Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is located in the centre of New Delhi. This museum was founded in 1965 by well-known political caricaturist K. Shankar Pillai. It has an outstanding collection with over 6,500 dolls from around the globe. This unusual establishment is not simply showing toys, it is rather an enthusiastic demonstration of world traditions, creativity and chronicles. Hence, this place provides visitors insight into different cultures around the globe that are diverse in their origins. In this blog, we will provide a deep insight into the location, nearby places and much more.
Location
Photo: Apostrophy Studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The museum is located in the Children’s Book Trust building on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, close to the busy ITO crossing in New Delhi. The museum sits right at the heart of this city making it easily reachable from some important spots like Connaught Place and India Gate. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum address is easy to navigate. The nearest metro station ITO is only a short distance away, making it convenient for commuters to travel through public transport.
How To Reach
Photo: Pascal Borener / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Rail: Located a short distance from the museum, ITO is the nearest metro station on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro. If you are coming via New Delhi Railway Station, then you can opt for the yellow line metro to the central secretariat and change to the violet line going towards ITO.
By Air: For anyone arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the airport express line going to New Delhi Metro station can be opted where you can change to the Yellow Line heading towards Kashmere Gate and then switch to the Violet Line going to ITO at Central Secretariat. Moreover, taxis and app-based cabs are available which take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
By Road: The museum is located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in the region of ITO junction. The museum has proper linkages to the main roads and is reachable using auto-rickshaws, taxis or buses. Some of these DTC buses plying through ITO are routes 374, 402, 403 and 405.
Places To Visit Near Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
1. India Gate
Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash
In New Delhi’s Raj Path stands India Gate, a prominent war memorial in honour of about 82000 martyred soldiers who enlisted into the British Indian Army during World War I. The arch was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and has a height of 42m. At its base lies Amar Jawan Jyoti or eternal flame burning continuously as a tribute to all these men who laid down their lives for our freedom. During the evening, India Gate comes alive with the local populace mingling amongst themselves while admiring its grandeur together with adjoining lawns adorned by various forms of lighting.
Major Attractions: Rajpath, Amar Jawan Jyoti, Boat Club, India Gate Lawns
Best Time To Visit: October to March, during the evening
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 km)
Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station (5 km)
2. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun Tomb is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is an amazing Mughal architecture in the city of Delhi. It was built in the 16th century and serves as the burial place for Mughal emperor Humayun surrounded by the Charbagh gardens. The red sandstone structure takes its origins from the Persian influence thus pre-figuring the design of the Taj Mahal. The Humayun’s Tomb is inspired by Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. The combination of white marble and red sandstone adds a mystic hint.
Major Attractions: Isa Khan’s tomb and the beautiful gardens
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (20 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station (2 km)
3. Lodhi Gardens
Photo: Kiran Brahma / Unsplash
Lodhi Gardens is a park characterised by tombs belonging to the Lodhi dynasty. It was built during the 15th century. Among its greatest attractions are the tombs of Sikandar Lodi, Bada Gumbad and Shisha Gumbad. These gardens with their meticulously kept lawns and architectural designs of ancient Mughals serve as some of the most serene oases ever created. The architecture of the various tombs present in the garden is inspired by Indo-Islamic styles. The garden is landscaped over 90 acres, providing an excellent choice for morning-evening walks, yoga, picnics, and bird watching.
Major Attractions: Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Bada Gumbad, Shisha Gumbad, Sikandar Lodi’s Mosque, landscaped gardens
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (20 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (4 km)
4. Khari Baoli
Photo: AXP Photography / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The largest spice market in Asia, Khari Baoli, can be found close to Fatehpuri Masjid in Old Delhi. This lively marketplace was first opened in the 17th century and is now an overwhelming sensation with its bright colours, strong smells and traders’ chorus of bargaining noises. Spices are only a small section among many others like herbs, nuts and dried fruits that are sold here.
Major Attractions: Spice shops, dry fruits, traditional herbs
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
5. Jantar Mantar
Photo: ABHIJITJAWANJAL / Wikimedia Commons
Delhi has an 18th-century astronomical observatory known as Jantar Mantar which is famous for its stunning array of architectural devices that Maharaja Jai Singh II once designed. Among this UNESCO World Heritage site are things like Samrat Yantra — the biggest stone sundial globally together with other hardware that serve both celestial observation and timekeeping purposes. It opens up a window into some of the most advanced scientific knowledge during its time in history.
Major Attractions: Samrat Yantra (largest sundial), Jaiprakash Yantra, Rashivalaya (zodiac signs), hemispherical sundial, Chakra Yantra
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indian Citizens, ₹200 for Foreigners, and free for children below 15 years
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Metro Station: Jaipur Metro Station
Where To Stay
Photo: Christopher Jolly / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are several accommodation options available near Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, Delhi catering to varied budgets. The LaLiT New Delhi and The Park New Delhi offer luxurious stays with modern amenities, located within a 10-15 minute drive from the museum. For mid-range prices, Hotel Broadway along Asaf Ali Road provides comfort and convenience less than a mile away, while for budget travellers. Hotel Arjun located in Paharganj offers cheap lodging near New Delhi Railway Station approximately 20 minutes from the museum. These hotels are well situated to enable easy access to the museum and other major tourist attractions in the city.
Where To Eat
Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Saravana Bhavan is a famous place for South Indian food located about 10 minutes away in Connaught Place. Karim’s in Jama Masjid is a historic establishment that offers authentic North Indian flavours, scrumptious kebabs and curries. If you prefer something to munch on during your visit then Café Coffee Day and Haldiram’s just near ITO sell snacks and drinks. The Indian Coffee House at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg close to the museum serves a nostalgic dining experience with roadside Indian dishes at moderate prices.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: shalender kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
From October until March, cooler months are the best time to visit the museum as the weather in Delhi is pleasant and it is ideal for exploring the complex. The temperature during months ranges from 10°C to 25°C which makes walking around and enjoying gardens, exhibitions and water shows comfortable.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
Budget travellers spend about ₹3000-5000 a day. Mid-range travellers may require between ₹7000-10000 per day including good dining restaurants and transportation through taxis. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum ticket prices are affordable — ₹20 for children and ₹40 for adults.
Tips For Travellers
- For the most assuredly delightful tour of Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, try scheduling your trip from October to March.
- Although there are no specific Shankar’s International Dolls Museum timings, it is advisable to visit during the daylight hours.
- Always have your water bottles to keep yourselves hydrated.
- 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.
- Avoid secluded places at night.
Plan your visit to this iconic Shankar’s International Dolls Museum today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture of this quaint abode. If you are a history aficionado, nature enthusiast or someone looking for a calm holiday then the museum and its nearby attractions will make your holiday amusing. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Harry Spink / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
