Jul 09, 2013 09:32 PM
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(Updated Jul 09, 2013 09:33 PM)
“Sulabh International Museum of Toilets”. The strange name caught me curious for reasons more than one. I was checking a site for travel reviews & found this museum to be ranked very highly among the places to visit in Delhi. Much higher than the famous tourist places like Red Fort, Doll Museum, Rail Museum, National Museum, Purana Qila, Connaught Place, Science Museum, Jama Masjid & Delhi Zoo!!! I thought there must be something amusing that people are recommending it so high. Secondly the address mentioned is just 10 minutes drive from my house. I have been living in this place since last 16 years. Then how come I am not aware of any such museum & that too when I cross that place several times in a year.
Location – The museum is housed inside Sulabh International Headquarters in Mahavir Enclave, Palam Dabri road, New Delhi. However this building is a landmark which goes by the name “Sulabh” among local population. There are no signboards outside to state there is a museum inside. All it says is “Sulabh International Organisation.” How are the locals supposed to be aware about the museum!
How to Reach – This is in west-outer area of Delhi & reaching here can be a task. I have read a lot of reviews wherein people find it difficult to locate this. I will try to do my best:
Metro – On the Blue line of Metro, disembark at Uttam Nagar East metro station. Catch bus route 761 going towards Mangla Puri or take an auto for approx Rs 60-70 which will drop you here in 15 – 20 mins. You have to hire the auto for Mahavir Enclave – Sulabh. Auto will take you hassle free & straight.
Own vehicle – If you are in your own or hired vehicle (hire auto/cab for Mahavir Enclave on Dabri-Palam road), reach Dabri & turn towards Palam/Dwarka. Within just 200 – 300 meters, the road will fork into a ‘Y’. Keep your Left & move towards the road on your left. The museum is approx 1 Km from here. Ask locals “Sulabh?? Sulabh??” They will be happy to give directions.
A cheat – This place is just 3-4 Kms from the Domestic terminal (Low cost airlines) in the city. If you are visiting or taking a flight from there you can take a detour & visit. From Domestic Terminal move towards Palam & then Dabri, you will be coming from the opposite direction.
Museum - Open all days
Time – 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee – NIL
Guide – Someone from staff will show you free of charge. No donations. No service tips.
Sulabh NGO – As we all know Sulabh works towards providing hygienic sanitation in urban & rural India. It also aims to reduce the Carbon footprint in the d*fecation process by advocating minimal use of water & converting Human excreta into manure & bio fuels.
Museum – Museum is limited to one big room in the complex. As you enter, you will find history of toilets & sanitation in India & the World along with some pictures framed on the wall on your left. On your right are the exhibits. There are a total of just 10 – 12 exhibits & most recent models are waterless or almost. Some interesting ones I saw are:
• An electric toilet which completely destroys any human waste.
• A toilet used in space ships etc which converts urine to drinking water & turns excreta to ashes.
• A kind of bio toilet which collects waste in a sac which can be discarded & the whole “packet” disintegrates in soil.
• An old European double-decker toilet wherein the superior men used to excrete in the upper compartment & inferior/poor in lower compartment.
The whole visit, seeing the exhibits & going through photographs & history will take all of 20 minutes. It’s that small, yes!
Recommendation – My recommendations will depend upon who you are & where you are.
1) If you live in West Delhi/Dwarka, you must visit once.
2) If you live elsewhere or any NCR town & you have friends/relatives living in the area, you must visit & bring them along too.
3) If you are a tourist & staying less than 5 days, I won’t recommend this for you. This can eat up your half day (4 hours including travel).Don’t go by the ratings on other website. This place is overrated on that site. If you have ended up seeing possibly every famous tourist place (which are more enjoyable) in Delhi & are really (I mean REALLY) free, you may visit this place. This has to be nothing of tearing importance in your itinerary.
4) School groups or students researching on Social service or Sanitation should visit this place.
My Rating – 3/5.
I hope the review will help you plan & you will find it useful.
Please rate & comment.
Anshuman Maini
