Kerala History Museum, Kochi: Everything To Know Before Visiting

Artefacts placed in a museum's garden with green grass and trees, on a bright, sunny day

Right in the centre of Kochi, the Kerala History Museum provides tourists with a fantastic opportunity to learn about Kerala’s rich cultural past. It’s more than just a museum with a large collection of antiquities; it’s also a place to have fun and escape the hectic pace of the city. The Kerala History Museum will always be there for the visitor, whether they are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for peace to unwind.

Location Of Kerala History Museum

The green garden of the Kerala History Museum with numerous trees on a sunny day

Photo: Ambadyanands / Wikimedia Commons

The Kerala History Museum is located in Edappally, Kochi. It is owned by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation, which is also responsible for the well-known Indian artists in the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Beyond only seeing historical objects, the Kerala History Museum serves as a hub for workshops, educational initiatives, and cultural events.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kochi For Couples

How To Reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest, about 23 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to visit the museum.

By Train: Ernakulam Town North Railway Station is the nearest, about 10 km from the museum.

By Road: The museum is located in Edappally, and it is easily connected by major roads. You could drive or hire a cab to reach the location.

Places To Visit In And Around Kerala History Museum

1. Marine Drive

A beautiful view of the sea from Kerala. The picture clicked at the stroke of night.

Photo: RanjithSiji / Wikimedia Commons

Marine Drive is a fine walk in the city of Kochi facing the backwaters. The pathway is nice and quiet, serving as an excellent evening walkway with a view of a great sunset. There is a Rainbow Bridge and a China Net Bridge along the pathway. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxed walk or to take a boat ride in the backwaters.

Entry Fees: Free
Location: Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kochi At Night

2. Hill Palace Museum

The frontal view of an old, white building in Kerala that's turned into a museum

Photo: RanjithSiji / Wikimedia Commons

Situated in Tripunithura, the Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Once an official residence of the Cochin royal family, it now houses an assortment of artefacts, including the crown and ornaments of the erstwhile Cochin royal family, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. Inside the palace complex, one finds a deer park and a small zoo.

Entry Fees: ₹30 (adults), ₹10 (children)
Location: Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: October to March

3. Cherai Beach

A small wave approaching the shore at Cherai beach with a beautiful setting sun in the background

Photo: Edukeralam / Wikimedia Commons

Cherai Beach offers visitors a unique experience by combining elements of both the sea and the backwaters. The pristine sandy stretch of Cherai Beach, the neighbouring coconut palms and paddy fields, and the shallow, swimmable seas are its main draws. Dolphin visibility is another reason for the beach’s fame. It’s a great location for a leisurely day trip.

Entry Fees: Free
Location: Cherai, Kochi, Kerala
Best Time To Visit: October to March

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4. Paradesi Synagogue

A yellow wall with big bulbs hung nearby

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Located in the Jew Town area of Kochi, Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest working synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. This 1568 synagogue has a breathtaking interior with hand-painted blue willow tiles from China, an ornate gold pulpit, and Belgian chandeliers. It testifies to the once-existent community of Jews here in Kochi.

Entry Fees: ₹5
Location: Jew Town, Kochi, Kerala
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Where To Stay Around Kerala History Museum

An aerial view of the city showing houses and buildings near the Kerala History Museum

Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons

There are very good accommodation facilities near the Kerala History Museum to cater to the needs of its visiting population. The Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty gives luxurious comfort with a fascinating view of the backwaters. In the mid-segment, Hotel Abad Plaza in MG Road is highly rated for its comfort and service. Budget travellers could try out BTH Sarovaram, which is highly rated for its affordability and traditional Kerala ambience.

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Where To Eat Around Kerala History Museum

A picture showing various dishes served at a table in a restaurant near the Kerala History Museum

Photo: Kalpita.chakrabortty / Wikimedia Commons

From local cuisine to a variety of places that will appeal to the taste buds of each individual, Kochi offers great diversity. Drop by the Paragon Restaurant, Lulu Mall; it is famous for its really good seafood and biryanis. Kashi Art Café in Fort Kochi is the place to go if you like international tastes in a warm atmosphere with a lot of continental options.

Best Time To Visit Kerala History Museum

 A scenic landscape in the hills of Kerala with trees and a beautiful sky in the background

Photo: Joffon008 / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit the Kerala History Museum would be from October to March when the weather is perfect for exploration. Avoid the monsoon period from June to September, as heavy rainfall may interfere with your travel plans or outdoor explorations.

Suggested Read: Best Food In Kochi

Other Factors To Consider

 A landscape of hills in Kerala located nearby the Kerala History Museum

Photo: Joffon008 / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost

A visit to the Kerala History Museum and other places of interest is pretty affordable. The entry fees are meagre, and decent budget-friendly options are available to stay and dine. On average, daily expenditure in the city, food, local commutation, and museum entry fees come to around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person.

Tips For Travellers

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.
  • Carry water and light snacks.
  • Use local transport like autos or taxis for ease.
  • Plan a visit according to the timings of the museum and exhibitions, if any.
  • Respect the culture and keep up the decorum of the visiting place.

Something more revitalising than a historical synopsis can only be found at the Kerala History Museum. Meaningful explanations are also enhanced by the extensive exhibits and stimulating educational sessions. Thanks to an engaging audio-visual exhibition, the Kerala History Museum is an institution that is not to be missed from one’s itinerary. Let TripXL take you on an exciting journey to God’s own country for an unforgettable trip.

Cover Photo: Ambadyanands / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

It is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Yes, you are allowed to do so, but without flash photography to avoid the damage of a flashlight to the artefacts.
Yes, guided tours are available with more elaborate information regarding various displays.
Yes, there is a souvenir shop on the museum premises from which you can buy some memories.
Yes, it has sufficient parking for visitors.

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