6 Best Museums in Karnataka

Blessed with numerous architectural marvels, the south Indian state of Karnataka possesses a perfect blend of past and present which is marvelously presented through its intriguing museums. From art and history to archaeology, science, and technology, these museums give insights into the tradition and culture from the bygone eras as well as the contemporary world. Among the top places to visit in Karnataka, these spectacular sites exhibit various architectural pieces, beautiful sculptures, rare antiques, marvelous paintings, and other items that boast a great historical value. Well, if you always get excited with the talks of history, archaeology, and royalty, then you can check some of the best museums in Karnataka here, and make a plan to visit as part of Karnataka Tour Packages.

Archaeological Museum, Hampi

Established in 1972, Hampi Archaeological Museum is one of the best museums in Karnataka, and among the most prominent places to visit in Hampi. Consists of 4 galleries, the museum is home to numerous ancient artifacts, ranging from centuries-old idols to age-old arms and tools. The main attraction of this museum includes sati stones, stucco figurines, excavation photographs and several antiquities from the prehistoric era. Also, one can witness the beautiful replicas of Krishnadevaraya, who was the famous ruler of Vijayanagar dynasty. If you are one amongst those who are always fascinated by antique pieces and architectural wonders, then you must not miss the opportunity to witness the oldest of objects at this Hampi museum as part of Hampi Tour Packages.

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Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore

Situated on the banks of Karanji Lake, the Regional Museum of Natural History is one of the best Mysore tourist places. The museum was inaugurated in May 1995 and was undertaken by the government of India, ministry of environment and forests. The museum exhibits plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India. The galleries of the museum are presented under the divisions of Man and the Environment, Ecology, Life through the Ages, Biological Diversity, and Conservation for Development. Also, the museum provides an extracurricular activity for schools and promotes environmental awareness among the public. They also arrange film shows on topics related to natural history. Besides, the lobby of the museum has beautiful artwork of Elephants made of metal wire. Apart, the Discovery Center is a wonderful section that provides the skeleton view of human body parts and animal parts like Elephant skull, Deer head, Ghariyal, turtles, etc. One can also visit the famous Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore Zoo as part of Mysore Tour Packages.

Warship Museum, Karwar

Another popular museum in Karnataka, Warship Museum in Karwar is renowned among visitors primarily for INS Chapel that was used for naval warfare in the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Situated near Tagore Beach, it is one of the popular Karwar tourist places. INS Chapal is a Russian made OSA missile boat, was launched as a missile launcher warship by the Indian Navy. After its long tenure of dedicated service, it was decided to turn INS Chapal (K94) into a museum ship in 2006. Being Missile Boat, INS Chapal provides enormous information on sea warfare with the artifacts and other good collections exhibited in this museum. The museum is home to mannequins dressed as doctors, sailors and captains as well as replicas of the missiles used, and the food served on board. At an additional charge, one can watch a 15-minute informative documentary on Indian naval history and the ports in India lures large number of tourists as part of Goa Tour Packages. Besides, the view from top of the ship to Arabian Sea during sunset is excellent.

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Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum, Bangalore

Established in 1962, Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) is one of the most visited museums in Karnataka and among the best Bangalore tourist places. Situated near Cubbon Park, it was inaugurated as a tribute to Sir M Visveswaraya, a great civil engineer in 1965. Covering an area of 4000 sq. m, the museum has 7 permanent exhibition galleries titled Engine Hall, Fun Science, Electro technic, Space – Emerging Technology in the Service of Mankind, Biotechnological Revolution, BEL Hall of Electronics and Children Science that lures huge number of tourists as part of Bangalore Tour Packages. Besides, a new 3D theater is open to the public now which showcases interesting films on deep sea diving and brain are screened here. The museum also conducts a mini-planetarium show called Taramandal at regular intervals. Apart, this is the only museum in the world other than the Smithsonian Institutions in the US, to have a full-scale replica of the 1903 flyer of Wright brothers. Also, the museum has Mobile Science Exhibition launched in 1970 that travels through the length and breadth of the whole of South India.

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Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, Mysore

Located near Mysore City Bus Stand, the Jagan Mohan Palace which houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is one of the best-preserved art galleries in Karnataka and one of the top places to visit in Mysore. This palace was constructed in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III as an alternate retreat for the royal family. Constructed in traditional Hindu style of architecture with three-storied structure, the palace was converted into an art gallery in 1915 and was renamed as Jagan Mohan Palace Art Gallery in 1955 after Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. Along with the prestigious collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the art gallery contains paintings exceeding 2000 in number and these belong to different Indian styles of painting like Mysore, Mughal and Shantiniketan. Exhibits here also include weapons of war, musical instruments, sculptures, brassware, antiques coins and currencies. Besides, the palace has an auditorium which is occasionally used for cultural events like dance and music performances and especially during Dussehra festival. Since, this place is very close to the Mysore Palace and usually visited together during your Mysore trip.

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Railway Museum, Mysore

Established in 1979 by Indian Railways, Railway Museum is situated in Mysore. The Railway Museum has several galleries which depict the development and growth of railway systems in India. The museum consists of engines running on narrow gauge, meter gauge and broad-gauge tracks, inspection coaches, engines from different periods, a cart running with steam, etc. Also, one can see a private train with two coaches used by Maharaja of Mysore exhibited in Sri Ranga Pavilion which has a Maharani’s saloon carriage dating back to 1899. Along, the pavilion also houses several artifacts used during the initial days like different models of telephones, furniture, etc. A striking feature of the Railway museum is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a distinctive and interesting collection of photographs and paintings portraying the growth of the railways. Apart, the museum also has a battery-operated mini train that takes you on a ride around the grounds of the museum.

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