Gujarat and its silent coastal areas adjoining the Arabian Sea are always a treat to watch. There are many beaches which are absolute beauty and attract many tourists all year round. Out of these beaches, there is one beach that holds history as tightly as possible and not letting the sea waves take away the history along with it.
The name of this beach is Dandi Beach. To commemorate the history and sacrifice of the people of India for independence, there was a museum constructed at Dandi and it came to be known as the Dandi Museum. This Dandi Museum is a tribute given to the father of the nation.
His civil disobedience march from Dandi in the 1930s, came to be known as Dandi March and ignited all the little sparks that were waiting to be lit and burn down the whole British empire in India.
The Legacy of the Salt March
Mahatma Gandhi Ji started the first Dandi March at Dandi, as it was a protest against the illegal salt tax applied by the Britishers. This Dandi March started on 12th March. 1930 along with 74 other country men; their main reason for the march was to stop the illegal tax applied by the british. A simple march from Dandi became a turning point in the history and struggle of Indian Independence.
This Dandi Museum has collections of the historic events that had taken place during that time, it also helps in preserving the importance of Satyagraha (sachai ka rasta). Along with this march from Dandi, the museum also shows how a basic march can shake the roots of such a great empire.
A Walk Through the Dandi Museum
The Dandi Museum was given public access in 2019. This museum is part of the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial Project. Under this project, the museum was built combining art, architecture, storytelling and usage of technology so that when the visitors visit the museum they are mesmerized by the expereince. As soon as you enter the premises of the Dandi Museum, you will experience the serene environment and the layout of the place will encourage reflection.
Key attractions at Dandi Museum include:
- Statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the 78 Marchers: As soon as you enter the premises of the museum, you will be greeted by a life-size bronze structure of the iconic Dandi March. The unique feature of these sculptures is that each of the statues speak for themselves through a QR code given on them.
- Solar Trees: The museum is a reflection of the principles of sustainability and self-reliance. So you will find solar trees throughout the entire premises. These Solar Trees are providing electricity to the entire museum.
- Interactive Exhibits: There are different multimedia installations at the museum, which guide and enlighten the visitors at the Dandi Museum about the Dandi March, international impact and India’s freedom struggle.
- Salt Making Pans: Since we all wonder how salt must be extracted from the sea water, there are perfect replicas of the traditional pans that were used then to extract salt, this helps the visitors understand the entire process of salt extraction.
- Sound and Light Show: If you are visiting the Dandi Museum in the evening, then make sure that you get a chance to witness the sound and light show about the Dandi March with full emotions and grandeur.
Things to Do at the Dandi Museum
- Hire a guide for better understanding: If you want to understand the Dandi Museum more properly, then you should definitely hire a government recognised guide who will give you a tour around the entire museum and also explain each detail properly.
- Photography: The open, scenic design of the museum offers excellent spots for capturing moments. The Dandi Museum is so beautiful and the surroundings are so serene and calm, that it makes it a perfect spot for clicking pictures.
- Meditation Space: There is a meditation space made especially for the visitors who want to sit and relax and also reflect on Gandhian Values.
- Children’s Learning Zone: Since the museum is open to all age group, the younger kids find it difficult to connect to the events of the Dandi March, so there are interactive screens that make it easier for these children to understand the history of this place.
Nearby Attractions to Dandi Museum
There are several other places that you can explore after visiting the Dandi Museum. Some of these places are:
- Dandi Beach: The exact place from where Mahatma Gandhi Ji had picked salt before starting the Dandi March. This beach is also less commercialised and less explored.
- Navsari Town: This is a Parsi town which is only 30 kms away from the Dandi Museum and is well known for its vibrant markets.
- Ubharat Beach: This is a less known beach and is a perfect spot for those who are looking for offbeat places.
- Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati: If exploring Gandhi, then you should definitely take a trip of 260 kms from the Dandi Museum and the city itself. This is the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and has all inclusions of his life savings.
Best Time to Visit Dandi Museum
- The best time to visit Gujarat and Dandi Museum is the winter cool months as the temperatures are not too extreme and it gives good chilly weather to explore.
