One of the interesting things that I did to discover “Goa beyond beaches” was visiting the Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum in Panaji. I know that a name like “Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum” does sound uninteresting and you kind of wonder – What??? Is that even a museum? I did too, but when I visited it, my image of it completely changed. It was one really interesting and unusual museum. It was like delving into the minds of a customs officer as he battled against the notorious smugglers.
I have traveled and moved homes across seven seas and never once, did I give customs a second thought. I always considered it as a thing that must be done and frankly, a bit of an inconvenience. However, after a tour of this museum, I realize what a tough job it is for these customs officers and how the entire business is a game of chess. The Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum explains the history of customs and taxes, shares the various ingenious ways in which smugglers try to sneak things in or out of our country and also, shares the treasures recovered by the smart and vigilant custom officers. The museum is well thought-out and interesting. Here are the quick highlights of the same:
Customs Heritage Gallery
The entire museum is set in a heritage building known as the “Blue Building”. Owing to the heavy rains, I could not take a picture of the literally “blue” building. This was an ancient Portuguese building that was used as a Customs office but now has been converted to a double storied museum on Indian Customs and Central Excise. The first section that you encounter here is devoted to the ancient history of taxation – the first evidence of that leading to the Port trade at Lothal during the Harappan Civilization of 26th century BC.
Replicas of various seals used by the Harappans at  Lothal, by the Mauryan civilization (4th Century BC) and coins from all these eras as well as the latter ones of the 16th century Mughal Era have been displayed here. The coins are the ones that have been recovered by the various customs in India. Have a peek at them.
 QUIZ: Can you spot the unusual Mughal coins with hooks on them?
The section also, brings to fore the ancient laws of taxation that have been written by Chanakya in Arthashastra. The highlight of section was an actual page from Akbar’s Ain E Akbari is displayed here. The page displays the taxation laws in the 16th century AD as made by Mughal emperor Akbar. This is one of the originals that was recovered by the Patna Customs.
 Battle of Wits section
This is an interesting section that has some really crazy ideas that the notorious smugglers employed to get their wares across. Take for example this car with an engine missing 🙂
Or these cycle tyre tubes that were filled with opium.
Or the gold bars that were seized in the toilets of a ship.
The section has some interesting cases on display that made me think of the lengths that people do to achieve their means. It also, made me realize how “full of wits” is this game, where the customs officer has to be one step ahead. Definitely raised their esteem in my eyes.
Seizures section
The seizures section of the Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum had me feeling angry and proud at the same time. Angry to think the various treasures that people were attempting to steal and proud that to some extent our customs department had managed to thwart these. The section is quite well curated to different sections. Here are some quick clicks from each –
Ancient sculptures & pillars
The original Amin Pillar was seized in UK and brought back to India. What you see above is just a replica of the original treasure.
This one has an interesting story. The original Natraj statue belonged to a Royal family and was being smuggled out of India through Kolkata. The same was being passed off as a package of books to USA. The Kolkata customs caught on and this became one of the sensational captures of that year.
The statue above was another amazing catch by the Gorakhpur customs. This one was filled with semi precious stones as well.
Antique Arms
Restricted and Banned Wildlife items
Turtle shells, snake skins, animal furs and ivory articles were the most common ones seized by the Customs. The exhibit anove are Tusks of an African Elephant with intricate carving on them. These are banned items and were seized by the Mumbai customs department.
I spend considerable time on this floor as I found each artifact and its story of what it was and how it was recovered quite interesting. It felt as if I was reading a crime novel. As a part of the experience, we were also, treated to a small Audio Visual on the various achievements of the Central customs and excise teams in India. It really made me proud to see their achievements. From here, I moved up to the 2nd floor where there were models of the chemicals and forensic team as well as stories from the dreaded narcotics section.
Aside from the Diorama on Narcotics, I personally did not find this section very engaging. Besides the diorama that you see above, there was one of the famed Dandi march. This was in the taxation section as a reminder of the unfair laws of taxation laid by the British.
With this, my tour of the Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum came to an end. I found myself pleasantly surprised with this museum. I found the displays quite well-arranged and the information adequately placed. The museum is a small one and is quite central to Panaji. It is a quite an eye-opening experience on a subject that most of us are unfamiliar with. Definitely another gem in the “Goa beyond beaches” itinerary.
Here is a pin to remind you to spend some time at the Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum of Goa – definitely an experience from the crime novels that you so enjoy.
