Anand Bhawan is a beautiful majestic bungalow that was built by a prominent Indian National Movement activist – Moti Lal Nehru in 1930s. Located in the holy city of Allahabad, this bungalow used to be the residence of Nehru family and was built when the actual mansion Swaraj Bhavan (formerly known as Anand Bhavan) was converted into the head office of Indian National Congress. Anand Bhavan literally means “abode of happiness”. The prime bungalow has witnessed the birth of Indira Gandhi, who later on donated this building to the Indian government in year 1970. At the entrance of this building, a message is carved. It says that this house is merely not a construction of bricks and mortars rather it is closely related to our national struggle for freedom. And within this house, many important decisions were taken and several great events took place. The entire mansion is presently managed by Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Funds, Delhi.

Architectural Consequence & Historical Importance

Moti Lal Nehru had bought an accommodation at 1 Church Road of Allahabad in year 1900 at 19,000 `. Due to extensive use, a wide-ranging repair was required at the house. To change the outlook of the property, repairs and renovations were done here for around 10 years. Moti Lal frequently used to visit China and Europe and he brought some of the best furniture for the house from there. The whole residence became like a palace due to the collection of chic furniture from abroad. The house used to appear like a replica of British estates having a conventional panache in the interiors.

At first, the mansion used to be of an acknowledged Muslim leader and mentor of 19th century – Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. After that, Sir William Moor wanted to use this mansion to serve the needs of British Empire in India. However, this house became the place where several decisions were taken to finish the British rule in India. Anand Bhawan has great historical importance as many plans for Indian freedom struggle were made here. High ceilings and the splendid pillars of the verandas give a majestic look to this house.

During the period of 1920s, this mansion became an informal headquarter of All India Congress Committee. In 1930, Moti Lal Nehru donated this huge house to Indian National Congress. So, another house named Anand Bhavan was built by Nehru family.

What is Inside

The two-storey architecture of Anand Bhawan is now transformed into a museum displaying the memorabilia of the famous Nehru family. This museum houses special rooms of each, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi. These rooms have well-kept belongings of the above mentioned leaders. There is also a library and an outhouse in this building that is completely dedicated Pandit Nehru. Anand Bhawan organizes a light and sound show four times a day for the visitors. It is also having a planetarium known as Jawahar Planetarium showing lots of exciting & important facts about earth and universe.

Entry Time & Fees

The time to visit Anand Bhawan is between 9:30 AM and 5 PM and entry fees are very nominal that is Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners. It remains closed on Gazetted holidays and Mondays.

How to Reach

Shared autos, rickshaws and buses go towards Anand Bhawan from various parts of Allahabad. You would not face any difficulty in reaching there.

Anand Bhawan is an ultimate stopover to get information about various aspects of our struggle for freedom. So, one should certainly try to visit this place to get an insight into our movements and struggle to get independence.