- Summers are a strict no no as the temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celcius and the climate is also very hot and humid.
- Monsoon season again spoils all the mood and plans by raining unpredictability.
How to Reach Dandi Museum
- By Air: The closest airport is Surat Airport (65 kms) connecting all major cities. You can book a taxi or a cab to reach Dandi.
- By Train: The closest railway station is the Navsari railway station (30 kms). Again you can take a cab or taxi to reach Dandi.
- By Road: Dandi is well connected to SHs and NHs. You can travel through all the major cities of Gujarat and reach Dandi.
Timings and Ticket Price at Dandi Museum
- Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Entry is free at the Dandi Museum.
Extra tip: Special shows, guided tours or exhibitions can be chargeable.
Accommodation Near Dandi Museum
While Dandi is a small village, it might not have good accommodation options. However, you can find some options nearby Dandi.
- Hotel Fun City: It is a hotel which is at a distance of 17.9 kms from Dandi Museum. It is a three star hotel providing all services and facilities at affordable prices.
- Lords Eco Inn, Navsari: It is a hotel that is at a distance of 18 kms from Dandi. It is also a budgeted hotel offering you all the facilities and services that are needed for a comfortable stay.
- Uday Palace Navsari, A member of the Radission Individual: It is a five star hotel that provides all the services and facilities at luxury prices.
Where to Eat Near Dandi Museum
Since Dandi is a small village, you will find food options that would be the local options for snacks. To have proper meals, you need to travel to nearby cities. Some of the high recommended restaurant options at these locations are given below:
- Navsari: If you are passing through Navsari, then you should definitely stop at Adarsh Restaurant for authentic Gujarati Thalis and local cuisines. The other best place for having meals is Woodland Restaurant. They serve the best North Indian and Chinese cuisines.
- Surat: Travelling to or via Surat, then you should definitely stop by and try the local delicacies like the Locho, Surti Sev Khamani, Surti Undhiyo, etc. at famous spots like Gopal Locho Khaman House and Sasuma Gujarati Thali.
- Local Snacks: When roaming around Dandi, you will be treated to local snacks like bhajiya, roasted sweet corn, etc.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dandi Museum
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: When visiting the museum, wear comfortable shoes because you have to walk huge distances to cover the whole museum.
- Visit in the Morning: If visiting the Dandi Museum in summers, then it is advised to be visited in the mornings as you can ditch the crowd and the scorching heat.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water with you. So that you can be hydrated throughout the exploration.
- Respect the Space: Be at your best behaviour always. Since it is a museum, you will be expected to be calm and respectful.
- Carry ID: when opting for guided tours, you might require your IDs for identification purposes, So at all times, carry your IDS.
- Combine with Other Sites: Explore the nearby locations and tourist sites. You can plan a day trip to Navsari or also stay overnight there.
More than just a place to visit, the Dandi Museum evokes feelings in tourists that link them to India’s amazing history. It serves as a reminder that ordinary people may accomplish remarkable feats when they are united, courageous, and truthful. The Dandi Museum will evoke a strong emotion in you, regardless of whether you’re a history buff, a tourist looking for stories, or someone looking for inspiration. Here, you can remain motionless and listen to the beating heart of India’s independence.
Relive India’s Freedom, Then Bask in Udaipur’s Royal Freedom
A trip full of knowledge and insight into the freedom struggle of India is going to be very overwhelming as you will be able to feel every emotion very deeply. So after taking this trip to Gujarat’s Dandi Museum, you should plan your trip to Udaipur, Rajasthan. Udaipur is a city that is dipped thoroughly in the sweet syrup of royalty. Once you step foot into the city of Lakes, you will fall in love with the city’s beautiful sunsets and sunrises. You will fall in love with practically everything the city has to offer. To have an even more memorable trip in Udaipur, book Goya Hills for your staycation. Goya Hills is a private luxury 3 BHK villa in Udaipur, which comes with a pool, in-room private jacuzzi and a chef. To know more about the villa, give Goya Hills a call on + 91 9024082177.
