Rakhigarhi Museum: A Must-Visit Place For History Lovers

The Rakhigarhi Museum is an upcoming museum in Haryana’s Rakhigarhi village that shall exhibit numerous articles excavated from this site. Rakhigarhi is a major archaeological site in the state’s Hisar district, known for having been one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum, officially called the Rakhigarhi Indus Valley Civilisation Museum, shall display excavated items such as ornaments, utensils, pottery, seals, figurines and much more. In this article, we will give you a full insight into everything you need to know about the museum for your upcoming trip to Haryana.

Table of Contents

Rakhigarhi Museum Location

A shot of a site near Rakhigarhi Museum, the largest museum of Harappan culture.

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The Rakhigarhi Museum address is set to be built within the Rakhigarhi village of Haryana’s Hisar district since it is said to have been one of the five largest settlements of the Harappan Civilisation. For those wondering about things to do in Rakhigarhi, visiting this upcoming museum will be a major attraction. However, given that the museum is yet to be built, its exact location remains unknown. Once completed, the Rakhigarhi Museum will be a major location for the preservation of the Harappan civilisation and will house a collection of archaeological finds.

How To Reach The Rakhigarhi Museum

An old bus full of passengers on an empty road heading to the Rakhigarhi Museum.

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By Road: Rakhigarhi is easily accessible from Hisar, around 50 km away. Taxis and local buses also run from Hisar and other towns such as Hansi. In case you are coming from Delhi or any other metro city, NH9 is the best route.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Rakhigarhi in Hisar lies approximately 45 km away. Trains coming from big cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, etc. frequently arrive at Hisar. On arriving at the station, a taxi or local bus can be boarded to reach Rakhigarhi.

By Air: There are no direct flights to access Rakhigarhi and the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport located in New Delhi, approximately 180 kilometres away. Once you arrive at the airport, you may opt to take a taxi for a 4 to 5-hour drive or take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Hisar.

Places To Visit Around Rakhigarhi Museum

Here’s a curated list of the famous sites to visit near the Rakhigarhi Museum for your next vacation to Haryana.

1. Bhuteshwar Temple

Bhuteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Bhutneshwar situated near Rakhigarhi Museum.

Photo: Sushilhindu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located about 20 km from Rakhigarhi in Jind, Haryana, Bhuteshwar Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Bhuteshwar, one of the avatars of Lord Shiva. The temple lies in the 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Bhuteshwar Temple is famous for its calm surroundings and beautiful designs, making it a favourite for both pilgrims and tourists. The temple premises display a rich and deep historical and cultural background reminiscent of the ancient Indian temple architecture.

Distance From The Museum: 20 km
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM

Suggested Read: Loknath Temple

2. Lat Ki Masjid

Lat Ki Masjid, a part of the Firoz Shah Palace Complex, is a stunning place to explore.

Photo: Rvenka0607 / Wikimedia Commons

Lat Ki Masjid situated in Hisar, a part of Firoz Shah Palace Complex is a stunning specimen of Tughlaq architecture. The Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq constructed this mosque in the 14th century. The mosque features finely carved stone pillars along with an ablution tank. The mosque is primarily composed of red and buff sandstone which draws attention to the artwork of that era. Lat Ki Masjid is not only a religious site but also a beautiful historical site worth visiting because of its architecture.

Distance From The Museum: 40 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

3. Tomb Of Sheikh Chilli

A garden at Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb located in Kurukshetra, offering a glimpse of the past.

Photo: Vjdchauhan / Wikimedia Commons

The Tomb of Sheikh Chilli is a famous monument located in Kurukshetra, situated 50km away from Rakhigarhi. Constructed in the 16th century, the tomb is dedicated to the famous Sufi priest Sheikh Chilli. The tomb is beautifully built in Mughal style with lovely paintings and gardens. People mostly come here to pay their respects and enjoy the peacefulness here. The place is significant in that many people visit it for religious purposes, and it is also a cultural site epitomising the culture of the people in this region.

