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Archaeological museums are intriguing, among the many presents across India, the Sanghol Museum in the quaint village of Sanghol in the Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab is one of the must-visit destinations. The museum, also known as the Sanghol Buddhist Archaeological Museum, offers a glimpse into India’s rich cultural past, with artefacts dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Gupta period. So, it is a heaven for history buffs. As you plan your trip across Punjab, stop by to spend a few hours at the Sanghol Museum to learn about thousands of years of Indian history.
Quick Details About Sanghol Museum
Address: Ludhiana – Chandigarh NH, Lohar Majra Khurd, Punjab 140802
Timings: 10 AM – 04:45 PM (Monday closed)
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Sirhind Junction
Best Time to Visit: October to March
About
Photo: Satdeep gill / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sanghol Museum was developed with the sole intention of preserving the Sanghol archaeological site. It has ruins from the Harappan civilisation and is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site, discovered in the 1960s, revealed artefacts that date back to the Harappan era, with several relics from the later Gupta and Kushana periods. Excavations have brought to light exquisite terracotta figures, ancient coins, seals, and sculptures of immense historical and artistic significance.
How To Reach Sanghol Museum
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Sanghol Museum is quite remote in the village of Sanghol. However, the well-connected transportation mediums ensure that you won’t have to worry about reaching the museum from anywhere around Punjab.
By Air: If you are taking a flight, Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest major airport to the museum. There are taxis and public buses available from outside the museum, making the commute quite comfortable.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sirhind Junction, which is about 18 km from Sanghol. From Sirhind Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the museum.
By Road: You can either take a private taxi or use local buses to reach Sanghol. The drive from Chandigarh takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Things To Do At Sanghol Museum
Sanghol Museum is primarily an archaeological open site, which you have to walk and explore. So, while you are in the museum, there are numerous activities to explore and indulge in.
1. Explore Ancient Sculptures
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Beyond the rich culture and heritage that peek through the museum, Sanghol Museum is also renowned for its collection of ancient sculptures that offer a glimpse into the Gupta and Kushana periods. Each intricately designed sculpture represents the gods, goddesses, and mythological figures, giving visitors an insight into the religious and cultural practices of ancient India. The artistic skills are quite amazing to look at.
2. Study The Terracotta Figures
Photo: Zunkir / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another important element inside the Sanghol Museum is its extensive collection of terracotta figures, each better than the other. The majority of these sculptures and figures are believed to be dating back to the Harappan civilisation, thereby offering you a glimpse into the rich history of the place. Most of the figurines include representations of animals, humans, and deities, reflecting the daily life and religious beliefs of the people, which is quite a common theme with the Harappan civilisation sculptures.
3. Learn About Ancient Coins And Seals
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During the excavation of the archaeological site, one of the most intriguing finds in the area was the collection of ancient coins and seals. These were reportedly the currencies that were in use during the Gupta and Kushana periods for trade and selling. These coins offer a glimpse into the economic and trade practices of the time. The seals, with inscriptions and symbols, provide further insight into the administrative systems and governance of ancient India.
4. Visit The Buddhist Stupas And Pillars
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The Buddhist stupas and pillars also constitute an important part of the Sanghol Museum. So, while you are there visiting the museum, ensure that you aren’t skipping out on exploring each of these Buddhist sculptures. Most of these relics were found during the excavation process, indicating that there was once a flourishing Buddhist centre. Taking a guided tour is usually one of the best ways to explore these individual sections inside the museum.
5. Indulge In An Archaeological Site Tour
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If you are intrigued by the history of the Harappan civilisation, a walkthrough of the Sanghol Museum is potentially the easiest way to learn about the time. There are local guides available outside the museum, who can provide a comprehensive archaeological site tour to you. You can walk through, learn about the individual relics, and also get a glimpse into the ancient settlements that are preserved well inside the museum.
Places To Visit Around Sanghol Museum
Once you are done exploring the Sanghol Museum and the entire archaeological site, there are numerous other sightseeing spots in the surroundings that are worth exploring too.
1. Fatehgarh Sahib
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
A town steeped in history, Fatehgarh Sahib is a popular place in Punjab where the Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib is located. This gurdwara marks the site where the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh were executed for refusing to convert to Islam. The beautiful architecture and the serene environment of this town are what make it a fairly popular tourist destination. It is located around 19 km from the museum, which is roughly one hour drive away.
Distance From Sanghol Museum: 19.3 Km
Timings: 24*7
2. Sirhind
Photo: Satdeep Gill / Wikimedia Commons
Another town in Punjab that is renowned for its archaeological sites is Sirhind. There are numerous historical sites in the town, including Aam Khas Bagh and Rauza Sharif, which is the tomb of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi. It is said that the town’s significance dates back to when the Mughals reigned over Punjab. The rich architecture of the monuments and the various archaeological ruins are an example of that.
Distance From Sanghol Museum: 22 Km
Timings: 24*7
3. Chandigarh
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Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab, is another must-visit spot from the Sanghol Museum. Located around 40 km from the museum, the city offers a blend of modernity and tradition. While you are in the city, there are numerous tourist attractions for you to explore including the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and the Capitol Complex. Also, the city’s well-planned architecture makes it a popular destination among tourists.
Distance From Sanghol Museum: 40 Km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
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Sanghol Museum is located in the remote village of Sanghol in Punjab. While you might not find a lot of accommodation options there, you can find numerous amazing hotels and resorts in the nearby cities and towns like Fatehgarh Sahib and Sirhind. A few of the highly-rated properties worth visiting are Heritage Haveli, Hotel Noor Mahal Regency and Restaurant, Hotel Tamarind Tree, Hotel Sunshine, and OYO 37196 Whispering Shacks.
Where To Eat
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Since the Sanghol Museum is quite a popular tourist attraction, there are numerous restaurants and local eateries available around. A few of the must-visit places to eat are Prem Vaishno Dhaba, Mittran Da Dhaba, Sardaran Da Dhaba, Zimidara Nim Wala Dhaba, Chicken King, and Royal Palace.
Best Time To Visit Sanghol Museum
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The best time to plan your trip to the Sanghol Museum depends on several factors. However, the most important of them is the climate. Since the museum is an open archaeological area and you have to explore it on foot, plan your visit between October and March. The weather is fairly comfortable, ranging between 10°C to 25°C, which can go as high as 40°C during the summers.
Other Factors To Consider
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- Carry a camera to capture the museum’s artefacts and nearby sites.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Carry water and snacks, as there may be limited food options.
- Check the museum’s timings before visiting, as it is closed on Mondays.
- Hire a local guide, if possible, to get detailed information.
Sanghol Museum in Punjab is one of the most underrated archaeological spots in India, offering tourists a glimpse into the history dating back to the Harappan civilisation. Getting to witness the intricate caricatures and designs is an experience that you have to experience. You can plan your trip to the museum with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience.
Cover Photo: Satdeep gill / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
