Set on the famous Mall Road of Shimla, State Museum is a colonial building that was built back in 1974. The museum is a major attraction of Shimla and is set at a distance of around 2.5 km from Scandal Point, which is another major attraction of the hill station. It is also known as Himachal State Museum as it depicts the rich cultural heritage of the state.
The main aim behind setting up the museum was to protect and preserve the cultural wealth of Himachal Pradesh. The museum houses a great collection of coins, photographs, artifacts, and other art objects which pertain to the archeology and cultural anthropology of Himachal Pradesh. One can also find a wide collection of damaged sculptures that date back to the 8th century. The museum also has a doll gallery which has a collection of Himachali tribal and bride dolls.
Apart from the doll gallery, there are many more galleries in the museum which exhibit different periods and eras. Other attractions of the museum include the collection of Pahari Miniature Paintings, Anthropological Monuments, Bronze artifacts, Rajasthani paintings, Contemporary Art and Wall Paintings.
Location: Museum Road, Near Doordarshan Kendra, Chaura Maidan, Shimla
Type of Destination: History and cultural
Opening Hours of Tulip Garden: 10 AM to 10:30 AM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees of Tulip Garden: INR 10 per person (for Indians) + INR 50 per person (for foreigners)
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
How to reach Shimla State Museum Shimla
Situated at Chaura Maidan in Shimla, Shimla State Museum is located 18 km from the nearest airport which is Jubbarhatti Airport. The Shimla museum is easily accessible from the entire town. Shimla airport is well-connected with direct and connecting flights with the rest of the country. The state also houses a railway station that is accessible from Kalka by toy train. The nearest major railhead is Kalka station, which is well-connected from the major cities and towns of the nearby states. From the airport, bus stand, and railway station, one can easily reach Mall Road and from there it is within walking distance.
Best time to visit Shimla State Museum Shimla
September to June are the best months to visit Shimla State Museum. It can be visited throughout the year, however, these months are perfect for the sightseeing tour. Shimla enjoys salubrious weather all year round and tourists can embark on the excursion to the hill town. From September to June, Shimla enjoys pleasant climatic conditions, which make the trip comfortable for all types of travelers. In monsoon, the region experiences rainfall that may cause hindrance for the exploration tour.
Major Highlights of Shimla State Museum Shimla
Flaunting hundreds of varieties of Tulips, the enchanting garden sprawls over the foothills of mighty Himalayas. Home to a huge spectrum of tulips, the garden acts as a tourist magnet, especially during the blooming months of the flowers. In order to watch the largest collection of freshly germinated colorful tulips, tourists can visit here between the months of March and May. Tulip Festival is organized every year during March-end, which delights the florists and nature lovers. Thronging a large number of tourists, the Tulip Festival in Srinagar is considered to be amongst the biggest of the events.
Places to visit near Shimla State Museum Shimla
Situated in the proximity of numerous famous attractions and on the Mall Road, which is itself a popular tourist place. There is no dearth of places to visit near the Shimla State Museum where tourists can visit during their Shimla trip. Some of the popular destinations near Himachal State Museum Shimla are:
- The Ridge
- Jakhoo Temple
- Summer Hill
- Chadwick Falls
- Kali Bari Temple
- Christ Church
- Annadale
- Johnnie’s Wax Museum
- Sunset Point
Places to Stay near Shimla State Museum Shimla
Himachal State Museum is a popular tourist place among families, kids, and couples. It is located at the most famous attraction of Shimla, The Mall Road, and to cater to the accommodation needs of travelers, there are numerous accommodation options near Shimla State Museum. Here tourists can stay and enjoy their Shimla trip. Some of the best places to stay near the museum are:
- Clarkes Hotel
- Hotel Willow Bank
- The Legacy Hotel
- Hotel Silverine
- The Thistle Lodge
- The Oberoi Cecil
- Treebo Trend Varuna
