Durbar Hall Museum

Housed within the imposing nineteenth century royal palace of the Babi dynasty in central Junagadh, the Durbar Hall Museum offers a grand window into the lavish lifestyle of the Nawabs of Junagadh. Established as a state museum in Gujarat, this heritage palace preserves original royal court regalia, ceremonial durbar halls, and historical princely artifacts.

Truth is, entering the central Durbar Hall feels like stepping right into a royal court session from the Victorian era. The soaring ceilings are decorated with massive Bohemian crystal chandeliers, gilded plaster mouldings, and intricate Belgian glass mirrors that reflect natural sunlight across hand knotted Persian carpets.

The centerpiece of the museum is the grand silver throne (Howdah) of the Nawab, flanked by gilded ceremonial chairs, solid silver spittoons, and velvet canopies. Lifelike oil portraits of past Nawabs, royal diadems, and official colonial treaties line the gallery walls. Visiting here complements tours of Uparkot Fort and Mount Girnar.

Royal Armory and Weaponry Displays

The museum royal armory wing contains an exceptional collection of medieval and colonial weaponry used by Kathiawar armies. Exhibits include diamond studded daggers, damascened steel scimitars, ivory hilted pistols, chainmail coats, and ceremonial battle axes.

A dedicated section displays antique palanquins, royal carriage seats (ambaris), and silver huqqa sets decorated with floral repousse work. Detailed descriptive plaques explain the administrative court culture of the Junagadh princely state before visiting Ashoka Rock Edicts.

Textile Gallery and Period Furniture

The textile collection features gold and silver zari brocade robes, embroidered silk turbans, royal shawls, and velvet tunics worn by Nawabs and courtiers during royal processions. The display also highlights traditional Kathiawari embroidery styles and beadwork.

Mind you, photography is restricted inside the indoor palace chambers to protect sensitive historical fabrics and gilded woodwork. Visitors are encouraged to observe the fine woodwork carvings and marble mantlepieces up close.

Visiting Hours, Entry Fee, and Location

Durbar Hall Museum is open Thursday through Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM and from 2:45 PM to 5:45 PM (closed on Wednesdays and 2nd/4th Saturdays). Entry tickets cost approximately 5 to 10 rupees for Indian visitors.

The museum is situated right in the city center near Circle Chowk, easily accessible on foot or by auto rickshaw from anywhere in Junagadh. Plan for roughly 45 to 60 minutes to tour the exhibits before heading to Sakkarbaug Zoo or Damodar Kund.