Museums in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has many unique and informative museums that enhance its rich cultural tapestry. These museums provide a peek into the state's vibrant history and cultural heritage. These museums offer fascinating insights into Uttarakhand and cater to all travelers. One of the best museums is in Dehradun, the Subir Raha Oil Museum. This museum details India's oil exploration history. 

Further into the hills, the Corbett Museum in Nainital showcases the life of Jim Corbett. The Folk Culture Museum in Bhimtal is another gem, offering a look at local folk traditions and arts. The Wadia Geology Museum in Dehradun presents a vast collection of geological specimens. Alternatively, the Regional Science Centre makes learning fun with interactive exhibits. All the museums in Uttarakhand are unique, offering in-depth insights into the Himalayan region. Museums in Uttarakhand are also must-visit spots in your Uttarakhand tour packages.

Popular Uttarakhand Museums

1. Subir Raha Oil Museum: The Subir Raha Oil Museum is a unique museum in Dehradun. It offers an exhaustive exploration of India's petroleum industry. It is located within the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's complex. The museum showcases detailed exhibits on the milestones in oil discovery. It also highlights the evolution of drilling technologies. The museum extensively covers past developments and speculates on future energy sustainability trends. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations here detail the processes involved in oil production.

Location: Dehradun

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Sat-Sun Closed)

2. Corbett Museum: Corbett Museum, situated in Kaladhungi, honours the legacy of Jim Corbett. It is located within his former residence and pays tribute to this famous environmentalist and writer. You can discover his personal belongings, letters, and extensive photographic records here. The museum highlights Corbett's role in establishing Corbett National Park. Here, you can also learn about his efforts for wildlife conservation. Additionally, you can enjoy exhibitions of local flora and fauna at the museum.

Location: Kaladhungi

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

3. Binsar Sanctuary Museum: Located in Almora, the Binsar Sanctuary Museum is one of the top museums in Uttarakhand. It is situated within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and offers insights into the region's rich biodiversity. This museum has exhibits about the region's local wildlife, endangered species, and birds. The museum’s detailed displays provide insights into the sanctuary’s ecological importance. Furthermore, the Binsar Sanctuary Museum also serves as an important educational facility.

Location: Binsar, Almora

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

4. Folk Culture Museum: The Folk Culture Museum in Bhimtal is a treasure house showcasing Uttarakhand's rich cultural tapestry. It boasts exhibits of local folk art, traditional attire, and ancient manuscripts. Here, you can also learn about the daily lives and practices of the local communities. The museum regularly hosts cultural events and workshops to revitalise Uttarakhand's age-old traditions. One of the museum's main goals is to preserve and document regional folklore.

Location: Bhimtal

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

5. George Everest Cartography Museum: Among the most famous museums in Uttarakhand is the George Everest Cartography Museum. Located in Dehradun, it is named after Sir George Everest, a key figure in the history of Indian cartography. The museum is home to many original survey instruments and maps. These include artifacts from Everest's tenure as Surveyor General of India. It also offers insights into the monumental task of mapping the subcontinent. Here, you can learn about Everest's significant contributions to cartography.

Location: Mussoorie

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

6. Regional Science Centre, Dehradun: The Regional Science Centre in Dehradun is an interactive hub promoting science education. It was established by the National Council of Science Museums in 1989. It serves as a centre for scientific exploration, education, and community engagement. This centre is renowned for its wide range of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. The displays in the museum cover subjects like physics, environmental science and biology. One of the major highlights is a top-notch planetarium, where you can experience the night sky.

Location: Dehradun

Timings: 10:15 AM to 5 PM (Monday Closed)

7. FRI Museum: The FRI Museum in Dehradun is nestled within the campus of the Forest Research Institute. It provides a thorough view of forestry practices and conservation in India. It was inaugurated in 1929 by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India. The museum displays extensive forest products, plant fossils, and ecological specimens. Here, you can find historical forestry tools and detailed dioramas of major Indian forest types.

Location: Dehradun

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

8. Dhangarhi Museum: The Dhangarhi Museum is located near Corbett National Park in Nainital. It offers a comprehensive look at the park's ecological and cultural history. The museum's galleries are home to a range of personal items once owned by Jim Corbett. Additionally, you can also find many historical photographs documenting the park's early days. Here, you can find Corbett's photographs, hunting equipment, writings, awards, and accolades. You can also gain insights into the region's history of man-eating tigers.

Location: Corbett National Park, Nainital

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

9. Zonal Anthropological Museum: The Zonal Anthropological Museum ranks as the top museum in Dehradun. It is a great place to learn about the diverse cultural backgrounds of the Himalayan people. It houses a comprehensive collection of tribal artefacts, traditional costumes, and tools. These items depict the lifestyles and traditions of the region's indigenous communities. The museum's displays also highlight the Himalayas' anthropological heritage. The interactive exhibits and presentations here an offer an in-depth understanding of the region's culture. They also highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate its diversity. Here, you can also learn about the region's cultural practices and social structures.

Location: Dehradun

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

10. Wadia Geology Museum: This museum is located within the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Dehradun. It offers a deep dive into the geological history of the Himalayas. The museum's collection includes various mineral specimens, geological maps, and fossils. These displays illustrate the complex processes responsible for forming this iconic mountain range. You can also explore exhibits showcasing the region's geological features here. This includes ancient sedimentary rocks, mountains, and glaciers. The museum provides educational displays focused primarily on earth sciences. It is a great place for anyone interested in the geology of Uttarakhand and the Himalayas.

Location: Dehradun

Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm (Sat-Sun Closed)