Calico Museum of Textiles
A treasure trove of India's textile heritage, showcasing five centuries of exquisite fabrics and weaving techniques.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the afternoon heat.
Calico Museum of Textiles
Best Time
Beat the afternoon heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A treasure trove of India's textile heritage, showcasing five centuries of exquisite fabrics and weaving techniques.
"This place is absolutely amazing and fantastic! Stepping inside felt like entering a whole new world."
🎯 Book in Advance!
Reservations are mandatory. Call or email ahead to secure your tour slot.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Cameras and phones must be put away inside. Respect the rules for a smooth visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Indian Textiles
Main Galleries
Marvel at centuries of exquisite Indian fabrics, from Mughal masterpieces to vibrant folk art. A true textile heritage showcase.
The Sarabhai Foundation Collection
Special Exhibitions
Explore rare and meticulously curated pieces that highlight India's rich weaving and embroidery traditions.
Post-Tour Refreshments
Courtyard
Enjoy a complimentary cup of tea and local snacks after your guided tour – a delightful touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Booking is Essential
Navigating the Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance!
Reservations are mandatory. Call or email ahead to secure your tour slot.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Cameras and phones must be put away inside. Respect the rules for a smooth visit.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Only
Explore the museum with knowledgeable guides; self-guided visits aren't permitted.
⏰ Arrive on Time
Tours have strict timings. Be punctual to avoid missing your slot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance!
Reservations are mandatory. Call or email ahead to secure your tour slot.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Cameras and phones must be put away inside. Respect the rules for a smooth visit.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Only
Explore the museum with knowledgeable guides; self-guided visits aren't permitted.
⏰ Arrive on Time
Tours have strict timings. Be punctual to avoid missing your slot.
☕ Enjoy the Tea
A pleasant surprise: complimentary tea and snacks await post-tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Calico Museum for its stunning collection of historic Indian textiles and the knowledgeable guides. The complimentary tea and snacks are a delightful bonus. However, some guests have encountered issues with the booking process and found the security staff to be unwelcoming, detracting from an otherwise exceptional cultural experience.
"I had a very disappointing experience with the security staff at the Calico Textile Museum. When I said I came to visit, he kept questioning me in a rude manner (“Which museum? What museum?”), and after unnecessary back-and-forth, he simply said it was not the time to visit. When I asked for guidance on how to see the museum, he pointed to a wall and told me to read the board.
The same behavior was repeated with another family, who even recorded a video of it. This kind of treatment towards visitors is very unwelcoming and leaves a poor impression of such a prestigious institution.
The museum itself may be worth visiting, but the management should seriously address this issue with their staff."
Ajay Anand
"I for one enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Unlike what others have said I found the process of registering for the tour quite straight forward. We turned up at the museum and were politely turned away and told we had to register for the tour. Registered for the next day and received an email immediately. The guide was knowledgeable and also was able to keep the flock together and complete the tour in the allotted time. The tea and boiled groundnuts at the end of the tour was a welcome gesture... specially as it was a free tour! Kudos to the museum for a well kept and tastefully done display."
Viji Rao
"This place is awesome and wonderful! 🤩
I visited it in January with my boyfriend, and we had so much fun. When we entered the gate, it felt like stepping into a new world.
All the staff were kind and helpful.
I loved the ambiance, and the service was excellent. The guide was really good at telling the history of everything.
I also liked the tea and the peanuts they served at the end of the tour 🥹
Such a memorable experience!
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ahmedabad — don’t miss this place!
Nb: It’s prohibited to use cameras and phone or taking any pictures inside the building."
Itszadw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Calico Museum of Textiles is located in Sahibag, Old Ahmedabad. It's easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi from most parts of the city. It's also a short distance from Sabarmati Ashram, making it convenient to combine visits.
The museum is situated about 2.5 km from the Sabarmati Ashram, a significant historical site.
While auto-rickshaws and taxis are common, local buses might also serve the Sahibag area. Checking local transport apps for routes is advisable.
Depending on traffic, travel time from the city center can range from 20 to 45 minutes.
Limited parking is usually available for visitors arriving by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, advance booking is absolutely essential. You cannot simply walk in. You need to register for a specific tour time slot.
The museum typically has two tour slots per day: one in the morning (around 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM) and one in the afternoon (around 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM). It's best to confirm these times when booking.
You can try calling their official number or sending an email. Some visitors have reported difficulties with communication, so persistence might be key.
Yes, the guided tour itself is complimentary after you've secured your entry.
The guided tours usually last for about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering the museum's extensive collections.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the museum galleries. This is to protect the delicate textiles.
Yes, visitors can only explore the museum through scheduled guided tours.
The museum houses an incredible collection spanning five centuries of Indian textiles, including Mughal art, traditional weaving techniques, and intricate embroidery.
Restrooms are available. While there isn't a full cafe, visitors are often offered complimentary tea and snacks at the end of the tour.
The museum is known for its well-maintained displays, serene ambiance, and lush green surroundings, creating a peaceful environment for appreciating the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum does not have a formal restaurant. However, visitors are typically offered complimentary tea and boiled groundnuts at the conclusion of the guided tour.
There are local eateries and restaurants in the Sahibag area and surrounding parts of Ahmedabad offering Gujarati cuisine and other options.
It's generally advisable not to bring outside food and drinks into museum galleries to preserve the exhibits.
Exploring Gujarati thalis or street food in Ahmedabad is highly recommended for an authentic culinary experience.
Visitors often mention enjoying complimentary tea and boiled groundnuts.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography and the use of mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the museum.
The ban on photography is to protect the delicate and ancient textile exhibits from potential damage caused by camera flashes and prolonged exposure.
Generally, taking photos of the exterior and grounds is permissible, but it's always good to be mindful of any posted signage.
No, the prohibition on photography applies to all interior exhibition spaces.
Focus on absorbing the details, perhaps sketching in a small notebook if allowed, or discussing your observations with your guide and fellow visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Textile Enthusiasts & Researchers
+1✈️ Day-Trippers from Ahmedabad
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Calico Museum
The museum's commitment to safeguarding these delicate artifacts is evident in its meticulous curation and the strict protocols in place to ensure their longevity. Martand Singh, known as 'Mapu,' played a pivotal role during his directorship in the 1970s and 80s, breathing life into the exhibits through his extensive research and careful arrangement. The museum's collection is not merely a display of beautiful fabrics; it's a narrative of India's history, culture, and artistic evolution. From the opulent courtly traditions of the Mughal era to the vibrant folk textiles of various regions, each piece tells a story. Visitors can witness the evolution of weaving techniques, the mastery of dyeing processes, and the intricate beauty of embroidery that has been passed down through generations. The museum also houses significant ethnographic collections, offering insights into the diverse textile practices across different communities in India.
+1Beyond the exhibits, the Calico Museum is also known for its serene ambiance and the thoughtful experience it offers. The guided tours, while strict, are informative, and the complimentary tea and snacks at the end provide a moment of reflection and connection. This dedication to preserving and sharing India's textile legacy makes the Calico Museum a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
Navigating the Museum Experience
Once you have secured your tour slot, be prepared for a guided-only experience. The museum does not permit self-guided exploration, ensuring that visitors receive curated information and that the delicate exhibits are handled with care. Photography is also strictly prohibited inside the galleries, a rule that applies to cameras and mobile phones alike. This policy is in place to protect the ancient textiles from potential damage.
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