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Napier Museum is an ancient structure from the colonial era with a wealthy cultural history. It is named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866 to 1872. The museum was completed in 1880. It combines traditional elements of Kerala with Victorian architecture and has evolved into the Indo-Saracenic style. A treasure trove of ancient architecture and legacy of God’s Own Country, this museum lies in the heart of its capital city, Trivandrum. If you are a history buff, a tour of this museum is going to beguile you with its magnificence, for sure.
Quick Details About Napier Museum
Location: Vellayambalam Rd, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033
Timings: 10 AM – 4:45 PM
How To Reach: Aeroplane, taxi, bus, public transport
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Best Time To Visit: October To February
About Napier Museum
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons
The museum is located at the centre of Thiruvananthapuram city. The museum’s gardens provide a serene cultural experience and are easily accessible. This tourist destination houses a pleasant collection of historical Kerala artefacts, plenty of examples of bronze sculptures, and traditional musical gadgets. It offers you a panoramic view of the land and surroundings with its green, bushy gardens.
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Places To Visit Near Napier Museum
1. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Photo: Maheshsudhakar / Wikipedia
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, or the Trivandrum Zoo, was founded in 1857. Being one of India’s oldest zoos, it comprises an area of 55 acres with a vast collection of animals and birds. Some prominent ones are the majestic Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, and Leopard. You can say that this is a well-maintained zoo based on its conservation efforts. Try an electric car ride to cherish a leisurely view.
Timings: 9 AM – 5:15 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: ₹INR 30
2. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikipedia
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a centuries-old classic work in Dravidian architecture, is located beside the museum. This unique temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Most popularly associated with this temple is its excellent height for the gopuram, traditionally intricate stone carvings, and the reclining deity in the sanctum.
The holiness of this shrine, combined with its architectural beauty is meant to leave you spellbound by the spiritual and cultural experience within the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.
Timings: 3:30 AM – 12 noon and 5 PM – 7:20 PM
Entry Fee: NA
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3. Kuthiramalika (Puthen Malika) Palace
Photo: Hans A. Rosbach / Wikimedia Commons
Adjacent to Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Kuthira Malika Palace, also called PuthenMalika Palace—an epitome of Kerala architecture at its best. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma constructed this place. Here, you could witness exquisite wooden carvings, Belgian mirrors, and other royal artefacts. It is one such room in this palace that speaks at large about the rich history of Travancore and its subsequent royal legacy; hence, it is a must-visit for any history buff or connoisseur like you.
Timings: 10 AM – 4:45 PM
Entry Fee: ₹70
4. Kanakakunnu Palace
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
This heritage structure sprawls on a hill overlooking the cityscape of Thiruvananthapuram, proudly known for its panoramic views and architectural elegance.
Originally built as a royal guest house, this palace currently holds exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural events. It is a popular choice for locals and visitors looking for cultural experiences and scenic beauty in the city. This is mainly because of its lush surroundings and historical significance.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM(Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: NA
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5. Bronze Gallery
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The Bronze Gallery houses an excellent collection of bronze sculptures from the 8th to the 18th centuries. These sculptures depict Sources of Hindu gods and goddesses, mythological animals, and simple life in ancient Kerala, all made using the lost wax technique. The intricate details and finesse in works like these reveal the skills practised in those times.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹250
6. Ethnographic Gallery
Photo: J L C A / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ethnographic Gallery presents the various cultural practices and traditions of the indigenous communities of Kerala. It houses artefacts, rituals, folklore, agricultural practices, and traditional crafts. The exhibits include ritual masks, costumes, farming implements, and household items. These provide an all-inclusive understanding of Kerala’s socio-cultural life.
Timings: 10 AM – 5PM
Entry Fee: ₹50
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7. Shanghumukham Beach
Photo: Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
A short drive from the museum, Shanghumukham Beach is famed for its serene beach and the star attraction—the sculpted mermaid. You can head to this beach to witness a magnificent sunset view, walk on the sandy coastline, and relish the local quota of snacks that various vendors carry. The peaceful beach amidst the hustle and bustle of the city provides you with a perfect getaway to soothe and rejuvenate you with the essence of the Arabian Sea.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
Where To Stay
Photo: Engin Akyurt / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are several good hotels near the Napier Museum location, such as Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram, an upscale hotel located 2.5 km from the museum, with rooms of high luxury, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and many more dining options. Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum is a modern hotel with intelligent rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, and a multi-cuisine restaurant 3.5 km from the museum. The Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, located 4 km from the museum and offering 5-star living with an outdoor pool, spa, and dining options, is undoubtedly one of them.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Zak Chapman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
After enjoying an insightful sightseeing of the museum, you might need to soothe your hunger pangs. There are a plethora of restaurants and cafes ranging from budget to high-end where you can savour some delicious local cuisines, and have a delightful experience. Some of the recommended eating joints are: The Yellow Chilli, Slice of Spice, Zam Zam Restaurant, Mariam’s Bakehouse, and Totally Baked.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Fabrizio Verrecchia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of Trip: The cost of an average 2-day trip to the museum and surrounding Thiruvananthapuram areas may fall in between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000 for a person depending on the kind of accommodation you choose along with the restaurant bills, Napier Museum ticket price, entry fee of other nearby attractions, and more.
Tips For Travellers
- Timings: Besides the aforementioned Napier Museum timings, which are valid from Tuesday through Sunday, please note down that the museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
- Photography: You can take photographs inside the museum, except in galleries with sensitive artefacts and displays, where flash photography is prohibited.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators provided for visitors with mobility impairments.
- Guides and Tours: Guided tours in English and Malayalam allow you to better understand the various exhibits and the museum’s architecture.
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The Napier Museum Trivandrum, honours Kerala’s rich past with its stunning architecture and varied collection of artefacts. An exciting experience is guaranteed at the museum if you are interested in digging into Kerala’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry, history, or art. The natural history displays, ancient bronze sculptures, and ethnographic artefacts housed in the museum provide a thorough overview of Kerala’s past and present. Plan your trip to Kerala with TripXL, and explore the serene beauty of this place with ease.
Cover Photo: Prasanth Prakash / Wikipedia
