Darbar Hall Museum
Explore the opulent Darbar Hall Museum in Junagadh, showcasing royal artifacts, weapons, and paintings from the 19th century in a former palace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Darbar Hall Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the opulent Darbar Hall Museum in Junagadh, showcasing royal artifacts, weapons, and paintings from the 19th century in a former palace.
"Every corner here tells a story of timeless beauty, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Nawabs."
📸 Photography Fee
Mobile photography costs ₹100. Capture memories, but be ready to pay!
🗓️ Check Closing Days
Closed Wednesdays & select Saturdays. Plan ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Darbar Hall
Main Gallery
Step into the royal assembly hall, preserved in its original setting for a glimpse of pre-independence royal courts.
Weapons Gallery (Silehkhana)
Weapons Gallery
Marvel at an impressive collection of historical arms, including daggers, swords, and shields adorned with precious stones.
Picture Gallery
Picture Gallery
View rare photographs and paintings of the last Nawab and his beloved dogs, offering a personal glimpse into royal life.
Royal Transport
Palanquin Room
See ornate palanquins and howdahs, showcasing the Nawabs' luxurious modes of travel and ceremonial transport.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Photography Fees
Best Days to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Fee
Mobile photography costs ₹100. Capture memories, but be ready to pay!
🗓️ Check Closing Days
Closed Wednesdays & select Saturdays. Plan ahead!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore the rich exhibits.
🏛️ Admire Architecture
The palace itself is a stunning backdrop to the artifacts.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Fee
Mobile photography costs ₹100. Capture memories, but be ready to pay!
🗓️ Check Closing Days
Closed Wednesdays & select Saturdays. Plan ahead!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore the rich exhibits.
🏛️ Admire Architecture
The palace itself is a stunning backdrop to the artifacts.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry is just ₹5 for Indians, making it a budget-friendly visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Darbar Hall Museum for its rich collection of royal artifacts, weapons, and opulent interiors, offering a captivating glimpse into the history of Junagadh's Nawabs. The affordable entry fee is a significant draw, though the photography charge is noted. Some suggest improvements in maintenance and curation to further enhance the visitor experience.
"Every corner here tells a story of timeless beauty. To capure this beauty in you mobile you have to take ticket for photography. Per mobile 100 Rs."
parmar vijay
"The Darbar Hall Museum in Junagadh showcases a rich collection of royal artifacts, weapons, paintings, and jewelry, housed in a historic palace with opulent interiors. Its architectural charm and cultural exhibits make it a captivating visit. However, improved maintenance and curation could further enhance the experience."
Maulin Patel
"Darbar Hall Museum Junagadh, Gujarat
At a distance of 2 km from Junagadh Junction, Darbar Hall Museum is a historical museum situated in Sardar Baug area of Junagadh in Gujarat. It is one of the finest museums in Gujarat and among the prime Junagadh Tourist Places.
Also known as Junagadh Museum, the Darbar Hall Museum was founded in the year 1964. The museum was initially a courthouse used by the then Nawabs of Junagadh state where cases were heard. The museum provides the tourists an opportunity to have a glimpse at the glory and grandeur of the Nawabs of Babi dynasty who have ruled Junagadh till India's independence. The majority of the exhibits in the museum date back to the 19th century.
Located in Taj Manzil Building, Darbar Hall Museum is exhibiting around 2900 artefacts in different galleries namely Picture Gallery, Palanquin Room, Textile and Costumes Gallery, Weapons Gallery, Darbar Hall etc. The Picture Gallery boasts a large collection of photographs and paintings of last Nawab with his numerous dogs. The artefacts like weapons, armour, palanquins, sparkling chandeliers, howdahs, diamond woven carpets, photos, gowns, silver items, jewellery, chandeliers and royal furniture belonging to the Babi rulers of Sorath are the major highlights of the museum. Owing to its exquisite collection of artefacts, the museum is visited by people in huge number.
The most important gallery of the museum is the Darbar Hall which is a period room representing the royal assembly hall of the ex-rulers of the old Junagadh state. It has put on display the then 'Darbar' in its original setting so that people may get an idea of the royal court and assembly hall of the pre-independence period. The museum is also noted for its collection of royal arms in Weapons Gallery. In this gallery, one can see different categories of daggers, swords, knives, Fine arms, spears, shield decorated with gold, precious and semiprecious stones.
Timing: 9.30 AM - 5.30 PM, Closed on Wednesday, 2nd & 4th Saturdays & on Public Holidays
Entry: Rs. 5 for Indians, Rs. 50 for Foreigners & Rs. 100 for Photography
There are 5 different categories of exhibits. In all there are nearly 2900 exhibits. They include arms, oil paintings, miniature paintings, photographs of historical importance, royal palanquins and hoddas, textile, carpets, royal furnitures belonging to the Babi rulers of Sorath (the Ex-rulers of the old Junagadh state). The museum is Famous for special collections like royal furnitures, silver thrones, silver chairs, carpets with gold embroidery, Various types of chandeliers (Zummar) mirror, silver art objects, etc. The most important gallery of the museum is the Darbar Hall which is a period room representing the royal assembly hall of the ex-rulers of the old Junagadh state (Sorath Native State). It has put on display the then "Darbar" in its original setting so that people may get an idea of the royal court and assembly hall of the pre-independence period. The museum is also noted for its collection of royal arms and the gallery especially created for their display is known as "Silehkhana" presenting different categories of daggers, swords, knives, Fine arms, spears, shield decorated with gold, precious and semiprecious stones. The collection of historical photographs are very rare and interesting and reveal the historical background of ex-rulers of Saurashtra."
