The International Coir Museum depicts the past and growth of the coir industry in Kerala. Built in 2014 by the Coir Board of India, it shows Coir’s cultural and economic relevance in Kerala. The International Coir Museum, situated in the centre of Kalavoor near Alappuzha, features traditional, mechanised, and various uses of coir. Coir products will be sold in the souvenir shop, and the primary purpose of the coir museum is to raise awareness and appreciation for natural fibre.The International Coir Museum is part of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and is the only Alappuzha coir museum.
Quick Detail About The International Coir Museum
Timings: The museum is open from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, except on Mondays.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for the museum is ₹ 50.
Duration: 2 – 3 days
Location
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
The International Coir Museum is located in Kalavoor, about 8.5 km from Alappuzha. It exhibits the rich thousand-year-old history and excellence of the Kerala coir industry. This museum provides an interactive experience through displays of traditional coir-making techniques, coir products, and the role of the coir industry in the local culture.
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How To Reach
Photo: Ambadyanands / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Located in Alappuzha, this museum lies on the highway to Cochi. It is about 8 km from the Alappuzha bus stand.
By Rail: The museum is about 10 km from the Alappuzha railway station.
By Air: The nearest airport to the museum is Cochin International Airport, at a distance of 74 km. One can easily take a taxi from the airport to reach the museum.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikipedia
The best time to visit the International Coir Museum, Alappuzha is from October to March. During these months, the climate is milder, with cool weather and low humidity. Tourists can view the museum’s indoor exhibits during any season, but visiting in peak season gives the best of Kerala’s cultural and natural beauty.
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Places To Visit Near The International Coir Museum
1. Alappuzha Beach
Photo: Mohanrangaphotograhy / Wikipedia
Alappuzha Beach, a popular tourist destination in Kerala, is 7.6 km from the International Coir Museum. Visitors can try new things like walking hand in hand on this wave-lashed beach, lying on the golden sands, or swimming in the Arabian Sea. Many food stalls and shops sell local specialities and souvenirs on this beach. This peaceful atmosphere and picture-perfect settings make Alappuzha Beach a must-see for beach lovers near the International Coir Museum.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
2. Alappuzha Backwaters
The serene backwaters of Alappuzha are the treasure of God. The quiet backwaters of Alappuzha, located 8.6 km off the International Coir Museum, represent a famous attraction. The backwaters provide the best view of tranquil canals with lush greenery and a majestic view of a nearby traditional village in houseboat rides. Backwaters offer tranquillity and glimpses of local life and culture.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
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3. Krishnapuram Palace
Photo: Manu M Nair / Shutterstock
Among those places that every history and art lover should visit is the Krishnapuram Palace, about 46.6 km from the International Coir Museum in Alappuzha, Kerala. The palace’s architecture is typical, a slanting roof with tiles, wooden carvings at every nook and corner, and intricate murals. This palace is famous for its “Aranmula Kannadi” and the mural paintings that adorn the walls with scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Another nearby attraction is the Krishnapuram Shiva Temple, which has exceptional architecture and carvings.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: ₹5 – ₹10
4. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Photo: Srijithpv / Wikipedia Commons
One of the famous Hindu temples, the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, is located approximately 3.5 km from the International Coir Museum in Alappuzha, Kerala. This temple is well known for its palpayasam, a sweet porridge presented to the presiding deity, Lord Krishna. The preparation of this palpayasam combines rice, jaggery, and ghee with milk and is considered a delicacy. Devotees from all parts of Kerala and elsewhere come to the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple to get the blessings of Lord Krishna, along with the famous palpayasam.
Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: NA
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5. Marari Beach
Photo: Mazur Travel / Shutterstock
Marari Beach is one of the most picturesque and quiet beaches, approximately 3.3 km from the International Coir Museum, Alappuzha, Kerala. This beach is nurtured with golden sand, swaying palm trees, and gentle waters. Tourists can enjoy resting on the beach, leisure walks, or camping for water sports. With its picture-perfect setting of different categories to accommodate a family, Marari Beach is an ideal destination to experience serenity.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
6. Pathiramanal Island
Photo: Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikipedia
Pathiramanal Island is a small island in Vembanad Lake, about 3.9 km from the International Coir Museum, Alappuzha, Kerala. Here, tourists can find different species of birds, including migratory birds like the terns, sandpipers, and plovers. Tourists can take a boat to the island to watch birds or relax in serenity. This island is accessible only by boat, which one can hire from local villages or through a travel agent running their local tours and travels.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: NA
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7. Punnamada Lake
Photo: Shinu antony / Shutterstock
Situated in Kuttanad of Alappuzha district, Kerala, is the Punnamada Lake, a subsection of the gigantic Vembanad Lake. It is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one of Kerala’s most renowned boat races, on the second Saturday of August. Punnamada Lake is the most essential part of the Vembanad Lake system, about 14 km wide, with many water activities undertaken along the shores of this fresh body of water.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
8. Kuttanad
Photo: Sourav Niyogi / Wikipedia
Kuttanad, The “Rice Bowl of Kerala”, is located 10.2 km from the International Coir Museum in Alappuzha, Kerala. This region is unique due to the farming system practised here and existing below sea level. Extensive paddy fields lie way below the rivers and lakes’ water level. Tourists can go, discuss with the farmers, and see the old-fashioned ways of farming—making informed decisions on their rich agricultural history. Kuttanad offers the unique opportunity to witness the incredible feats of human engineering and harmonious coexistence with nature and humans.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
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9. Arthunkal Beach
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
One of the must-visit places is Arthunkal Beach, located 3.4 km from the International Coir Museum in Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is famous for its St. Sebastian’s feast, which occurs in January every year. Thousands of devotees visit the place to attend the cultural programs, eat delicacies from food stalls, and view the procession of the saint’s statue. Soak up space, local culture, and customs with a visit to this picturesque beach close to the International Coir Museum.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: NA
Where To Stay
Photo: Quant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Some essential accommodations near the International Coir Museum include Marari Coastal Dreams Home Stay, Flamingo Boutique Villa, Camelot Hotel, Lake Canopy, and Seclude Marari Sands, Kerala.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Mahendra M / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- The dry season runs from October to March, which is considered the best time to visit, with warm weather and little rainfall.
- Wear Light, comfortable clothes that fit the tropical climate
- Respect always the local customs and traditions of the place, especially in religious places
Average Cost
The estimate for the 5-day trip to Alappuzha in Kerala, intended for visiting the International Coir Museum and places of interest around it, comes to a minimum of ₹ 11,700 and a maximum of about ₹21,800, depending upon the choices and activities of tourists.
The International Coir Museum is exciting and preserves this industry’s history and culture. Along with Arthunkal Beach, for its serene getaway view and a glimpse of the local culture, you can make it a memorable one by combining education and fun.
Plan your visit to the museum with TripXL for a day filled with exciting learning experiences
Cover Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons