For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, the mere sound of “tanaa na taana naa” is enough to bring back a flood of memories. It was the music that announced the start of Malgudi Days, the beloved television series based on R.K. Narayan’s classic short stories. The fictional village of Malgudi may not have existed on a map, but it lived vividly in the minds and hearts of millions. And now, thanks to a remarkable initiative, that fictional world has taken real shape at Arasalu Railway Station in Karnataka.

Malgudi Days: A Simple Story of Simple Lives

Malgudi Days is a famous storybook written by Indian author R.K. Narayan. It is about a small, imaginary village called Malgudi in South India. The book has many short stories about the lives of everyday people in this village—children, shopkeepers, teachers, beggars, and many others. 

The most popular character in the book is a boy named Swami. He is playful, curious, and full of questions. The stories show his school life, his friendships, and his small adventures, just like any child in a small town. 

The stories are very simple, but they teach important lessons about life, kindness, honesty, and growing up. In the 1980s, these stories were made into a TV show called Malgudi Days, which became very popular in India. People still remember its music and scenes. Malgudi Days is loved because it reminds us of simpler times and the beauty of ordinary life.

The Making of Malgudi Museum

Once a quiet, forgotten railway station, Arasalu, located about 34 km from Shivamogga (Shimoga), has been brought back to life. The Mysuru Railway Division decided to pay tribute to R.K. Narayan and the iconic TV series by transforming this location into the Malgudi Museum. This is the very station where many of the scenes were filmed—a place etched in memory but lost to time. Until now. Today, the station isn't just a stop on the Shivamogga–Talaguppa route. It is a portal into the past. Restored with care and passion, the museum beautifully recreates the rustic charm that made Malgudi Days unforgettable. 

A Walk Through the Museum: Stories on Every Wall

As you step into the museum, the first thing you notice is the soundtrack. The theme song of Malgudi Days plays softly, instantly transporting you back in time. On the walls, you’ll find photographs, handwritten manuscripts, and artifacts from the era—kitchen vessels, furniture, and even small toys that mirror the 1940s setting of the book. 

There’s more: sculptor Arun Yogiraj (sculptor of the Ram Lalla idol) has created life-size statues of Swami and his friends, bringing the beloved characters to life. It’s not just a museum; it’s an emotional experience. Before you even enter the museum, you’re welcomed by a beautifully landscaped garden and a quaint little café named Malgudi Chai. Designed like a purple train coach, this charming café offers tea and snacks, with two wooden benches outside just like the old village scenes in the show. It’s a place to pause, sip, and reflect on simpler times.

Real Places, Real Stories

Though Malgudi was a fictional town, the settings were very real. Agumbe, a scenic village in the Shimoga district, was used as the main backdrop. With its lush green hills, misty mornings, and red-tiled roofs, Agumbe perfectly matched the timeless feel of Malgudi. Even today, locals in Arasalu and Agumbe fondly remember the filming days. Speak to them, and they’ll share how excited they were to see camera crews in their tiny village and how proud they are to be part of something so iconic.

Getting There: How to Reach Malgudi Museum

The Arasalu Railway Station is well-connected by road and rail.

By Train: The Shimoga–Talaguppa Passenger Train leaves Shimoga at 2:40 PM and takes about 45 minutes to reach Arasalu. It’s the most nostalgic route to arrive on.

By Road: From Shimoga (34 km), it’s a scenic 30-40 minute drive. Public buses and private cabs are easily available.

By Air: The nearest airports are Mangaluru (200 km) and Bengaluru (300 km). From there, you can reach Shimoga by train or road.

Museum Details: Timing and Tickets

Open Days: All days except Tuesday

Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: Just Rs 5 for visitors above 5 years old

Booking: No advance reservations needed; tickets are available at the counter

More Than a Museum  A Piece of Our Childhood

Malgudi was more than a village. It was our childhood, our after-school ritual, and our quiet escape into stories of innocence and wonder. What makes the Malgudi Museum at Arasalu truly special is not just its preservation of history, but how it revives a lost emotion. Visitors, whether young or old, come away with full hearts and teary eyes. For the older generation, it’s a rewind to simpler times. For the young, it’s a rare peek into storytelling without screens, where life moved slowly, and stories spoke gently. 

The Arasalu Railway Station, now the Malgudi Museum, is not just a destination. It’s a memory, a tribute, and a timeless reminder of India’s rich storytelling heritage. Whether you’re a fan of R.K. Narayan, a lover of Indian television classics, or simply someone looking to reconnect with a lost world, this is a journey worth taking. Because some stories never die; they just find new ways to be told.