The Natural History Museum, housed in a modern spacious building, is situated in the Napier Museum and Zoo complex. The Natural History Museum in Trivandrum, Kerala is no exception and a visit to it will be a very rewarding experience for everyone. It is a must see not only for the people residing in the state but also for all the tourists visiting it. The spacious building of the Natural History Museum houses a diverse and rich collection of ethnographic pieces. This museum was established with the personnel collection of minerals and books presented by General Cullen in 1885. The varied and rich collections are now on display at this new building built in 1964.The museum has a varied and rich collection of minerals and books presented by General Cullen in 1885.It is indeed amazing to know that the museum was initially started with the individual collection of General Cullen. He presented his personal collection of minerals and books and that was all that the museum had to be proud of in the earliest stage. However with the passage of years, the stock got richer.The museum has separate galleries for mammals, birds, lower vertebrates, invertebrates, separate room for index collections, skeleton gallery, an ethnographic collection, and a laboratory. . The art collection covers aspects of Kerala’s rich heritage in sculptures of stone, wood and metal. An interesting replica of Tharawad is also present in the museum.Museums of Kerala are rich repositories of a variety of objects that have immense scientific, historical or artistic value.The Ethnology Gallery provides valuable insight into the races of mankind along with their place of origins, their distribution and distinctive characteristics.There is also an outdoor exhibit of Fossil tree trunks near the entrance of the Museum.
Location info:
Address: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
District: Thiruvananthapuram district
Nearest City: Kanyakumari, Madurai, Kochi , Nedumangad and Kollam.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Climate/Weather:
Climate is very cool during winter, Climate Temparature: (deg C) Summer Max 35 deg Min 22 deg. Winter Max 32 deg Min 20 deg.
History:
Interesting things to do:
You can see galleries for mammals, birds, lower vertebrates, invertebrates, separate room for index collections, skeleton gallery, an ethnographic collection, and a laboratory, An interesting replica of Tharawad is also present in the museum, There is Napier Museum and Art Gallery near to this museum.
Interesting things to Visit:
Sree Chitra Art Gallery:The Sri Chitra Art Gallery, near the Napier Museum, in Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1935. The gallery has on display a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The gallery also has a good collection of miniatureSree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu. The structure of this temple and the sculptures within are an interesting mix of the Kerala as well as Dravidian styles.The Zoological Park:This one is among the earliest of zoos in India and among the least artificial as well. It often resembles a jungle situated right in the heart of the city.Napier museum:Napier museum is located in the heart of the city. The museum is equipped with natural air conditioning and provides a glance of the rich historical legacy of Kerala. Napier museum and art gallery of Kerala are located in the same compound and the museum has a good collection of ancient archaeological artifacts. This museum was built in the 19th century.The Museum is located 400 meters east of Indian Airlines. In this museum you shall find a rich collection of fine ornaments that the queen of the ancient times used to wear.Thiruvananthapuram Zoo:Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established as an annexe to the Museum in 1857 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors. This Zoo was originally set up for recreational purpose only.But with more and more loss of forest and wildlife in the process of human development, the goal of the Zoo changed from recreation to conservation. Today Zoos are seen as the last resort for endangered animals and birds. The Central Zoo Authority established in 1992 under the Ministry of Environment and Forest of India.K.C.S. Panicker’s Gallery:Established in the year 1979 a gallery solely dedicated to the paintings of contemporary Indian art of K.C.S. Panicker.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Road Transport:The city has very well developed roadways connections to rest of Kerala and nearby states. Some major cities distances are: Chennai- 708 Km, Banglore- 753 Km, Mumbai- 1543 Km, Coimbatore: 413 Km and Calicut- 382 Km.