Getting to the Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum
- Goa has its own airport and is well connected to the rest of India by road and rail as well.
- The Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum is located in front of Panaji Jetty. It is also, referred to as Captain of Ports Building. You can reach here with any public transport – bus, car or an auto.
Travel Tips:
- You can visit this museum on all days except Monday – between 9:30 am to 5 pm.
- The entry fees for the museum is just INR 10. You can avail of an audio tour by giving a small deposit of INR 50 for a tab. By pointing the tab at designated locations, you can get a complete audio tour of that section.
- The museum is a small one and one requires only 30 mins – 1 hour for it, depending on your interest.
- There are no charges for the camera.
P.S: I was hosted by Goa Tourism Board for this trip. However, the views expressed on this blog post are completely and honestly my own.
Jatin Chhaba
Nice pics Ami, and I am a bit surprised that in Goa you are allowed to take shots with your camera in the museum. I once had to leave National Museum in Delhi as I was carrying one.
Ami
Quite a few museums allow a camera at a cost. Of course, here it was free. I guess, it depends from museum to museum.
Maniparna Sengupta Majumder
It’s a treasure trove! Glad to know they allow cameras…nice pictures clicked… 🙂
Ami
Thanks Maniparna. It is a nice, small and unusual museum
Yogi Saraswat
Informative post !!
Ami
Thanks
shwetadave09
omg no way can the customs museum be uninteresting….what an amazing and unique post 🙂
Ami
Thanks Shweta. It was a pleasant discovery.
Lata Sunil
I love museums. But, never imagined the customs museum to have so many treasures. Should visit it.
Ami
Thanks Lata. Am sure you will find this unique and fun
everyfootstepanadventure
Wow, this looks like a very fascinating museum! I didn’t know some museums allowed you to take photos either!
Ami
Thanks. Some of them definitely do, even Vatican does as does the British museum in London. As long as you don’t use flash, they have no objection.
Jamie Italiane-DeCubellis
What an interesting place. I think my kids would love it too! I love that it helps people appreciate customs agents, probably a thankless job.
Ami
It sure is. It opened up my eyes too. Never realised the pains they have to go through.
Alana Mautone (@RamblinGarden)
I have a school friend who loves unusual museums. She has traveled all over the world. I am sharing this with her!
Ami
Thanks Alana. Am sure she will love it.
Shayan Naveed (@ShayanBkk)
That is definitely a place I would like to check out! I can’t just lay on a beach and nothing else. Very interesting and unique indeed.
Ami
Thanks Shayan. A little break from the beach to do this is not a bad idea. 🙂
heather @Travelationship
Have to admit the name didn’t bubble interest for me, but…this place sounds really cool.
Ami
Yep. The name just does not do justice to the place
Claire
Wow it is amazing some of the lengths people go to smuggle things into the country – it makes me wonder what people still managed to get through customs, despite all these checks!
Ami
Yes, it is amazing to see the lengths people go to do things. Glad these guys are vigilant enough to stop some.
Megan Indoe
When I first heard the name of this museum I did not think it was going to be such thrilling museum. However, this museum sounds super interesting! I don’t understand how they catch these people that are this clever. Going through customs in some countries is a pain and others don’t even seem to care or check. Haha, I was always baffled by that.
Ami
Indeed. This opened my eyes to the entire customs thing. I have a new found respect for them.
Amandas_Wanderlust
This actually looks like a really interesting museum, despite the slightly dry sounding name. I do find it fascinating to hear about the lengths smugglers go to to try and hide their goods from customs officers.
Ami
Indeed. Ingenious thinking. But am glad they were caught out. 😀
Jen Morrow
That is really a unique museum! The section devoted to the Battle of Wits section is my favorite. A reminder to not store your gold bars in the toilet, that is the first place they look!
Ami
Ha ha. And the lunch boxes too. Did you notice that in the picture?
JM
This is really a very special museum. How could i missed this when I was in Goa. Too bad. Wish i could go back.
Ami
Thanks. Now that you know, you should make it the next time on. Hope you get back soon.
Aparna
Wow, had no idea something like this exists. A good break from the beaches of Goa, truly! I will have to add this to my list for my next Goa visit. Thanks for sharing!
Ami
Thanks Aparna. It is quite central and interesting. You should definitely go.
Prasad Np aka desi Traveler
Such an interesting museum and to think of it , I have been to Goa so many times and never visited the same…the pictures themselves tell such interesting stories..
