Anand Bhavan, Prayagraj - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit
#6 of 20 Places to Visit in Prayagraj
Distance (From Prayagraj Junction): 5 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: In The Allenganj
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 5 km from Allahabad Railway Station, Anand Bhavan was the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Situated in the Allenganj, it is one of the must-visit places during your Allahabad tour.
Anand Bhavan was constructed by Indian political leader Motilal Nehru in the 1930s to serve as the new residence of the Nehru family when the original mansion Swaraj Bhavan was transformed into the local headquarters of the Indian National Congress. This double-storeyed mansion was personally designed by Motilal Nehru. The house was beautifully adorned with wooden furniture imported from China and Europe and was decorated with various artifacts from all around the world. It was visited by many famous freedom fighters to develop the conspiracies to drive Britishers out of the country. Several momentous decisions and events related to the freedom struggle also took place inside this Bhavan.
The building was donated to the Indian Government by Indira Gandhi in 1970 and is today a house museum that depicts the life and times of the Nehru family. The most interesting part of the museum is Nehru's bedroom and study. There are rooms dedicated to Indira Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi where he used to stay during his visit to Allahabad. This white and blue-colored home has a library filled with books. Outside the Bhawan, there is an outhouse that houses a picture gallery. This gallery is entirely dedicated to the life of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Swaraj Bhavan is a museum division found within the expanse of the Anand Bhavan. Former home to the Nehru family and owned by Motilal Nehru, it was further handed over to the Indian National Congress in the 1920s. This heritage building was also the birthplace of Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Jawaharlal. Translating to the Abode of Freedom, the Swaraj Bhavan, today is a museum housing various antique pieces of the Nehru lifestyle, including furniture and other home decors.
Besides, the complex also houses the Jawahar Planetarium which was built in 1979. Managed by the 'Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund', the planetarium was built to inculcate an interest in science among the school kids as well as the masses. The planetarium now hosts space and celestial shows and can seat 80 people. The planetarium also airs documentaries based on our galaxy and other life in space as well.
Timings: 9.30 AM - 5.30 PM, Closed on Mondays & Public Holidays
Entry: Rs. 70 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners, Rs. 60 for Planetarium Show