From Sabarmati Ashram to Raj Ghat: 10 Must-Visit Gandhi Memorials in India
Discover 10 must-visit Gandhi memorials in India, from Sabarmati Ashram to Raj Ghat, and explore the life, teachings, and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi this Gandhi Jayanti.
Every year on October 2, India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti, honoring the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. This day is more than a national holiday—it is a moment to reflect on Gandhi’s enduring philosophy of peace, non-violence, and social reform. Across the country, memorials, museums, and historic sites dedicated to Gandhi allow travelers to delve into his remarkable life, understand his teachings, and explore his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.
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Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, visiting these Gandhi memorials offers a profound journey into India’s cultural and historical heritage. From the serene banks of Sabarmati Ashram to the solemn grounds of Raj Ghat, each site tells a unique story about the man who transformed a nation. Here’s a curated list of 10 must-visit Gandhi memorials across India:
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1. Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Nestled along the tranquil Sabarmati River, this ashram served as Gandhi’s residence from 1917 to 1930. The ashram is historically significant as the starting point of the Dandi March in 1930, Gandhi’s nonviolent protest against the British salt tax. Highlights include Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s cottage, and a Charles Correa-designed museum featuring galleries such as Gandhi in Ahmedabad, Painting Gallery, and My Life is My Message. Visitors can also explore the ashram’s well-stocked library. Open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with free entry, Sabarmati Ashram is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with Gandhi’s life and principles.
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2. Kirti Mandir, Porbandar, Gujarat Kirti Mandir stands as a tribute to Gandhi in his birthplace of Porbandar. The memorial is located next to his three-storeyed ancestral home, which still preserves some of its original structure. Inside, visitors can find artefacts, photographs, and books that shed light on Gandhi’s early life and formative years. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 7 PM, Kirti Mandir is a perfect stop for those seeking insight into the childhood and roots of the Father of the Nation.
3. Mani Bhavan, Mumbai, Maharashtra Located in the Gamdevi neighborhood of Mumbai, Mani Bhavan was Gandhi’s residence between 1917 and 1934. The museum captures key moments in Gandhian history, including his Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act. Visitors can see the room where Gandhi lived and worked, explore exhibitions depicting his life through miniature figures, and browse a library with an extensive collection of books on Gandhi. Open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Mani Bhavan offers a fascinating glimpse into Gandhi’s Mumbai years.
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4. Magan Sangrahalaya, Wardha, Maharashtra Situated in Maganwadi, Wardha, the Magan Sangrahalaya is dedicated to rural technology and self-education, reflecting Gandhi’s vision of simple, self-reliant living. Key highlights include the Mahatma Gandhi wing, the Gandhi Chitra Pradarshani, and sections on Khadi, village industries, and organic farming. This museum is a must-visit for travelers interested in Gandhian principles in action. Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, it offers an enriching experience combining history, education, and innovation.
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5. Aga Khan Palace, Pune, Maharashtra The Aga Khan Palace in Pune holds historical significance as the place where Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi were kept under house arrest during the Quit India Movement. Today, it functions as a museum, displaying their personal belongings, paintings, and photographs. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is a Monument of National Importance. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, entry requires a nominal fee, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
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6. Rajghat, New Delhi Rajghat is a serene and solemn site marking the spot where Gandhi was cremated, complete with an eternal flame. Visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering. Just opposite is the National Gandhi Museum, which houses artefacts, photographs, journals, and multimedia exhibitions detailing the lives of Gandhi and Kasturba. Open every day from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Rajghat is both a place of reflection and historical learning.
7. Gandhi Smriti Sangrahalaya, Barrackpore, West Bengal Located 25 km from Kolkata, this museum spans five galleries, featuring Gandhi’s letters, photographs, sculptures, and murals. Highlights include the Bengal Gallery, the Orissa and Noakhali Gallery, and the Gandhi Ghat on the banks of the Ganga, marking the spot where his ashes were immersed. Open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM and closed on Mondays, this memorial provides an immersive journey into Gandhi’s life in eastern India.
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8. Tamukkam Palace, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Housed in the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, the Gandhi Memorial Museum showcases a blood-stained garment Gandhi wore when he was assassinated, letters, a visual biography, and a philatelic gallery. The museum operates from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a short break at lunchtime. Tamukkam Palace is a poignant reminder of Gandhi’s legacy and enduring impact.
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9. Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Patna, Bihar The Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Patna features a picture gallery, statues, memorials, a library, and the Gandhi Sahitya Kendra, offering a comprehensive insight into Gandhi’s life, teachings, and philosophy. Free entry makes it an accessible and meaningful stop for travelers exploring eastern India.
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10. Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi Located on Tees January Road, formerly Birla House, this museum preserves the rooms where Gandhi spent his last 144 days before his assassination on 30 January 1948. Open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays), Gandhi Smriti is a deeply moving experience that allows visitors to connect with the final chapter of Gandhi’s life.
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
