Anand Bhawan

Anand Bhawan

The Victorian structure that is the Anand Bhawan is the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru, a freedom fighter and the first Prime Minister of India. Anand Bhawan is also home to Indira Gandhi, the "Iron Lady of India". At Anand Bhawan, visitors are offered a glimpse of the lifestyle of the family that retained, for a long time, the status of the most important political dynasty in India. The importance of the Anand Bhawan also increases because of the fact that several momentous decisions and events, related to the freedom struggle, took place here. Indira Gandhi donated Anand Bhawan to the Indian government in the year 1970 and it was later converted into a museum at her behest. It houses one of the best-maintained museums of India and a memorabilia of the Nehru-Gandhi family, making it worth more than just one visit, especially if you’re the sort who likes visiting museums. The most interesting part of the museum is probably Nehru's bedroom and study. There is a room specially dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, father of the Nation, where he used to stay during his visits. A room dedicated to Indira Gandhi has on display many of her personal belongings. The drawing room also houses some of the belongings of Moti Lal and Jawaharlal Nehru. Another interesting section of the museum is the study, where visitors can glance through numerous bookshelves full of titles dedicated to Marx and Lenin. Out in the lush green garden is an outhouse that houses a picture gallery dedicated to the life and times of Jawaharlal Nehru. The ancestral home of the Nehrus is really worth a tour, especially when one thinks of the high regard at which they’re held even till present times. A quick peek into their lives right from the start is a treat very few would like to miss out on. The Anand Bhawan is open between 9.30 AM and 5.00 PM. Entry to any other place in Anand Bhawan, except the museum, is free. The entry cost for the museum is Rs. 5 and is open on all days, except Monday and Government holidays.