Google Maps Location: Rail Museum Mysore
For my 4th wedding anniversary, it was already a pandemic situation. We didn’t get a chance to travel anywhere that time, like we usually do for every anniversary. So when we cannot go far, we simply go to Mysuru — my all-time favourite place to hang out and relax. My special place.
We just booked a train three days before, and that’s it. Simple and done.
This time, we stayed near the railway station at Royal Orchid Metropole. Trust me, this hotel is usually not in my budget. But maybe due to the pandemic and to slowly welcome guests back, they had reduced the prices. So we got a rare chance to stay there. The building itself is a heritage property from the early 20th century. It has all royal-style furniture, high ceilings, and old-world charm. Staying there felt like living in a different era.
That same evening, since we were not in a hurry to see too many places, we decided to visit the Mysuru Rail Museum, which was just a walk away from our hotel.
About Mysuru Rail Museum
The Mysuru Rail Museum was established in 1979 and is one of the oldest railway museums in India. It is maintained by Indian Railways and located very close to Mysuru Junction railway station, making it very easy to access.
The museum showcases the history and development of Indian Railways, which began in 1853 with the first passenger train between Mumbai and Thane. Over the years, Indian Railways expanded across the country, connecting cities, villages, hills, and remote regions. This museum gives a glimpse of that long journey.
Inside the museum campus, you can see vintage steam locomotives, old railway coaches, signals, and railway equipment used in earlier times. There are beautifully preserved royal saloon coaches that were once used by the Mysore royal family. These coaches had bedrooms, dining areas, and other facilities that show how luxurious train travel could be during those days.
There is also an exhibition gallery displaying old photographs, railway uniforms, badges, working models of steam engines, and historical documents. It helps visitors understand how railway technology improved over time — from steam engines to diesel and electric trains.
One of the most enjoyable attractions here is the miniature train ride. It runs inside the museum campus and is especially popular with children, but adults also enjoy it. It adds a fun element to the visit.
The museum campus is not very large, so you can comfortably explore it in one to two hours. It feels calm and not too crowded, especially on weekdays. The museum is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and is usually closed on Wednesdays (it is always better to check the latest timings before visiting).
For us, this visit was simple but meaningful. It brought back childhood memories of train journeys — window seats, chai vendors, and long family trips. The Mysuru Rail Museum may not be a very big attraction, but it carries a lot of history and emotions connected to Indian rail travel.
If you are visiting Mysuru and have some free time near the railway station, this museum is worth adding to your list. Sometimes, small places create the nicest memories.
