Mysuru Rail Museum – India's Railway Heritage

Mysuru Rail Museum Ticket Counter
Mysuru Rail Museum Entrance (Ticket Counter)

Mysuru Rail Museum – A Nostalgic Journey Through India’s Railway Heritage

When you are in Mysuru, consider exploring the Mysuru Rail Museum, a charming destination that takes you back in time to the golden era of Indian Railways. Located near the Mysuru Railway Station, this museum is ideal for families, children, history enthusiasts, and casual travellers seeking a relaxed yet enriching experience.

With beautifully preserved vintage locomotives, royal coaches, and a joyful toy train ride, the Mysuru Rail Museum is one of the most engaging Mysuru tourist places you should not miss.

Antique Locomotive Mysuru Rail Museum
Antique Locomotive Outdoor Display - Mysuru Rail Museum

History and Background of Mysuru Rail Museum

The Mysuru Rail Museum was set up in 1979 by Indian Railways, making it the second railway museum in India, after the National Railway Museum in New Delhi.

The original idea behind the museum was simple yet powerful — to preserve and showcase India’s rich railway heritage, especially vintage locomotives and royal coaches that once played a crucial role in shaping travel and trade.

Over the years, the museum has evolved into a well-maintained open-air exhibit, complemented by indoor galleries, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Location and How to Reach the Mysuru Rail Museum

📍 Address

KRS Road, Opposite CFTRI Main Gate,
Medar Block, Yadavagiri,
Mysuru, Karnataka – 570020

🚉 Distance from Key Points

  • Mysuru Railway Station: ~240 meters
  • Suburban Bus Stand: ~2.5 km
  • Mysuru Airport: ~13.5 km

🚍 How to Reach Mysuru Rail Museum

  • By Bus: Local city buses towards KRS Road stop near CFTRI
  • By Auto / Cab: Easily accessible; just say “Railway Museum near CFTRI”
  • By Personal Vehicle: Well-connected roads; limited parking available on-site

Mysuru Rail Museum Timings, Entry Fee, and Rules

⏰ Timings

  • Opening Time: 10:00 AM
  • Closing Time: 6:00 PM
  • Weekly Holiday: Tuesday

🎟️ Mysuru Rail Museum Entry Fee

  • Adults: ₹50 (includes toy train ride)
  • Children: ₹30 (includes toy train ride)
  • Foreign Tourists: As per counter rates
  • Parking: ₹30 
💡 No extra charges for camera and videography. 

Mysuru Rail Museum Tickets
Mysuru Rail Museum Tickets - Jan 2026

📜 Rules & Guidelines

  • Decent clothing recommended
  • Photography and videography allowed
  • Food and water are allowed
  • No footwear restrictions

Highlights and Things to See at Mysuru Rail Museum

The museum offers a perfect blend of outdoor exhibits and indoor galleries. Here’s what makes it special:

🚂 Major Attractions

  • Steam, diesel, and electric locomotives on open display
  • More than a century-old hand cranes and railway equipment
  • Antique railway badges and signal lamps
  • Vintage communication systems like magneto telephones and walkie-talkies

👑 The Maharani Saloon – A Royal Experience (Must Not Miss!)

Maharani Saloon Mysuru Rail Museum
Maharani Saloon - Mysore Rail Museum

The Maharani Saloon is the museum's prized possession. Built in 1899 in England, this royal coach was used by the Maharani of Mysuru, the wife of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar.

