TRIPADVISOR ANNOUNCED the top five museums in India using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. “Museums are a great way to get familiar with, as well as understand important events, happenings and individuals that have helped shape the history and culture of a place. These institutions are a treasure trove of stories that many times date back centuries and enthral travellers by transporting them to a different world,” said Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India.
Yodhasthal – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Yodhasthal is a very popular attraction in Bhopal that is known for showcasing a wide range of arms and ammunition used by defence forces. Located in Bhopal Military station, the museum offers enthralling stories about wars and victories for the country. One can enjoy the audio-visual displays of the modern Indian army at Prekshagriha and the display of arms used in past battles at Army Astra Shastra. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented “Creating awareness among youngsters through exhibiting the finery of Indian Army, therefore encouraging more youngsters to commit to this profession was a significant motive of the museum.”
Hall of Fame – Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
Located on the Leh-Kargil road, Hall of Fame is a museum built by the Indian Army as a tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during India-Pakistan war. The museum showcases seized arms, weapons, apparel, amenities, history and culture of the Indian Army. One can visit their souvenir shop to buy several items including t-shirts, pashmina shawls and caps for their loved ones. A TripAdvisor reviewer said “An absolutely fantastic place of interest for a tourist to gain in-depth knowledge of the region and its strategic importance in the country's defense history.”
Victoria Memorial Hall – Kolkata, West Bengal
Located in the heart of the city of joy, this huge white monument was built in the memory of Queen Victoria in 1906 and is considered one of the finest art museums. The hall features an amalgamation of British and Mughal elements and showcases beautiful gardens which are spread across an area of 64 acres. “Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata is an iconic structure depicting history and glamour of the city. The museum inside is a treat to watch” commented a TripAdvisor review.
Darshan Museum – Pune, Maharashtra
Darshan Museum in Pune offers a spiritual and educational insight into the life of Sadhu Vaswani, the Sindhi scholar. The museum serves as a hub for promoting Vaswani's teachings. One can explore eight zones of didactic displays including holographic projections, performances and participatory exhibits which are an artistic treat and a technological masterpiece at the same time. A TripAdvisor reviewer said “The life story of Sadhu Vaswani is depicted in a unique way. The show is put together very well and is a wonderful example of good story-telling.”
Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal, known as city of lakes also has a number of museums. Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum is an ode to the region’s tribal art and culture as it gives you a peak into the psychology of the tribal people, their practices and interpretation of life. One can learn about the Baiga, Gond, Saharia, Kol, Korko and Bharia tribes of India through a repository of traditional art and elegance. “A must see museum - beautifully curated and designed with a wealth of information on the tribes. The research done and the way tribal life is portrayed is one of a kind” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.