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The State Museum and Zoo, Thrissur, is a unique cultural-cum-natural place, putting together history, art, and wildlife. Located at the heart of the city of Thrissur in Kerala, this sprawling campus came into existence in 1885 and is also among the oldest yet well-maintained museums and zoos across India. The museum has varied collections, and the zoo consists of diverse flora and fauna. So, it is a good spot for visiting with family and for history buffs or animal lovers.
History Of State Museum And Zoo, Thrissur
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
State Museum and Zoo, Thrissur, was started by the Maharaja of Cochin during the late 19th century and it has undergone many changes since then. The museum’s primary objective was to showcase the cultural heritage of Kerala and hold out an educative vision of its history and traditions for the common man. Much later, a zoo was introduced to provide a home for several native and exotic species of animals. Several renovations and expansions have been made within the complex over the decades, making it relevant, modern, and interesting for visitors.
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Architecture Of State Museum And Zoo, Thrissur
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
The building of the museum is a fine example of traditional architecture of Kerala design with its red-tiled roofs, exquisitely carved wooden works, and spacious verandas. The zoo is spread over many acres of land with well-maintained enclosures with diverse species of animals in their natural habitat. The lush green surroundings provide a sense of tranquillity to the whole complex.
How To Reach State Museum And Zoo, Thrissur
There are multiple ways to reach the State Museum and Zoo’s address, which are as follows:
- By Air: The nearest airport to the museum is Cochin International Airport, which is 50 km away from Thrissur. Most major cities in India are connected to Kochi and visitors can reach here via flight. From the airport, one can reach the museum and zoo by taxi or bus.
- By Rail: Thrissur Railway Station easily connects to major Indian cities and the Museum cum Zoo is located 2 km from the Railway Station. One can easily avail of local transportation like auto-rickshaws or taxis.
- By Road: Thrissur is well-connected by road with other parts of Kerala and the neighbouring states. So, visitors can reach the city by bus or drive down and reach the museum cum zoo easily.
Places Nearby State Museum And Zoo, Thrissur
The major tourist attractions to visit near the museum are mentioned below.
1. Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Photo: Ambadyanands / Wikimedia Commons
Shakthan Thampuran Palace, located in the town of Thrissur, is the royal residence of the King of Cochin and has become a renowned tourist destination due to its historical significance. Raja Rama Varma IC built the palace in 1791, and its Dutch-style construction is stunning, especially for art enthusiasts. However, what sets it apart are the attractions within it, such as a tiny museum showing antiquities and historical artefacts.
Location: Stadium Rd, Chembukkav, Thrissur
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2. Nehru Park
Photo: Sreenivas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the best places to visit in Thrissur is Nehru Park, a children’s park in the city centre named after India’s first prime minister, Mr. Jawahar Lal Nehru. As he loved kids very mush, the institution is dedicated to providing the best entertainment possible for the young guests. It is also one of the oldest parks in the town with lush greenery all around. For a fun experience, visitors arrange a picnic or pay a visit to the aquarium here, which is open from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Timings: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Things To Explore At The State Museum And Zoo, Thrissur
The museum has a wealth of exhibits of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. These include:
1. Historical Artifacts
Photo: Jastrow / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The different historical artefacts stored in the museum depict the resplendent history and culture of Kerala. From coins of yesterday to earthenware and other implements, such things show the lifestyle and practices followed by the people during the pristine days of Kerala. This provides us with a lot of valuable information related to the past of this region, definitely proving to be a wicked delight for history buffs.
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2. Sculptures And Paintings
Photo: Cristina Gottardi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The museum’s collection of sculptures and paintings brings out the diachronic changeability of artistic traditions in Kerala. Exhibited objects, coming from different periods and styles, represent an affluent artistic tradition of the region. One can appreciate the divergent forms and techniques that have gone into the making of the cultural evolution of Kerala through these centuries.
3. Animals & Birds
Photo: Daiga Ellaby / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Animal enclosures at the zoo are well-maintained for comfortable living space and a natural habitat for them. Also, the aviary here makes it a haven for birdwatchers and photographers since there are many diverse species of birds. Hence, it is perfect for observation and photographing purposes. Because of this diversity, the zoo has become a very interesting attraction among tourists. This enables visitors to learn about the different wildlife species in beautiful surroundings.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kelly Jean / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
- Entry Fees: The State Museum and Zoo’s ticket price is INR 10 for everyone above 12 years of age.
- Best Time To Visit: The most suitable time to visit the museum is from October to March. Also, The State Museum and Zoo’s timings to open are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, except on Mondays and declared national holidays.
- Tips for travellers: Notice the restrictions regarding the State Museum and Zoo’s photos for a smooth visit.
A rich blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, represented by the State Museum and Zoo, Thrissur shines uniquely in the limelight for its cumulative variety of artefacts and unmatched diversity of animals and birds. Ranging from history buffs to art lovers or even nature lovers — each one would find a visit to this amazing historic place in Thrissur quite a worthwhile experience.
Cover Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons
