Mysore Rail Museum - Outdoor Museum exhibiting Locomotives

Mysore Rail Museum, established in 1979 by the Indian railways, the rail museum is the second of its kind, after the National Railway Museum in Delhi. It is run by the South Western Railways and displays vintage steam locomotives, railway carriages, inspection cars, telecommunication equipment and other objects related to the railways. One of the major attractions of the museum is the Chamundi Gallery. It has an extensive range of pictures and paintings about Indian railways. The museum exhibits grand coaches belonging to the Maharaja of Mysore. Maharani's saloon carriage is also quite interesting to explore.

This coach that dates back to 1899 is equipped with a kitchen, dining car unit and royal toilet as well. Another attractive feature of the palace is the Austin Railway Car. The 1925 Austin model, which was initially built for the roads, was converted into a railcar. It is said that this model was repossessed by a railway employee from a scrap dealer. A unique aspect of these locomotives is that some of these are still in working condition. There are many other rare features here, taking us to the eras gone by. A wooden pillar and doors, belonging to the Old Srirangapatna railway station and a wired fence that used to be an important part, are also exhibited here.

A hand operated steam water pump, hand operated cranes dating back to the early 19th century are also displayed here. A wide range of lights, tickets, ticketing machines, signal signs, clocks, photographs, paintings etc are displayed here. Each of the items represents various development phases of the Indian railways. There is a mini toy train, operating on battery that takes visitors for a ride around the grounds of the museum. This train is especially popular among children. Those who love to learn about Indian railways should not miss this museum, located at the very centre of the city close to Mysuru junction railway station.