Housed within the “Eton of the East,” the Mayo College Museum (Danmal Mathur Museum) is widely considered the best school museum in the world. Located in the historic Jhalawar House on the sprawling Mayo College campus, this museum is a treasure trove of over 8,000 artifacts, ranging from royal armory to natural history specimens, all donated by the school’s prestigious alumni (Old Boys) and well-wishers.
🕒 Visitor Information & Entry Fee (2026)
Because Mayo College is an active premier boarding school, entry is strictly regulated to ensure the privacy and security of its students.
| Category | Details |
| Entry Fee | ₹150 per person |
| Requirement | Prior Permission Required from the College Administration |
| Timings | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday) |
| Location | Shrinagar Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001 |
| Contact | +91 145 266 1154 |
Pro-Tip: Permission is best obtained by emailing the administration in advance or having a reference from an alumnus. Tourists are advised to avoid visiting during school examinations or major public holidays when the campus may be closed to outsiders.
🏛️ History & Architecture
Founded in 1875 by Richard Bourke, the 6th Earl of Mayo and Viceroy of India, the college was originally established to educate the sons of Indian royalty.
The Museum: Formed in 1948-49, the museum occupies 18 rooms of the Jhalawar House.
Architecture: The main college building is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring white marble, decorative chhatris, and a majestic clock tower.
✨ Top Exhibits to Explore
The museum is organized into various galleries that showcase a “search for beauty and truth”:
The Armory: A rare collection of medieval Rajputana weapons and armor.
Natural History: Stuffed birds, butterflies, and geological specimens.
Royal Relics: Antique oil paintings, photographs of royal graduates, and rare coins.
Miniatures: Exquisite miniature paintings and manuscripts from across Rajasthan.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Ajmer
After exploring the museum, head to these local favorites near the campus:
Honeydew Restaurant: A classic hangout for Mayo students, famous for its Indian and Continental menu.
Inbox Restaurant & Cafe: A modern, container-themed cafe perfect for foodies looking for diverse cuisines.
Madina Restaurant: Located near the railway station, ideal for a quick, authentic Mughlai meal.
🚗 How to Reach the Museum
From Jaipur: Ajmer is 135 km from Jaipur. The most comfortable way to visit is by hiring a private cab for a day trip.
From Ajmer Railway Station: The museum is just 2.5 km away—a short 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride.
From Ajmer Bus Stand: Located approximately 4 km from the campus.
This “Twin Holy Cities” Express Itinerary is designed for travelers who want to balance the spiritual depth of Ajmer and Pushkar with the exclusive heritage of the Mayo College Museum.
Since the distance from Jaipur is approximately 135 km (2.5–3 hours), an early start is essential to fit in all the major sites.
🕒 The “Heritage & Soul” One-Day Itinerary (2026)
07:00 AM | Departure from Jaipur
The Drive: Head out early via NH48. This is a smooth 6-lane highway. Grab a quick “Kadi Kachori” breakfast at a highway dhaba near Kishangarh.
10:00 AM | Stop 1: Mayo College Museum, Ajmer
Why first? The museum is most quiet in the morning, and the school campus is at its most vibrant.
The Goal: Explore the 18 rooms of the Danmal Mathur Museum. Admire the Indo-Saracenic architecture of the main building, which was designed to be the “Eton of the East.”
Time Spent: 1 hour.
11:15 AM | Stop 2: Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The Experience: Visit the 13th-century shrine of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
Pro-Tip: Park your vehicle near the Delhi Gate and take a local rickshaw to the Dargah entrance to avoid the narrow, crowded lanes. Cover your head and dress modestly.
Time Spent: 1.5 hours.
01:00 PM | Stop 3: Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra & Ana Sagar
The History: Just a short walk from the Dargah, visit this ancient mosque built in just “two and a half days.”
The View: Drive past Ana Sagar Lake for a quick photo at the marble Baradari (pavilions) built by Emperor Shah Jahan.
Time Spent: 45 mins.
02:00 PM | Lunch in Ajmer
Top Choice: Honeydew Restaurant (near Mayo College) for a mix of Indian and Continental food, or Mango Masala for a great vegetarian thali.
03:30 PM | Stop 4: Pushkar Lake & Brahma Temple
The Drive: A scenic 30-minute winding drive over the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) leads you into the sacred town of Pushkar.
The Ritual: Visit the world’s only prominent Lord Brahma Temple and take a peaceful walk along the 52 holy ghats of Pushkar Lake.
Time Spent: 1.5 hours.
05:30 PM | Stop 5: Sunset at Savitri Mata Temple
The View: Take the ropeway (cable car) up to the Savitri Temple. It offers the most spectacular 360-degree sunset view of the entire Pushkar valley and the surrounding desert.
Time Spent: 1 hour.
07:00 PM | Return Drive to Jaipur
The Arrival: You’ll be back at your Jaipur hotel by 09:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
📊 Trip Logistics & 2026 Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost (Per Person) | Notes |
| Private Cab (Sedan) | ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 (Total Trip) | Best for 1-day flexibility. |
| Mayo Museum Fee | ₹150 | Permission required in advance. |
| Pushkar Ropeway | ₹160 | Round trip for Savitri Temple. |
| Meals & Tea | ₹600 – ₹1,000 | Try the “Malpua” in Pushkar Bazaar! |
💡 3 Golden Rules for this Trip
Permission is Key: Do not arrive at Mayo College without calling (+91 145 266 1154) or emailing the administration a few days prior. Entry without a reference or prior appointment can be difficult.
Modest Dress Code: Both the Ajmer Dargah and Pushkar temples require shoulders and knees to be covered. Carry a scarf for your head.
Hire a Guide for the Dargah: To avoid being overwhelmed by the crowds and to understand the history, hiring a certified guide at the entrance of the Dargah is highly recommended.
