Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
A personal treasure trove of 20,000+ Indian artifacts, showcasing centuries of art, culture, and daily life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A personal treasure trove of 20,000+ Indian artifacts, showcasing centuries of art, culture, and daily life.
"A hidden gem in Pune, offering a fascinating journey through India’s art, culture, and traditions."
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the 20,000+ artifacts across three floors . :clock1:
Photography Pass
Mobile photography costs an extra ₹100. Capture the memories, but be mindful of others . :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mastani Mahal
Specific Gallery
Step back in time with this recreated royal chamber, offering a glimpse into Maharashtra's regal past.
Utensils Gallery
First Floor
Discover a vast array of historical Indian kitchenware, reflecting centuries of culinary traditions.
Musical Instruments Collection
Specific Gallery
Explore a diverse range of traditional Indian musical instruments, showcasing the country's rich auditory heritage.
Ivory Gallery
Specific Gallery
Marvel at exquisite ivory artwork, a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of Indian artisans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Tickets & Timing
What to Expect: A Treasure Trove
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the 20,000+ artifacts across three floors. :clock1:
Photography Pass
Mobile photography costs an extra ₹100. Capture the memories, but be mindful of others.
Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across three floors, so wear comfortable footwear! :athletic_shoe:
Rest Stops Available
Benches and chairs are strategically placed throughout the museum for breaks. :chair:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the 20,000+ artifacts across three floors. :clock1:
Photography Pass
Mobile photography costs an extra ₹100. Capture the memories, but be mindful of others.
Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across three floors, so wear comfortable footwear! :athletic_shoe:
Rest Stops Available
Benches and chairs are strategically placed throughout the museum for breaks. :chair:
Check for Special Exhibits
The museum sometimes features special displays, like the recreated Mastani Mahal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum as a hidden gem offering a fascinating journey through India's art and traditions. Its vast collection of over 20,000 artifacts, from everyday items to royal memorabilia, is highly appreciated for its educational value and engaging presentation. The museum is well-maintained and offers a unique glimpse into Maharashtra's rich heritage.
"The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a hidden gem in Pune that takes you on a fascinating journey through India’s art, culture, and traditions. What makes it special is the sheer variety of artifacts over thousands of everyday objects, musical instruments, weapons, and beautiful household items collected by the passionate Dr. D.G. Kelkar in memory of his son. Each room feels like a treasure chest, offering something unique to admire, from intricate carvings to traditional paintings and rare ornaments. Walking through the museum is like stepping into different eras of Indian life, and it’s both educational and deeply engaging. The atmosphere inside is calm, and the stories behind the collections make the visit memorable. A must-visit for anyone who wants to see India’s heritage up close."
Shivkumar Kapse
"I just love this museum now it’s my one of the favourites.
you can explore here about 500 year ago things which represents indian as well as maharashtrian culture & life style.
you can easily spend 1 hr here.
all the statues,and things are well maintained & in good condition.
At some where you can relate your childhood memories after watching this.
Entry for Indian Adult : 100 rupees"
shubham banne
"The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is an incredible destination for anyone wanting to take a deep dive into the cultural heritage and history of Maharashtra and parts of India. The museum is home to an impressive range of exhibits, from ancient stone carvings to delicate textiles, musical instruments, and more. Some of the standout galleries include the Beauty Culture, Utensils, Textile, Lamps, and Musical Instruments galleries, each showcasing the rich diversity of India’s traditions.
One of the highlights is the Mastani Mahal exhibit, which gives you a glimpse into the regal past of Maharashtra, as well as the Ivory Gallery, offering a stunning collection of ivory artwork. It’s fascinating to see how these artifacts come together to tell the story of India’s diverse culture.
It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the entire museum, and along the way, you'll find benches and chairs to sit if you need a rest. The museum is very well maintained, with water coolers and clean washrooms available, which adds to the comfort of the visit.
The management has done a great job keeping the museum in top condition, and at a ticket price of just ₹100, it’s definitely worth it. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn more about India’s rich heritage, this museum is a must-visit!"
kaustubh k
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.
Information on dedicated parking facilities is limited, but street parking might be available nearby. It's advisable to check locally upon arrival or consider using public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
The museum is situated in the Shukrawar Peth area of Pune. It's a well-known landmark, and local auto-rickshaw drivers will be familiar with its location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Indian adults is ₹100. Children below 12 years have a reduced fee of ₹30.
