Bal Vatika and N. H. Museum
| Place | Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1974 |
| Museum Type | Specialized (Natural History), Children's Museum |
| National Importance Museum | No |
| Address | Chacha Nehru, Balvatika, Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380008 |
| Visiting Time | 09:00 AM to 10:15 PM (Closed on Mondays) |
| Entry Fee | Entry fee ₹10 Adults ₹5 Childs ₹50 (Includes entry to 5-6 free attractions like Coin House and Mirro |
Museum Introduction
Located within the Kankaria Lakefront in Ahmedabad, Bal Vatika and its Natural History Museum were established in 1974 by Reuben David, the founder of the Ahmedabad Zoo. The museum was designed to educate children about cultural and biological diversity through a blend of historical artifacts and natural specimens. The complex recently underwent a major ₹22-crore modernization in 2025.
General Collections
The collection includes stuffed animal and bird specimens, traditional Indian textiles, handicrafts, and British-era weapons. It also features galleries dedicated to coins, dolls, and miniature art that reflect various aspects of Indian heritage.
Unique Historical Collections
Natural Curiosities & Royal Heritage: The museum houses rare taxidermy specimens, including a famous baby monkey with two heads. It also preserves a distinctive collection of miniature models illustrating the life of Chacha Nehru and a comprehensive "Coin House" featuring historical Indian currency.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum is part of the "Bal Vatika 2.0" redevelopment. Access to the Bal Vatika area is typically restricted to adults accompanied by children, as it is primarily a children's park and educational center. |
| Artifacts | Two-headed baby monkey specimen; Stuffed Royal Bengal Tiger; British-era swords and daggers; Traditional Gujarati embroidery panels; Miniature dioramas of Indian folk tales. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details |
+91 79-25463415 +91 79-25350926 |
| Email ID | kankaria@ahmedabadzoo.in |