Hitendra Vankani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Darbar Hall Museum is located in the Sardar Baug area of Junagadh, about 2 km from Junagadh Junction. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from the railway station or bus stand.
While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, visitors typically find parking options in the vicinity of the Sardar Baug area. It's advisable to ask local drivers for the best spots.
Auto-rickshaws are a popular and convenient way to get around Junagadh. Negotiate fares beforehand or use ride-sharing apps if available.
Junagadh has a bus station, and from there, you can take a local auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the museum.
The museum is housed in a historic palace, which may have some architectural limitations. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry for Indian citizens is ₹5, and for foreign nationals, it's ₹50. Photography using a mobile phone incurs an additional charge of ₹100.
The museum is typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. However, it is closed on Wednesdays, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, and public holidays.
Currently, there is no information available about online ticket booking. It's best to purchase tickets at the museum counter upon arrival.
Yes, there is a separate fee of ₹100 for photography using a mobile phone.
Information regarding specific discounts for students or seniors is not readily available. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features galleries showcasing royal artifacts, weapons, textiles, 19th-century paintings, palanquins, and the opulent Darbar Hall itself, which recreates the royal assembly.
Visitors typically spend about two to three hours exploring the museum's extensive collection and galleries.
Children might find the weapons and royal transport exhibits interesting. However, the historical context might be more engaging for older children and adults.
Information about official guided tours is not widely available. You can explore at your own pace or consider hiring a local guide if available.
The Darbar Hall is a period room that replicates the royal assembly hall of the ex-rulers of the old Junagadh state, offering a direct glimpse into their courtly life.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos, but there is a separate fee of ₹100 for mobile photography.
The primary restriction is the photography fee. It's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it's not explicitly permitted.
The Darbar Hall itself, the Weapons Gallery, and the Picture Gallery with its unique portraits are popular spots for photography. 
Information on professional photography or videography permits is not readily available. It's best to inquire at the museum for specific policies.
You can capture images of historical artifacts, royal attire, weaponry, intricate furniture, and the grand architecture of the former palace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical context might require some explanation, the visual richness of the exhibits can capture their attention. Consider making it a shorter visit, focusing on the most visually stimulating galleries to keep children interested. To enhance the experience for families, consider bringing along a small notebook for kids to sketch their favorite artifacts or a simple scavenger hunt list of items to find within the museum. The affordable entry fee of ₹5 for Indians makes it an accessible outing. Remember the photography fee if you plan to capture their excitement.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even with the additional ₹100 photography fee for mobile phones, the overall cost remains minimal compared to many other museums. This allows travelers to immerse themselves in the history of the Nawabs without straining their budget. Plan your visit on a weekday morning to avoid any potential crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The museum's consolidation of collections from previous institutions provides a comprehensive narrative. The historical photographs and paintings in the Picture Gallery are particularly valuable for understanding the region's past. Allow ample time, at least 2-3 hours, to fully appreciate the depth and detail of the exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Origins of the Darbar Hall Museum
The museum is housed in the former Taj Manzil palace, a testament to the architectural grandeur of the Babi dynasty that ruled Junagadh until India's independence. This historical setting significantly enhances the visitor's experience, providing a tangible connection to the past. The exhibits primarily date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a detailed look into the lifestyle, governance, and culture of the era.
Visitors can explore various galleries, each dedicated to specific aspects of royal life. These include the Picture Gallery, Palanquin Room, Textile and Costumes Gallery, Weapons Gallery, and the central Darbar Hall itself. The museum's extensive collection, numbering around 2900 artifacts, provides a comprehensive narrative of the Nawabs' reign and their influence on Junagadh.
Exploring the Exhibits: A Glimpse into Royal Life
The Weapons Gallery, also known as 'Silehkhana', is a highlight for many, showcasing a wide array of historical arms. Visitors can admire different categories of daggers, swords, knives, fine arms, and shields, many of which are intricately decorated with gold, precious, and semi-precious stones. This gallery provides a fascinating look at the military might and craftsmanship of the period.
Beyond weaponry and portraits, the museum displays royal transport such as palanquins and howdahs, illustrating the luxurious ways the Nawabs traveled. The Textile and Costumes Gallery features hand-woven carpets, royal gowns, and other traditional attire. The museum is also renowned for its special collections of royal furniture, including silver thrones and chairs, intricate carpets with gold embroidery, and various types of chandeliers, all belonging to the Babi rulers.
The Significance of the Darbar Hall
Stepping into the Darbar Hall offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur and formality of pre-independence royal courts. The original setting, complete with period furniture and decor, transports visitors back in time. It's a space that not only showcases artifacts but also tells a story of governance, tradition, and the social fabric of the Junagadh state.
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