses or hostels in Paharganj or Karol Bagh for an affordable stay, having access to most of the major spots.
Where To Eat
A short drive away is where some of the best restaurants in the city are located, in Connaught Place. To get a taste of authentic North Indian food, one can move towards Kwality or Ardor 2.1 dinners. The Big Chill Café has a variety of Italian dishes. Buffs interested in street food must visit Chandni Chowk in order to have the city’s best chaat, parathas and jalebis. There are also a few decent vegetarian options to taste some delicious South Indian at Saravana Bhavan.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Punnoose K Thomas / Wikimedia Commons
Mahatma Gandhi Museum Delhi would be best visited between October and March, which is winter, neither too hot nor too cold, which makes it easier to visit the variety of places in this city. This period also hosts several cultural festivals and events where the vibrant atmosphere can be widely felt in Delhi.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Magic K / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entry fee for Mahatma Gandhi Museum Delhi. But considering accommodation, meals, and transportation on average. A mid-range budget for a 3-day trip to Delhi would come to around ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per person. This should include a decent enough hotel, popular restaurant meals, and most of the big attractions.
Tips For The Travellers
- Book your tickets and accommodation in advance, since it may be the peak season for tourist visitors.
- Wear comfortable footwear because the museum involves a lot of walking, and one should definitely carry a reusable water bottle.
- The Delhi Metro is an easy and efficient way to traverse in and around the city. One may also conveniently hire taxis, auto or app based cars.
The Mahatma Gandhi Museum Delhi is not a museum in the real sense of the term; it’s a place of deep reflection and learning. Located in the city centre, this museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential leaders in the history of India. Book your trip with TripXL to explore the Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
Cover Photo: Humayunn Niaz Ahmed Peerzaada / Wikimedia Commons
