Shree Bhavani Museum,Aundh
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Bhawani Museum Aundh

4.5
·1k reviews·Aundh, India

Discover rare art by Raja Ravi Varma, foreign artists, ancient artifacts, and a vast library in this scenic museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning hours

Enjoy natural light and fewer crowds.

CrowdLow
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Shree Bhavani Museum,Aundh

Bhawani Museum Aundh

Best Time

Morning hours

Enjoy natural light and fewer crowds.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover rare art by Raja Ravi Varma, foreign artists, ancient artifacts, and a vast library in this scenic museum.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A must-visit for artists and art lovers, this museum deserves 5 stars for its incredible collection."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate ample time

Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the vast collection of paintings, artifacts, and books. :clock1:

No photography inside

Remember that photos are not allowed inside the museum galleries. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Raja Ravi Varma Paintings

Raja Ravi Varma Paintings

Main Gallery

Admire original, magnificent paintings by the renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma.

Foreign and Indian Art Collection

Foreign and Indian Art Collection

Various Galleries

Experience a unique blend of foreign and Indian art, including works by Henry Moore.

Ancient Artifacts and Books

Ancient Artifacts and Books

Exhibition Halls

Explore over 8,000 articles and 16,000 books, including handwritten holy texts.

Scenic Museum Building and Garden

Scenic Museum Building and Garden

Museum Entrance

The photogenic museum entrance and surrounding garden offer a beautiful prelude to the exhibits.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Bhawani Museum

Discover rare paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and foreign artists. Allow 2-3 hours to explore over 500 paintings, 100s of monuments, ancient cameras, and a vast book collection. Note that photography is not permitted inside the museum.

Getting to Aundh

Bhawani Museum is located in Aundh, 43 km from Satara. The museum building is situated on the slope of Aundh Hill, near the famous Yamai Mandir. Aundh is well-connected by roads.

Best Times

When
Morning hours
Why
Enjoy natural light and fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Explore at your own pace.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Allocate ample time

Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the vast collection of paintings, artifacts, and books. :clock1:

No photography inside

Remember that photos are not allowed inside the museum galleries. :camerawithflash:

Check spelling on labels

Be aware that some labels may have spelling errors, a point noted by visitors. :memo:

Enjoy the exterior

The museum entrance and garden are very photogenic and worth capturing. :camera:

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate ample time

Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the vast collection of paintings, artifacts, and books. :clock1:

No photography inside

Remember that photos are not allowed inside the museum galleries. :camerawithflash:

Check spelling on labels

Be aware that some labels may have spelling errors, a point noted by visitors. :memo:

Enjoy the exterior

The museum entrance and garden are very photogenic and worth capturing. :camera:

Visit Yamai Mandir

Combine your museum visit with a trip to the Yamai Mandir atop Aundh Hill. :mountain:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bhawani Museum Aundh is highly praised for its rare collection of paintings, especially those by Raja Ravi Varma, and its diverse blend of Indian and foreign art. Visitors appreciate the vast array of artifacts, books, and the scenic museum building. However, some note minor issues like spelling errors on exhibit labels.

"Nice museum, very (Rare)painting available here. like Raja Ravi verma
This is must visitable place for Artists 🎨
This museum deserves 5 star rating for Art.
This museum established by Raja Pantpratinidhi.
One of the notable foreign artists whose paintings are displayed in the Bhavani Museum, Aundh is Henry Moore.
Here is a blend of foreign and indian art 🎭"

Raj Joshi

"Museum has more than 8,000 articles and 16,000 books including 3500 holy books (handwritten). Shrimant Balasaheb Maharaj studied the science of museum and constructed the present building with the help of foreign architects, considering natural light , ventilation and protection. Its great wonder to see the huge one man collection in such a rural area of the district. The scenic building of the museum situated on the slope of Aundh Hill, famous ‘Yamai Mandir’ is located at the top of hill with height approx. 800 ft. Aundh is 43 Kms from Satara, well connected by roads."

Milind Barge

"A beautiful museum with very rare artifcats and many things to see. There are beautiful paintings and sculptures of various types by various artists. There are very beautiful metallic and ivory sculptures with intricate details. There are sandalwood carvings and also ancient papers.

It's a shame that that the Government of Maharashtra which looks after this museum has not cared to check spelling mistakes in the labels under the paintings. Even Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's spelling is spelled wrong multiple times. This is not right for such a beautiful museum and such mistakes are not good when serious foreign tourists visit."

Nikhil Gangavane

What People Like

Rare Raja Ravi Varma paintings
Blend of Indian & foreign art
Vast artifact & book collection

What People Dislike

Spelling errors on labels

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bhawani Museum is located in Aundh, approximately 43 km from Satara. It is well-connected by roads. You can reach Aundh by bus or taxi from Satara. The museum is situated on the slope of Aundh Hill.

Yes, Aundh is well-connected by roads, making it accessible via public transport like buses from nearby cities such as Satara.

The most convenient way to travel from Satara to Bhawani Museum is by road, either by bus or by hiring a taxi. The distance is about 43 km.

While specific details on dedicated parking are scarce, visitors generally find parking options available near the museum entrance, especially given its location in a less urbanized area.

Yes, the Yamai Mandir is located at the top of Aundh Hill, near the museum. You can easily visit both attractions in conjunction with each other.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum is generally open during daytime hours, but specific timings can vary. It's advisable to check locally or confirm before your visit, as hours might differ on weekends or holidays.

Information regarding specific entry fees is not widely publicized. However, for most government-maintained museums in India, there is usually a nominal entry fee for adults and sometimes for children or students.