Distance From The Museum: 50 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

4. Surajkund Lake

A panoramic view of the entire Surajkund Lake with steps, about 50 km from Rakhigarhi.

Photo: Anupamg / Wikimedia Commons

Surajkund Lake is one of the notable places to visit in Faridabad. It is an ancient reservoir, constructed in the tenth century and is popular for its scenic beauty and rich history. This lake is also known as the venue where the ‘Surajkund International Crafts Mela’ is organised annually, attracting thousands of artisans and visitors who indulge in different crafts, dances, and delicious authentic food prepared by the locals.

Distance From The Museum: 50 km
Timings: 24*7

5. Hansi Fort

A picturesque shot of a fort built in the 14th century during the Tughlaq dynasty.

Photo: Manoj Khurana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Hansi Fort situated in Hansi, is approximately about 40 km from Rakhigarhi. The fort, constructed in the 14th century under the Tughlaq dynasty, is a beautiful specimen of military architecture of its time. It has thick walls with entrances at different levels. Visitors enjoy the ruins of the fort, such as bastions and old water tanks, and the views from the fort of the landscape beyond. The fort has historical value and attracts many travellers who are interested in the rich cultural history of Haryana.

Distance From The Museum: 40 km
Timings: 24*7

Suggested Read: Chhachhrauli Fort

6. Firoz Shah Palace Complex

Photo: Madhaverma / Wikimedia Commons

Designed by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 1400s, the Firoz Shah Palace Complex in Hisar is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The huge complex has a tomb, a mosque, and a step-well (baoli), all of which show how grand and well-designed architecture was during the Tughlaq period. Historic buildings that have been well taken care of and peaceful settings make it a great place for both history buffs and photographers.’

Distance From The Museum: 60 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

7. Agroha Dham

Photo: Hargoa / Wikimedia Commons

Not far from Hisar is Agroha Dham, a major pilgrimage place for the Agrawal community. Religion followers and tourists alike are drawn to the temple complex’s peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Temperance halls and temples with intricate designs honour the area’s rich cultural and historical customs. In addition to religious events and fairs, Agroha Dham also hosts many others that give tourists a look at the local ways of life.

Distance From The Museum: 55 km
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kalka

8. Jahaj Kothi

Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Irish explorer George Thomas built the famous Jahaj Kothi in Hisar in the 18th century. The unusually designed house was both a home and a strategic outpost. Sculptures, coins, and artefacts from different times in Haryana’s past can be seen in the Jahaj Kothi Zonal Museum, which includes this building.

Distance From The Museum: 60 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

9. Blue Bird Lake

Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only

Visitors to Hisar can enjoy a peaceful getaway at Blue Bird Lake, a beautiful man-made lake perfect for nature fans and bird watchers. Overlooking a lot of greenery, the lake is a popular place for photography and leisurely walks because it draws many types of migratory and local birds. Visitors and families can enjoy the peaceful environment while swimming and having picnics.

Distance From The Museum: 27 km
Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Suggested Read: Lakes In Gurgaon

Where To Stay

A hotel room with elegant curtains and a serene indoor setting, perfect for relaxation.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Accommodations are very limited in the village of Rakhigarhi thus, for a comfortable and decent stay, one has to look for accommodation in nearby cities such as Hisar which is around 50 km away from the archaeological site. Hisar has a wide range of its own from budget hotels to mid-range stays and guesthouses. The Orison Inn and Hotel Grace are popular options offering decent amenities and quick connectivity to Rakhigarhi by road. Moreover, the tourists can also choose to stay in the rural areas in and around Rakhigarhi and indulge in homestays for a more wholesome and authentic experience. Hisar offers more facilities and better transport for the tourists willing to visit the historic site of Harappa.

Where To Eat

Several fine-dining restaurants are available in the nearby cities of Rakhigarhi.

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The dining facilities around Rakhigarhi are very limited. So, for a decent meal, the visitors should opt for neighbouring towns such as Hisar which offer many options for decent hotels and restaurants. The restaurants offer authentic Haryanvi food along with North Indian cuisine. Flavours Restaurant is a popular restaurant famous for serving vegetarian delicacies and Chawlas Restaurant serves non-vegetarian North Indian meals. Moreover, the street vendors offer local delicacies like Chole Bhature and Kachori. Furthermore, if you are a fan of dhaba-style food, you should not miss the dhabas found near Bhiwani, just off the highway from Rakhigarhi.