Ami
Thanks Prasad. It is “Goa’s secret”. 🙂 I am sure you will find something that appeals to you.
Mridula Dwivedi (@mridulablog)
When I read the name of your post, I thought exactly like you! Your post and pictures quickly changed my mind though!
Ami
Indeed. It was a pleasant surprise for sure.
Vyjay Rao
What a lovely collection the Museum had.. The seizures section is indeed a treasure trove of our heritage and culture. thanks for sharing the information about this lovely museum.
Ami
Thanks Vyjay. The museum was quite a surprise for me.
Jyotirmoy Sarkar
Very interesting museum to visit,enjoyed reading this post. lovely shots. never heard about it.thanks for sharing.
Ami
Thanks Jyotirmoy. Hopefully you will visit it the next time.
Kerri
I am a closet detective – love crime shows and books. Not a big museum fan generally but there are always exceptions and this looks like just that for me. Such a great way of showing local culture. Fascinating.
Ami
Then this place is definitely for you. I could feel the same thrill as I do when I read crime novels.
*Nina Zara* (@Safari_junkie_)
Never heard of this type museum before, but it looks interesting. So much treasure and art!
Ami
Thanks Nina. It is quite a unique one.
Anne
This is so fascinating. I’ve been to Goa twice and never heard of it. Not sure when I will be back but this is definitely something I would find worthwhile.
Ami
Thanks Anne. Definitely keep it in mind for your next visit. It is quite central and worth a few minutes for sure.
Rajlakshmi
The artifacts look so exquisite. You captures are always beautiful. Goa has a lot of interesting places… not just beaches 🙂
Ami
Thank you Rajlakshmi. It is indeed nice to know Goa beyond its coastline.
Somali K Chakrabarti
Every time I read about the Indus Valley civilizations , it comes across strongly how well organized those people were. I have a penchant for exploring forts and museums but I had missed this one in Panaji. Interesting to see that they allow cameras inside the museum.
Ami
Thanks Somali. You are sure to love this museum for its unusual exhibits and stories.
Suma Jain
To be honest, this is the first time I heard about a museum on Central customs. Going through your post I am very intrigued with the whole place. The Battle of wits section looked very interesting. Thanks for the share Ami, definitely worth a visit while in Goa.
Ami
Thanks Suma. It sure is an unique one.
The Walking Map
This sounds very interesting to me, Amy. There’s a finance museum on Wall Street in Manhattan that covers some similar issues. It’s always more rewarding to discover places “beyond beaches.” I usually skip the beach altogether!
Ami
Thanks. When in Goa, there is no skipping beaches 😀 but one can spare some time for these. 😀
fittwotravel
Great guide and beautiful pictures!
Ami
Thanks
Sapna D
Even though we have visited Goa so many times, never heard of this museum. Nice going….interesting stuff.
Ami
Thanks Sapna. You should definitely stop by this one. I know you will find some really quirky stuff here.
Hayley
Looks like a great museum, really interesting!
Ami
Thanks Hayley.
Blair Villanueva
Hello Ami,
Recently, I’ve met our new office colleagues who is from Goa, and I shared to her your blog. She looks shy, but when I ask her about Goa, she is very enthusiastically shares how beautiful Goa is, and she guarantees we will like it too. Well based on her actions, I guess we will!
Thanks for sharing us how beautiful your place is. And I hope that more visitors would understand your cultures and traditions.
xoxo, Blair
Ami
Thanks Blair. I am sure she was all perked up when she saw her home town. Hope you visit soon. Cheers
polly674
I admit that reading the title I didn’t feel linke “ahh that a good museum not to miss”, but when going through your article and watching pictures it looked more and more interesting. I was specially impressed by the battle of wits section
Ami
Thanks Polly. The battle of wits section was indeed quite illuminating
Ana Ojha
Can’t believe that I’m reading another post about Goa today in the similar thread! I went to Goa several times during my college days and loved it! Though I didn’t know anything about this museum. Your post made me nostalgic about my good old college days!
Ami
Thanks Ana. Time for you to visit Goa again and relive the nostalgia. 🙂
Indrani
yes, this museum changed my opinion too about the role of customs at airports and other entry points. It also reminded me of some old bollywood characters. 🙂
Ami
LOL….that is true. It reminded me of them too.
iamsuanlee
Wow what interesting showcases, thank you for taking the time to write about each of them and share a little bit of history!