Advance booking is typically not required for Bhawani Museum Aundh. Tickets can usually be purchased at the museum counter upon arrival.

While not explicitly stated, it's common for museums to offer concessions for students and senior citizens. Inquiring at the ticket counter upon arrival is recommended.

There is no information available about combined tickets. The Yamai Mandir is a religious site, and entry is usually free, while the museum has its own admission process.

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The museum boasts a diverse collection, including original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, works by foreign artists like Henry Moore, metallic and ivory sculptures, sandalwood carvings, and ancient papers.

Visitors recommend allocating at least 2 to 3 hours to thoroughly explore the museum's extensive collection of over 500 paintings, hundreds of monuments, ancient cameras, and a vast library.

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Bhawani Museum. Visitors are advised to leave their cameras outside or store them securely.

The museum building itself is a wonder, constructed with the help of foreign architects, designed to maximize natural light, ventilation, and protection for the artifacts. It's situated on the scenic Aundh Hill.

Information on official guided tours is not readily available. However, the exhibits are well-labeled, and the sheer volume of artifacts allows for self-guided exploration.

🎫 📚 Library & Books

The museum houses an impressive collection of 16,000 books, which includes 3,500 handwritten holy books, alongside a wide range of other literary and historical texts.

While the library is a significant part of the museum's collection, access for research purposes might be restricted or require special permission. It's best to inquire directly with the museum authorities.

Typically, museum libraries house collections for preservation and display rather than for public borrowing. Access is usually limited to viewing within the museum premises.

The 3,500 handwritten holy books are a testament to the historical and spiritual importance of the collection, offering insights into religious practices and ancient script.

The book collection is vast and diverse, likely encompassing art history, religion, and general knowledge, complementing the museum's broader cultural and historical scope.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bhawani Museum Aundh offers a unique educational experience for families. While photography is not allowed inside, the diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts can spark curiosity in children. The sheer volume of items, from intricate carvings to historical objects, provides plenty to discuss and learn about. The museum's location on a hill, near the Yamai Mandir, also offers opportunities for outdoor exploration.

To make the visit more engaging for younger visitors, consider focusing on specific exhibits like the animal sculptures or ancient tools. Discussing the stories behind the artifacts can turn a museum visit into an adventure. The spaciousness of the museum and its garden area also allows children some room to move around, making it a more comfortable outing.

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students

For art lovers and students, Bhawani Museum Aundh is an absolute must-visit. The presence of original Raja Ravi Varma paintings is a major draw, offering a chance to study the techniques and themes of one of India's most celebrated artists up close. The inclusion of foreign artists like Henry Moore provides a valuable comparative study opportunity, broadening artistic perspectives.

Beyond the paintings, the museum's collection of sculptures, carvings, and ancient artifacts offers a rich resource for understanding different art forms and historical periods. The extensive library, with its rare handwritten books, can also be a valuable asset for academic research. Allocate ample time to truly absorb the details and nuances of the diverse artistic expressions housed here.

🏛️ History Buffs & Researchers

History enthusiasts will find Bhawani Museum Aundh to be a fascinating destination. The museum's collection of over 8,000 articles and 16,000 books, including 3,500 handwritten holy books, offers a deep dive into historical and cultural heritage. The ancient artifacts and monuments provide tangible connections to the past, allowing for a deeper understanding of local history and traditions.

The museum's library is a significant resource for researchers interested in religious texts, local history, or art history. While access might require inquiry, the potential for discovering unique information within its collection is substantial. The museum's well-preserved building, designed for optimal environmental control, ensures the longevity of these historical treasures.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Bhawani Museum

Bhawani Museum Aundh is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, most notably for its collection of original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. These works are celebrated for their realistic portrayal and mythological themes, making them a significant draw for visitors. Beyond Varma's masterpieces, the museum showcases a remarkable blend of foreign and Indian art, featuring pieces by notable international artists like Henry Moore. This juxtaposition offers a unique perspective on artistic evolution and cultural exchange.

The collection extends beyond paintings to include exquisite metallic and ivory sculptures, intricate sandalwood carvings, and ancient documents. The sheer diversity of artistic mediums and styles ensures that every visitor finds something to marvel at. The museum's commitment to preserving such a vast array of artifacts, including over 500 paintings and hundreds of monuments, underscores its importance as a cultural repository.

Visitors often highlight the quality and rarity of the art on display. While the museum is well-maintained, some reviews mention minor issues like spelling mistakes on labels, which is a small detraction from an otherwise exceptional collection. The museum's location in a rural setting adds to its charm, making it a destination for those seeking a more profound artistic experience away from the usual tourist crowds.

A Glimpse into History and Literature

Beyond its celebrated art collection, Bhawani Museum Aundh is also a significant repository of historical artifacts and literature. The museum houses over 8,000 articles, ranging from ancient tools and decorative items to historical curiosities. These artifacts provide tangible links to the past, offering insights into the lives and times of the people who created and used them.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the museum is its extensive library, which contains approximately 16,000 books. This collection is exceptionally rich, featuring around 3,500 handwritten holy books, alongside a broad spectrum of other literary works. This vast collection speaks to the intellectual pursuits and cultural heritage preserved within the museum's walls, making it a valuable resource for researchers and history buffs.

The museum building itself is a testament to thoughtful design, constructed with the help of foreign architects to ensure optimal natural light, ventilation, and protection for its precious contents. Its scenic location on Aundh Hill, near the Yamai Mandir, adds to the overall experience, providing a serene environment for appreciating history and culture.

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