Who would expect to find the treasures of the deep sea in the heart of Rajasthan? The Alice Garg National Seashells Museum is India’s first and only private museum dedicated to the science of malacology (the study of mollusks). Located in Malviya Nagar, this hidden gem houses over 3,000 unique varieties of seashells and corals from every corner of the globe—from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
🕒 Visitor Information: Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
This museum is an affordable, educational, and air-conditioned escape from the Jaipur heat.
| Category | Entry Fee (2026) |
| Indian Adults | ₹50 per person |
| Indian Children (7-12 years) | ₹30 per person |
| Children (Below 7 years) | Free |
| Foreign Tourists | ₹150 – ₹200 (Approx.) |
⏰ Opening Hours
Summer (March – November): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Winter (December – February): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekly Holiday: Closed on Thursdays
🐚 History: A Birthday Gift That Grew
The museum is the labor of love of Alice Garg, a renowned social worker, and her husband Krishna Garg.
The Origin: It all started over 60 years ago when Alice received a single seashell as a birthday gift from her father.
The Mission: Beyond a hobby, the Gargs established this museum to promote scientific awareness of biological diversity and the evolution of marine life.
✨ Must-See Highlights
The collection isn’t just large; it features world-record-holding specimens:
The Australian Trumpet: One of the world’s largest gastropod shells.
The Giant Clam: A massive specimen from the Indian Ocean that leaves visitors in awe.
Rare Gems: Look for the ‘Glory of India’ and the ‘Great Indian Chank’, which hold deep cultural and scientific significance in the region.
Designer’s Paradise: The museum is a hotspot for architects and fashion designers who come to study the perfect geometric spirals and natural color gradients that no digital palette can replicate.
🗺️ Location & How to Reach
Located in Malviya Nagar, the museum is in a prime residential and shopping hub, making it easy to combine with a visit to the World Trade Park (WTP).
Address: 10, Amit Bhardwaj Marg, Sector-7, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017.
From Jaipur Airport (3 km): A quick 10-minute taxi or auto-rickshaw ride.
From Railway Station (12 km): Roughly 25-30 minutes via JLN Marg.
By Bus: Take a local bus to Malviya Nagar Sector-7; the museum is a short walk from the main stop.
💡 Expert Tips for 2026
Educational Visit: If you are a student or a science enthusiast, check out the museum’s library and film collection which explains the life cycles of marine mollusks.
Souvenir Shop: Don’t miss the small shop adjacent to the museum. You can buy authentic shell-craft, posters, and books that are much more unique than standard Jaipur souvenirs.
Photography: The museum is incredibly well-lit, making it a dream for macro photography. (Verify at the counter if a small camera fee applies for 2026).
Combine Your Trip: Since you’re in Malviya Nagar, head to Jawahar Circle (5 mins away) after your visit to see the Patrika Gate and the musical fountain in the evening.
This “Malviya Nagar Modern Trail” shifts gears from the ancient forts to the trendy, upscale side of Jaipur. Malviya Nagar is the city’s contemporary hub, known for its wide boulevards, luxury shopping, and some of the most Instagrammable architecture in India.
🏙️ The Malviya Nagar Modern Trail: Shells, Shakes, & Sunsets
Total Time: 4 – 5 Hours
Transport: E-rickshaws or Uber/Ola (Most stops are within 2–3 km of each other).
Stop 1: Alice Garg National Seashells Museum (The Hidden Gem)
Start Time: 3:30 PM
The Vibe: Quiet, scholarly, and visually stunning.
Why start here: It’s a peaceful way to begin your afternoon before the evening crowds hit the streets. Marvel at the 3,000+ shells and grab a unique souvenir from the museum shop.
Stop 2: World Trade Park (WTP) & GT (The Shopping Giant)
Time: 4:45 PM (10-minute drive from the museum)
The Vibe: Futuristic and high-energy.
What to do: WTP is an architectural marvel with its blue glass curved walls. Even if you aren’t shopping, the Food Court and the bridge connecting the two blocks offer great indoor views.
The Contrast: Just across the street is Gaurav Tower (GT), Jaipur’s original hangout spot, where you can find great deals on local fashion.
Stop 3: Cafe Hopping in Sector 7 & 9
Time: 5:45 PM
The Vibe: Chill and “Aesthetic.”
Where to eat: Malviya Nagar has the best café culture in Jaipur.
Recommendation: Head to Fat Lulu’s for artisanal pizza or The Night Jar for a great cup of coffee and a rustic vibe. If you want something local but modern, try a fusion dish at Town Coffee.
Stop 4: Jawahar Circle & Patrika Gate (The Grand Finale)
Time: 6:45 PM (5-minute drive)
The Vibe: Royal, colorful, and vibrant.
The Highlight: Patrika Gate is one of the most photographed spots in India. Each archway is hand-painted with scenes from Rajasthani history. In the evening, the gates are beautifully illuminated.
The Show: Walk into Jawahar Circle Park (the largest circular park in Asia) to watch the Musical Fountain Show, which usually starts at 7:00 PM.
📊 Trail Logistics at a Glance
| Stop | Category | Estimated Cost | Highlights |
| Seashell Museum | Culture | ₹50 (Entry) | Rare marine life |
| World Trade Park | Shopping | Free Entry | Futuristic Architecture |
| Sector 7 Cafes | Dining | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Fusion Food & Coffee |
| Patrika Gate | Photography | Free | Colorful Hand-painted Arches |
💡 Tips for the Modern Trail
Photography Light: Reach Patrika Gate around 6:15 PM. You’ll get the “Blue Hour” light which makes the colors of the murals pop without the harsh shadows of the sun.
Traffic: Malviya Nagar can get congested between 6 PM and 8 PM. Use e-rickshaws for short distances to skip the gridlock.
WTP Entry: There are two blocks at WTP (North and South). Make sure to walk across the connecting glass bridge for a view of the busy JLN Marg below.
