ARE WE ON THE RIGHT TRACK:
The Day Begins
It seems as if this trip is developing a railway theme.
Having slept fairly well last night, we are still up very early. We made it to breakfast at 0630 when they opened. I must say the coffee here is very good and over all the breakfast is excellent with many choices. The mango muffin was a hit this morning. I also tried the Idlis (a rice cake) with a spicy vegetable stew. Sorry no picture, but it was good. Lynn had an omelet and a side of mango yogurt.
KEWL Elevator
This morning we are headed to the National Rail Museum. One of the easy and very affordable ways to get about Delhi is by Uber. Our fare was under 100 rupees (INR) and I left a generous tip. We noticed the traffic was very light and our driver said it is usually quiet on Sunday morning. (the current exchange rate is 100 INR = $1.10 USD) I simply move the decimal point two when figuring the exchange.
“Let the country Make the railroads and the railroads will make the country” - Edward Pease
Edward Pease, a woolen manufacturer from Darlington, England, was the main promoter of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened in 1825. He is sometimes referred to as the "Father of the Railways".
The foundation stone for National Rail Museum was laid by then Honorable President of India Shri V.V. Giri on 7th October, 1971. It was set up as the first ever Transport Museum in India and was named as “Rail Transport Museum”(RTM). The museum was inaugurated and opened for public on 1st February, 1977 by the then Honorable Minister of Railways Shri Kamlapathi Tripathi. The museum was renamed as National Rail Museum in October 1995.
The National Rail Museum, New Delhi represents the splendid rich heritage of Indian Railway sprawling in over 11 acres of land. Emulating the setting of a railway yard, the extensive outdoor gallery houses a variety of steam, diesel and electric locomotives along with fascinating collection of royal saloons, wagons, carriages, armored trains, rail cars. These original life-size exhibits have been well maintained and restored.
Interactive displays and models exhibited inside the Indoor gallery displays the remarkable stories related to early modes of transportation till date and future endeavors in Indian Railways. There are also some remarkable collections of historical photographs, documents, railway artifacts, static exhibits, antiquated items and old furniture which enhance the experience of the many visitors every year and envisioned them how a single investment of Indian Railway helped in unification and progress of India as a nation.
The museum is spread over 11 acres and is has 91 real size exhibits like different types of steam, diesel & electric locomotives, Royal Saloons, Vintage Cranes, Wagons, fireless steam locomotive and John Morris fire engine (1914) with solid rubber tyres in fully road worthy condition. Museum boasts of having the world’s oldest working steam locomotive “Fairy Queen” featuring in Guiness Book of World Records (currently homed at Rewari Steam Heritage Centre). The National Rail Museum takes pride in having the world’s first steam mono rail using “Ewing System” in fully working condition.
About 85% of the exhibits are dated between 1853 - 1950. The indoor gallery has a rich collection of coat of arms, records, miniatures models, badges, old rail tickets, photographs and historical documents promising the visitors an exciting journey into the rich historical heritage of Indian Railways and its contribution to the industrial & economic progress of the country.
Entry during the weekdays is 50 rupees and it is doubles to 100 rupees on the weekend.
We honestly expected the museum to be rather crowed as it is the weekend, but this was not the case.
We started with the indoor museum. This is very well done and interprets so many facets of the railways of India. Photos below will show the diversity of topics.
We then walked about and amongst the many engines and rail-cars. I will say some of these are works in progress and the progress is rather slow. Yet, the diversity of the display is very amazing.
The Mono Rail Train
The Joy Train 50INR fora ride, very popular amongst the locals.
There is a restaurant on property and several snack stands available. We had a Fanta Orange, our go to travel drink when abroad for 40 INR. The snack stand had a very nice looking toasted sandwich for 80INR.
There is a very small souvenir shop with only a few items for sale. The gentleman working the shop was pleasant to talk to and he is very knowledgeable about the steam trains on property. He thought we were from New Zealand (someone yesterday thought we were from Australia), that I took as a compliment.
In our conversation about where we were from, I pulled up a picture of the Big Boy 4014 that I will call the pride of Cheyenne, Wyoming. He very quickly recognized the image and called out “The Big Boy” he knew a good bit about its restoration. We spent very close to three hours at this venue wandering among the old trains.
As we were leaving, a tuck tuck (auto-rickshaw) driver approached and asked if we needed a ride, I was just about to arrange an Uber for our return. He offered the same rate as Uber so we chose his service.
The joy of a auto rickshaw is they are open air and the breeze is always welcome.
Back at the Taj Palace we are meet with a welcoming “Namaste”. Meaning "the divine and self is same in you and me”.
I think tonight we will try the Spicy Duck restaurant.
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