Highlights of the Maharani Saloon:

  • Lavishly decorated royal bedroom with rosewood panels
  • Gilded ceiling, study room, servants’ room, and bathroom
  • Foldable wash basin, WC, writing table, dressing table, and card table
Foldable Cot inside Maharani Saloon
Foldable Cot inside Maharani Saloon

Maharani Chair
Maharani Chair inside Maharani Saloon

Connected to it is the Dining Saloon (1914), featuring:

  • Dining hall, prayer room, kitchen, and shower room
  • Antique aluminium vessels, copper utensils, a stone wet grinder, and a heritage water warmer

🚃 Other Attractions Inside

  • Indoor galleries and audio-visual room
  • Philately gallery showcasing railway stamps from 99 countries
  • Mini railway station setup
  • Rail Coach Café
  • Children’s play area
  • Popular toy train ride (every 30 minutes)
Philately Gallery Mysuru Rail Museum
Philately Gallery - Mysuru Rail Museum

How Much Time to Spend & Best Time to Visit Mysuru Rail Museum

⏳ Time Required

  • 1 to 2 hours is ideal to explore comfortably

📅 Best Time to Visit Mysuru Rail Museum

  • Visit right at 10:00 AM for a peaceful experience
  • Weekdays are less crowded
  • Dasara season and holidays are lively but crowded

Visitor Experience and Reviews

Most visitors describe the Mysuru Rail Museum as:
  • Clean, green, and well-maintained
  • Educational yet fun for all age groups
  • Nostalgic and visually appealing

Personal Experience

I visited the museum on a Saturday morning at exactly 10 AM, before the crowd arrived. That made a huge difference. I could take my time with every exhibit, enjoy photography, and truly absorb the details. The toy train ride added a playful touch, and the entire visit felt calm and rewarding. Truly one of the best places to visit in Mysuru.

Antique Badges - Railways
Antique Railway Brass Badges

Pros

  • Unique railway heritage experience
  • Kid-friendly and family-friendly
  • Excellent photo opportunities

Cons

  • Limited parking space
  • Only cash is accepted at the ticket counter

Nearby Attractions and Food Options

🗺️ Places to Visit Near Mysuru Rail Museum

  • Devaraja Market
  • Jaganmohan Palace
  • Kukkarahalli Lake

🍽️ Food Options

You’ll find plenty of good restaurants and eateries near Mysuru Railway Station, just a short walk away.

Yes, this museum can easily be combined with other attractions in a one-day Mysuru itinerary.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Reach early; tickets are issued only after 10 AM
  • Check toy train timings (every 30 minutes)
  • Carry cash for entry tickets
  • Wear comfortable footwear for walking
  • Keep water bottles, especially for kids

Is the Mysuru Rail Museum Worth Visiting? (Final Verdict)

Absolutely, yes.

The Mysuru Rail Museum is budget-friendly, informative, and enjoyable for people of all ages. Whether you love history, photography, trains, or simply want a relaxed outing in Mysuru, this place deserves a spot on your travel list.

Austin Rail Car
Austin converted into a railcar

FAQs About Mysuru Rail Museum

1. What is the Mysuru Rail Museum famous for?

It is famous for vintage locomotives, royal coaches, and outdoor railway exhibits.

2. What are the Mysuru Rail Museum timings?

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

3. What is the Mysuru Rail Museum entry fee?

₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children (includes toy train ride).

4. How to reach the Mysuru Rail Museum?

It is located on KRS Road, opposite the CFTRI main gate, near Mysuru Railway Station.

5. How much time is needed to visit the Mysuru Rail Museum?

Around 1–2 hours.

6. Is the Mysuru Rail Museum suitable for families and kids?

Yes, it is ideal for families, children, and senior citizens.

7. Is the Mysuru Rail Museum good for photography?

Yes, it is a great spot for photography and selfies.

Final Note for Travellers

Thank you for reading this post till the end. We hope this guide helped you make an informed decision while exploring the Mysuru Rail Museum.

If you enjoy our content, you may consider supporting our blogging efforts through our Support Us page. Also, follow the labels “Places to Visit in Mysuru” and “Mysuru Tourist Places” to discover more hidden gems and must-visit attractions in Mysuru.

Happy travelling! 🚆✨
Location: 8J8V+G8P, KRS Rd, opp. CFTRI, Medar Block, Yadavagiri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570020, India

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