Suggested Read: Late Night Street Food In Gurgaon

Best Time To Visit

An image of a site resembling the walls of the Harappan civilisation in Rakhigarhi.

Photo: sarangib / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The ideal period for a trip to the Rakhigarhi archaeological site is from October to March. This timeline is favourable because the temperature varies between 10 °C and 25 °C, which enables the tourists to visit the site without the heat burden. Summer weather in Haryana is extremely severe, since temperatures rise beyond 40 degrees Centigrade and high humidity levels with the humid and heavy rainy season from July to September, making travel less favourable. In contrast, winter presents an opportunity to visit the historic ruins and other attractions within the region quite comfortably.

Other Factors To Consider

The picture of an big old box locked with a robust iron chain, found in Rakhigarhi.

Photo: MurderousPass / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

The cost of a trip to Rakhigarhi depends on one’s travel choices. For transportation, the bus fares from Delhi to Hisar are likely to be within the ranges of ₹500-₹1000, while taxi costs about ₹2000 to ₹3000 per day. Meals can vary in cost from ₹300 to ₹1000 per day. In general, a 2-3 day trip generally may cost between ₹5000 and ₹12000 per individual.

Tips For Travellers

For the most assuredly delightful weather to go to Rakhigarhi Museum, try scheduling your trip from October to March which is usually the winter months.
Always have on hand some water bottles when taking these tours especially if it’s hot outside; it will help keep your body hydrated and prevent dehydration.
Opt for local taxis or auto-rickshaws. One can also rent bicycles to move conveniently.
Sunscreen, glasses and hats are essential for protection against sun rays.
Ensure you have enough cash, as not all places accept credit cards.
Pay attention to your belongings and always leave your valuables in designated locker rooms.
Seek permission before clicking Rakhigarhi Museum photos from the authorities.

Visiting the Rakhigarhi Museum, Hisar and its nearby attractions is an amazing experience. So, start planning your visit to the museum today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture. If you are a history lover, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then Rakhigarhi Museum and its nearby attractions have something for everyone. Plan your visit with TripXL for a memorable experience.

Cover Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected timeline for the completion of the museum?

The construction of the museum is still in progress, although no specific date has been announced yet. It is expected that the local authorities will provide some information.

What is the Rakhigarhi Museum ticket price?

The specifics regarding the entrance fee have not been made public yet. It is presumed that access to the museum will be maintained at low rates to foster interest among the public.

Will there be any educational programs in the museum?

Yes, the museum in Rakhigarhi will offer many activities, educational programs, and tours specifically oriented to students, researchers, and tourists, seeking to familiarise themselves with the Harappan Civilization.

What are the Rakhigarhi Museum timings?

The usual timings for visitors to explore the museum are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for Sundays and other public holidays.

Are there any visitor amenities available?

The exact information about visitor amenities has not been made public; however, it is expected that the museum will have restrooms, a gift shop and a food court or restaurant.

Can I take a Rakhigarhi Museum photo?

Yes, people can take pictures in some parts of the Rakhigarhi Museum. But flash photography and expert gear might not be allowed. It is suggested that you ask the museum staff before taking shots to avoid any problems.

What are the Rakhigarhi Museum timings?

Rakhigarhi Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on all days except public holidays. Before you go, it's best to check the hours because they might change for special events or maintenance days.

What is the Rakhigarhi Museum ticket price?

A nominal fee, usually between ₹20 and ₹50 for an adult, is charged to enter the Rakhigarhi Museum. Students, children, and senior people may be able to get discounts. You can buy tickets at the museum's front door or, if they're available, through official websites.

Rakhigarhi Museum: The Largest Museum On The Harappan Civilisation

Rakhigarhi Museum Location

How To Reach The Rakhigarhi Museum