The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Currently, there is no widely advertised online booking system for tickets. It's best to purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum.
While the museum has many artifacts spread across three floors, specific accessibility information for visitors with disabilities is not readily available. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for detailed information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To explore the extensive collection of over 20,000 artifacts across three floors, it's recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors suggest 3-4 hours for a thorough visit.
Highlights include the Mastani Mahal, the Utensils Gallery, the Musical Instruments Collection, and the Ivory Gallery. The sheer variety of everyday objects and art is a major draw.
Yes, mobile photography is allowed, but it requires an additional fee of ₹100.
Yes, the museum is well-maintained and offers clean washrooms and water coolers for visitor comfort.
While primarily a display of artifacts, the museum's strength lies in its comprehensive collection that allows visitors to connect with history and culture. Some visitors mention relating to childhood memories when seeing certain items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. However, being located in a busy area of Pune, you'll find numerous local eateries and restaurants nearby offering a variety of Maharashtrian and Indian cuisine.
It's generally advisable not to bring outside food and drinks into museums to preserve the artifacts. Check for specific rules at the entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
Mobile photography is permitted for an additional fee of ₹100.
While mobile photography is allowed with a fee, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it's not explicitly permitted for certain exhibits.
The Mastani Mahal offers a visually rich backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, consider focusing on specific galleries that might capture their imagination, such as the Mastani Mahal for a touch of royalty or the musical instruments. The additional fee for mobile photography can also be a fun way for older children to document their discoveries. Remember to allocate enough time, as there's a lot to see, and comfortable shoes are a must for everyone!
📚 History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The museum's strength lies in its comprehensive coverage of Maharashtrian and broader Indian traditions. The specialized galleries, such as the Utensils, Musical Instruments, and Ivory galleries, allow for in-depth exploration of specific cultural domains. The well-maintained exhibits and the sheer volume of items mean that history buffs can easily spend 3-4 hours here, uncovering details and connections that bring the past to life.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Mastani Mahal offers a visually stunning backdrop for recreating historical scenes. Beyond that, the diverse galleries present unique opportunities: the intricate details of traditional utensils, the varied forms of musical instruments, and the delicate artistry of ivory carvings all make for compelling shots. While professional photography might have different regulations, mobile photography allows visitors to document the vast collection. The museum's well-lit interiors and the rich textures and colors of the artifacts provide ample subjects. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the artifacts themselves, using natural light where possible and avoiding intrusive flash photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Dr. D.G. Kelkar
Kelkar's collection is remarkably varied, encompassing everything from everyday household items and traditional utensils to intricate jewelry, weapons, musical instruments, and fine art. The museum is thoughtfully organized into different galleries, each focusing on specific themes or types of artifacts. This allows visitors to delve into particular aspects of Indian culture, such as the 'Beauty Culture' gallery or the 'Utensils Gallery,' offering a comprehensive understanding of the past. The sheer breadth and depth of the collection are what make the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum a unique and invaluable cultural institution.
Visitors often remark on how the museum feels like stepping into different eras of Indian life. The careful preservation and presentation of these artifacts allow for an immersive experience, where one can almost feel the history emanating from each piece. The museum's commitment to showcasing this diverse heritage makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian art, culture, and history, offering a personal and educational journey through time.
Exploring the Diverse Galleries
Among the most captivating exhibits is the Mastani Mahal, a recreated royal chamber that transports visitors to a bygone era of grandeur and opulence, offering a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of Maharashtra.
The Ivory Gallery is another significant attraction, featuring delicate and intricate artwork crafted from ivory, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship. These specialized galleries, alongside others focusing on lamps, pottery, and paintings, collectively paint a vivid picture of India's diverse cultural tapestry. Visitors often find themselves spending hours exploring these varied collections, with many noting the well-maintained condition of the artifacts and the informative displays. The museum's layout, spread across three floors, ensures a comprehensive experience, with benches available for rest. The sheer volume and variety of objects, from the mundane to the magnificent, make each gallery a discovery in itself, contributing to the museum's reputation as a treasure trove of Indian heritage.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit