Rail Museum — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

We visited there last month and find it quite spacious. However these guys consumed a lot of space in the name of museum. Mostly it is lawn and a toy train. Museum is situated in a small part showing some history of indian railways. A food court was also there. It was designed like a train compartment. We were late so ditched food court. You can spend qualoty time with your friends and family sitting in lawn.I am sure,that the Railway Museum is the major attraction of the city Ghorakpur. Lord Laurence steam engine, Rail uniforms at different times , materials pertaining to railway traffic control etc are major attractions. A toy train for children also here for their enjoyment.

I have been to this place many times before this visit. Railway museum and Heritage plaza is new attraction to this city, just 7 years old, but has become very popular. Previously it was a British Period Railway colony bungalow No 5. It is located at 1 Km distance from the city, opposite the Golf course ,on the Kushinagar road, also called park road .Its ambience is very neat and clean with greenery all around .This place has been converted into a beautiful amusement park ‘ Just on the left side of the main entrance gate ,is the ticket window. Entrance ticket is Rs.5/ for children and Rs 10 for adult Toy train ride ticket is Rs10 .Museum OPENING TIME- is 12 Am to 9PM from Tuesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Monday. As you enter inside, a small road will lead to museum portico. The road is beautifully dotted by the Ashok trees and green shrubs .On extreme left you’ll see a toy train halting at the platform or may be seen taking round to this amusement park. It has two compartments. As you move further to left a big crane is placed there.Further moving ahead you may watch a road roller and Steam engine, used in old time .In front of the museum portico, you’ll see the main attraction of this museum, the Lord Lawrence Steam Engine. This engine was built in London in 1874, and was the first steam engine used by the NE Railway. There is a children park area, having many rides and seasaw.It is a beautiful park with slopes, steps and resting benches at many places. At the extreme Left side, there is a small platform on a ridge with sitting benches all around. Here you can see a showcase displaying human size statue of a porter, signalman and a nurse in uniform. . Entering inside museum you will find many galleries, one depicting show cases containing replica of Railway engine and a crane .Another gallery shows, photos depicting stages of development and advancements in the N E Railway. One gallery is devoted to trophies and shields won by this railway. Another gallery has many gadget and instruments used in old times by this railway. . At the extreme end of this park you’ll find a unique food plaza named Heritage AC coach...... restaurants..Small Railway compartments are converted into small cabins with serving tables and chairs inside and outside.Here you may satiate your tongue with Dosas ,Idlis ,Pizza ,burgers and many more items to eat. BEST TIME TO VISIT –is evening time ,when colorful decorative lights are on and pleasant music or song is being played .Overall experience in this museum was very amusing and informative......All over it is best place related to our historic times.....I salute it...

The Railway Museum in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a distinctive cultural and historical attraction that offers visitors an immersive insight into the rich heritage of Indian Railways, particularly the North Eastern Railway zone. Established in July 2007, the museum reflects the importance of railways in India’s socio-economic history and evolution as the world's largest rail network. Located near the Gorakhpur Junction railway station and the Golf Course on Kushinagar Road, it serves as both an educational hub and a family-friendly recreational site.

One of the museum's iconic highlights is the Lord Lawrence Steam Engine, a vintage locomotive built in London in 1874 and the first steam engine used by the North Eastern Railway. This engine symbolizes the early technological advancements in railway transport in India and serves as a key exhibit that attracts rail enthusiasts and history buffs.

The museum grounds resemble an amusement park and include a variety of exhibits that showcase the railway's evolution. Key displays feature old locomotives, heavy machinery, road rollers, signal equipment, ticketing systems, and other artifacts that paint a vivid picture of railway operations and history. Visitors can enjoy realistic reconstructions and statuary, with life-sized statues representing a porter, a signalman, and a nurse in railway uniform, providing a human touch to the railway story.

A special attraction at the museum is the toy train ride, especially popular among children, allowing them to experience a miniature version of railway travel. The museum also incorporates a dedicated children’s play area with swings and other rides, making it an appealing destination for families.

Inside the museum building, there are galleries highlighting various aspects of railway history, development, and achievements of the North Eastern Railway. These include photo galleries documenting milestones, trophies and shields won by railway employees, and historical documents. The museum also showcases the uniforms worn by railway personnel over time, along with clocks, furniture, and a small library for those interested in deeper research.

Another unique feature is the “Heritage AC Coach Restaurant,” where food is served in converted railway compartments, offering visitors a novel dining experience in a railway-themed ambiance.

The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, between 12 PM and 9 PM, and remains closed on Mondays. Entry fees are nominal, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Its proximity to the Gorakhpur railway station and local transport options ensures easy access for tourists and locals alike.

The Railway Museum in Gorakhpur holds significant educational value, combining history, technology, and entertainment, making it a vibrant center for railway enthusiasts, students, and families. It is a testament to the profound impact railways have had on India's development and pays homage to the engineers, workers, and visionaries who contributed to building one of the largest railway networks in the world.

The museum, with its blend of historical exhibits, interactive experiences, and family-friendly facilities, stands out as a must-visit destination for those interested in the legacy and ongoing story of Indian Railways in the heart...

The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum located on Bhujiyo Dungar near Bhuj in Kutch is recognized as India's largest memorial dedicated to the victims of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Spanning an impressive 470 acres, this memorial serves as both a heartfelt tribute and a center for education and reflection. Within the Memorial Grounds, an expansive "Forest of Memories" has been lovingly cultivated, consisting of over 500,000 trees planted to honor each of the approximately 13,000 lives lost. This lush, Miyawaki-style forest is complemented by 50 check-dam reservoirs, which not only serve as poignant markers engraved with names but also play a crucial role in groundwater recharge.

The grounds also boast an extensive 8 km pathway network, the Sun-Point lookout offering stunning views, and the renovated 300-year-old Bhujia Fort, all powered sustainably by a 1 MW solar plant and equipped with parking facilities for around 3,000 vehicles. Adjacent to the memorial, the Earthquake Museum covers an area of 11,500 m² and presents a series of seven immersive galleries. Designed by Vastu-Shilpa Consultants and curated by Design Factory India, the museum explores themes such as Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew.

Visitors can delve into the geological history and reconstruction efforts following the quake, interact with disaster preparedness exhibits, and experience the powerful sensations of the earthquake through a remarkable 5D simulator. The Renew gallery offers a digital-light memorial, enabling guests to light virtual flames in remembrance. Innovative AV models, holograms, VR experiences, and seismic simulators offer both educational and emotional engagement.

Conceived by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority in 2004, the memorial’s development gained momentum post-2010. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2022, fulfilling a vision he had while serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat. To optimize the visiting experience, October to March is recommended, aligning with ideal weather and the festive Rann Utsav. Operating hours for the grounds are from 5 AM to 11 PM with free entry before 9 AM, while the museum welcomes visitors from 11 AM to 7 PM, excluding Mondays, for fees ranging from ₹20 to ₹1,000 depending on age and nationality.

It is conveniently situated approximately 229 km from Rajkot and 329 km from Ahmedabad, with close access to Bhuj Junction railway station and Bhuj airport. This memorial seamlessly combines environmental restoration, heritage conservation, and disaster education, standing as a testament to sustainable design and offering a profound space for contemplation and learning, particularly beneficial for students and tourists in Kutch. For those interested in exploring guided tours, nearby lodging, or package deals incorporating the Rann Utsav, additional information is...