Nearest Visiting places:
The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.Agasthyakoodam:Lying at an altitude of 1,890 m, Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals. Trekking to the top takes two days and is only permitted between December and April.Paripally Gajamela:Paripally, 48 km north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival in the month of February-March.Ponmudi:An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.Kanyakumari:This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess ParvathiChacha Nehru Children`s Museum:Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird`s eye view of the city from here.Anivikkara Dam (16km – 1/2 hour):This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full offish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.Santa Cruz Basilica Church :This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur Bolghatty Island : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea. Willington Island :Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge, Willington Island is named after the former Viceroy of India, Lord Willington. It is a manmade Island created from the materials dredged while deepening Cochin Port. Willington Island sites some of the district’s best hotels, Trading and industrial offices. Besides the airport, ship building yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the customs house and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the government of IndiaChinese Fishing Nets :A legacy of the trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin’s waterfront. These are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still to be in use by the local fisher folk of Fort Cochin.Vyppin light house :The biggest Island, situated between the sea and the backwaters of Cochin. It is 24 km long and 2 1/2 km wide. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu which is open to tourists from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Island can be reached only by water transport provided by boat services and Junkar. There are bus services on the Island.Pallippuram Fort :Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vyppin Island at Pallippuram. The catholic church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.The Akulam Boat Club:Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately. It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.Vellayani:Vellayani or Vellayani kayal as known in local language is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala, the other two being Sasthamcotta lake in Kollam and Pookkode lake in Wayanad. This lake is abourt 50 hectare huge freshwater lake. The most unique feature is that a road passes through the lake.Peppara dam:The dam is erected across the Karamana River.Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas.Poovar beach:Poovar beach is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land and it is located in poovar near kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India.Poovar Beach separates the Neyyar River from the sea. Essentially a fishing village, it is a beautiful and unexplored beach resort. This stunning location has been successful in attracting many tourists over the years.Mankayam Waterfall:Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls.From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River.Parasurama temple:The Parasurama temple located on the banks of the river Karamana, is the only one temple dedicated to Sri Parasurama.Many Pilgrims visit this temple for ‘Balitharpanam’. People make offerings to their ancestors, after taking a dip in the holy river. There is wide belief that the great monk Adi Shakara made the Bali for his mother at this place.Very famous for Pithru Karyiam (Oblations for the departed souls) where three rivers joins and flowing to Sea.Fort Anjengo:It was here that the firstanchuthengu light house settlement of the English East India Company was established in 1864 A.D. Historically, the limits of area where five coconut palms stood was given on lease to the Company by the King of Travancore for trade purposes. The remains of the old English Fort, which had withstood many a siege, can be seen here even today.Shanghumugham beach:Shanghumugham beach is one of the most pictorial beaches located in Kerala. Kerala, God’s own country, in south India has some of the best beaches in the world. Shanghumugham beach is one of them. A travel tour to Shanghumugham beach would help you to gather knowledge about the nearby places.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Civil Supplies Petrol Pump Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Petrol Pump Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.Varma Travels Petrol Pump Trivandrum, Kerala.Petrol Pump Statue General Hospital Road Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.Palayam Petrol Pump Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Classic Avenue Hotel Manjalikulam Rd, Trivandrum Kerala 695001 Tel: 0471 2333555.Keralagreenery Tutors Ln, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001 Tel: 0471 2573011.Keys Hotels Trivandrum Opposite Fire Brigade Housing Board Junction Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001 Tel: 09820451618.Fortune Hotel The South Park M. G. Road, Trivandrum Kerala 695034 Tel: 0471 2333333.SP GRAND DAYS Hotel Railway Station Rd,Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695014 Tel: 0471 2333344.Shirleysbeach Hotels and Tour operators Behind Coconut Groove restaurant kovalam Beach, trivandrum Kerala 695527 Tel: 0471 2317303.Pankaj Hotel Opposite Old Secretariat M.G.Road, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala Tel: 0471 2464645.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Pothencode Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaVizhinjam Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Nedumangad Police Station Nedumangad Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Mangalapuram Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:KERALA AYURVEDA VATTIYOORKAVU JUNCTIO KERALA STATE, TRIVANDRUM Kerala 695013 Tel: 094 96197071 – 097 40737834.Jubliee Hospital Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Geethanjali Hospital Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Tel:0471 2326774.GG Hospital Pattom Kumarapuram Road Kumarapuram, Trivandrum Kerala Tel:0471 2445832.Sree Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Tel:0471 2722125.Vadayakkadu Vaidyasala Vadayakkadu Junction Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
