4. Railway Museum, Delhi

The Railway Museum aims to preserve India's 163-year-old railway heritage near Chanakyapuri. Popularly known as the National Railway Museum, the museum is spread over 10 acres of land and houses some fantastic railway memorabilia. Established on 1 February 1977, the Railway Museum holds an exciting collection of around 100 life-size exhibits of working and static Indian railways, antiques, furniture and the like. Some fictional specimens also offer rides for both adults and children. In addition to the vast exterior housing of the famous 'Fairy Queen', the oldest working steam locomotive, the museum has also facilitated a 3D virtual train ride, a steam locomotive stimulator and an indoor gallery. .

Spread out amidst lush green gardens in the quiet locality, the museum boasts of the rich ancient heritage of Indian railways. The information board right next to the exhibits makes the visit worthwhile. Adjacent to the museum is the building that boasts some beautiful photographs of the once-gilded in rail history. Some miniature models are seated next to each other, all of whom are prohibited from being photographed. It also has an auditorium with a capacity for 200 people, where specific workshops are organised, and documentaries are shown. In addition, the museum also has an in-house souvenir shop to pick up little souvenirs on your way back.

Main exhibits at the Railway Museum

Among the countless life-size rail and locomotive exhibits, here are some of the most popular on display at the Railroad Museum:

1. Fairy Queen: The oldest working steam locomotive.

2. Patiala State Monorail – Originally built in 1907, the train consists of a single rail track. Renovated and restored in 1927, it is not in operation.

3. Fire Truck – Built by John Morris and Sons Ltd., only two Morris-Belsize trucks are known to exist, one of which is shown here. The other is kept at the Whitewebbs Transport Museum, Clay Hill, London.

4. Prince of Wales Hall – Built in honour of the Prince of Wales's visit to India.

5. Hall of the Maharaja of Holkar: Built in honour of the Maharaja of Indore.

6. Mysore Maharaja Hall – Built in honour of the Maharaja of Mysore.

7. 4502 Electric Locomotive - India's first generation 1500V DC locomotive motor. It was known locally as 'khekdas' (crabs) due to the similarities in its sounds at rest and in motion.