Digboi Centenary And Oil Museum – History, Timings, Entry Fee & Travel Guide

The museum’s galleries offer visitors an immersive experience of how crude oil was first discovered in Digboi during the late 19th century, leading to the establishment of India’s first refinery in 1901. Various steam engines, simplex and duplex pumps, and early-era refinery tools are preserved here, giving a rare insight into the evolution of India’s petroleum industry. One of the key attractions inside the museum is the replica of the original oil rig and models that explain the refining process in detail.

Visitors can also explore displays that depict the socio-cultural life of Digboi during British rule, showing how the discovery of oil transformed this quiet town into an industrial hub. Adding to the museum’s charm is the scenic Digboi Lake and the nearby Digboi War Cemetery, both located just a short distance away. The cemetery holds graves of soldiers from World War II and stands as a solemn reminder of the town’s wartime significance.

The Digboi Centenary Park, located near the museum, is another pleasant attraction featuring manicured lawns, fountains, and a calm ambiance, making it ideal for family outings.

How to Reach Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum

• By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh (Mohanbari Airport), around 78 km away, with daily flights from major Indian cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi.

• By Rail: The closest railway station is Tinsukia Junction, located about 35 km from Digboi. Trains from Dibrugarh and Guwahati frequently connect to this station.

• By Road: Digboi is well-connected by road to Tinsukia (34 km, 1-hour drive). Regular buses, taxis, and shared cabs are available from nearby towns.

Where to Stay?

Visitors can find several accommodation options in and around Digboi and Tinsukia. From budget hotels and Assam Tourism guesthouses to mid-range lodges and homestays, there are plenty of comfortable stays available. Tinsukia offers better connectivity and slightly more amenities for tourists who prefer urban convenience.

Entry Timing and Fee of Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum

• Museum Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• Closed: Mondays and public holidays

• Entry Fee:

  • Adults: ₹20

  • Students: ₹10

  • Children below 10 years: Free

Travel Tips

• Photography inside the museum is restricted, so plan accordingly.

• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Digboi Lake, War Cemetery, and Centenary Park for a complete experience.

• The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant.

The Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum is more than just an industrial archive; it is a journey through India’s oil heritage, technological progress, and colonial history. It remains one of Assam’s best-kept treasures, ideal for history enthusiasts, students, and travelers eager to understand how a small town became the epicenter of India’s first oil revolution.

Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum Quick Info Table 

FAQ on Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum

1. Where is Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum located?
   It is located in Digboi town, Tinsukia district of Assam, near the Digboi Oil Refinery.

2. What is the entry fee for Digboi Oil Museum?
   Entry fees are ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for students, and free for children below 10 years.

3. What are the visiting hours of Digboi Museum?
   The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays and public holidays.

4. Why is Digboi famous?
   Digboi is famous for being home to Asia’s oldest operating oil refinery, established in 1901.

5. How can I reach Digboi Centenary and Oil Museum?
   You can reach Digboi via road from Tinsukia (34 km), by train to Tinsukia Junction, or by air through Dibrugarh Airport (78 km).

6. What are nearby attractions around Digboi?
   Nearby attractions include Digboi Lake, Digboi War Cemetery, Centenary Park, and the Oil Refinery area.

7. Is photography allowed inside the Digboi Museum?
   Photography is restricted inside the museum, but permitted in surrounding areas like the park and lake.

8. When is the best time to visit Digboi Museum?
   The ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and roads are accessible.

9. Who established the Digboi Centenary Museum?
   It was established by the Assam Oil Company (a part of Indian Oil Corporation) as part of its centenary celebration.

10. What makes Digboi Museum unique?
    It is India’s first and only museum dedicated to the history of oil exploration, housing vintage machinery and historical records from the colonial era.