“A seashell museum in the desert? Really?” I hear you ask. Well, prepare to be amazed by the Alice Garg National Seashells Museum.
This museum is a testament to one woman’s lifelong passion. Alice Rustomjee received a seashell from her father when she was just a child. This seemingly small gift sparked a lifelong journey of collecting. Now, standing before you is the result of Alice and her husband Krishna Garg’s dedication.
The Alice Garg National Seashells Museum is home to over 3,000 varieties of seashells. Alice collected these shells during her travels in India and abroad. The museum aims to showcase nature’s breathtaking beauty. Alice believes it will contribute to the scientific study of biological diversity.
Inside, you will discover shells from all around the world. Seashells from Australian, Caribbean, Californian, and Mediterranean seas are here. You will find rare shells and common shells. The shells are categorized by their scientific names and origins.
Look for ‘The Glory of India’. This rare shell was Alice’s first. Also, keep an eye out for ‘The Great Indian Chank’. The ‘Australian Trumpet’ and ‘Giant Clam’ are some of the largest shells here.
Alice Garg National Seashells Museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm between March and November. From December to February, it closes an hour earlier at 5 pm. Remember, the museum is closed on Thursdays. The entry fee is thirty rupees for Indians and one hundred rupees for foreign tourists.
This museum displays shells and excellent shell craft. It is a starting point for understanding malacology and conchology. These are the sciences of mollusks and shells. The museum provides knowledgeable assistance. You can also find posters, charts, films, and a library here.
Alice Garg is also a social worker. She has worked for the upliftment of disadvantaged communities in India for many years. Her passion extends beyond seashells.
Alice Garg National Seashells Museum has a gift shop. Here, you can find handcrafted shells, posters, and books. Take a piece of the ocean home with you.
Before we move on, consider this. These shells inspired Alice. They can inspire you too. Architects and designers find inspiration in the shells’ shapes and colours. The museum hopes the government recognizes this unique collection. It needs support to expand and thrive.