5 best museums in India: what to see

Museums serve as windows into a country's traditions, heritage, and history. When it comes to India, there's a wealth of treasures to explore.

India's renowned museums are repositories of its rich values, authentic culture, and fascinating stories. Newsbytesapp.com introduces you to five of the best museums in the country that are definitely worth a visit.

Indian Museum, Kolkata

Established by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a prominent Danish botanist, in 1814, this museum boasts over 35 rooms showcasing exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, art, economic botany, zoology, and geology.

With a unique style, it's one of the oldest museums globally, offering visitors rare armor, fossils, skeletons, antiques, jewelry, Egyptian mummies, and modern paintings from the Mughal era.

Railway Museum, Delhi

Spanning 10 acres, this railroad-themed museum features about 100 life-size trains from ancient and modern India. The museum's upper galleries display a variety of signaling devices, working models, vintage railroad decor, and historical photographs.

Other attractions include a 1928 electric locomotive, historic train saloons used by the kingdom's kings, and a 1914 fire engine.

Government Museum, Chennai

Established in 1851 in Egmore, Chennai, this museum showcases various aspects of geology, zoology, anthropology, and botany. Also known as the Madras Museum, it features excellent exhibits highlighting the Chalukya, Chola, and Vijayanagar eras of southern India.

Additionally, the museum's theater regularly stages Shakespeare's plays, and there's a separate gallery for children.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Museum, Mumbai

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this museum in Mumbai, situated next to the Gateway of India, was constructed in the early 20th century. It's divided into three main halls – archaeology, natural history, and art – each showcasing numerous artworks from the Gupta and Chalukya eras.

Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur.

One of the oldest museums in Rajasthan, this museum is renowned for its collection of carpets, marble works of art, ancient coins, antiques, ceramics, and much more. Egyptian mummies are displayed here in a separate exhibition. Exhibits from the 19th century can be found in the jewelry and pottery galleries. Additionally, there is a collection of ancient musical instruments used in India on display.

Earlier, TravelWise reported on free museum days in Florence .