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History comes alive at the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery in Kerala. It is named after the great Pazhassi Raja, who fought against British colonisation and led the Pazhassi Revolt back in the 18th century. The museum has serene surroundings and once was a residence for British collectors. It displays ancient coins, umbrella stones, mural paintings, burial chambers, and more, mainly from the Megalithic era. Pazhassi Museum is adjacent to an art gallery, which primarily features paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the father of modern Indian Art.
Quick Details About Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum
- Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
- Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum Timings: 9:00AM – 4:30PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (33.1 km) and Kannur International Airport (95 km from Kozhikode)
- Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode (6.8 km)
- Best Time To Visit: December to April
Location
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery is a traditional Kerala-style architectural bungalow in Kozhikode, a Malabar district. It is located near Kendriya Vidyalaya, on the East Hills, about five kilometres from Kozhikode. Visitors need to climb the hill to reach this museum. Presently, the museum is managed by the Kerala State Archaeology Department.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kozhikode
How To Reach
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
By Train: Kozhikode railway station is nearly 7 kilometres away from the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum. Upon reaching the station, the visitors can take a rickshaw or cab to the East Hills.
By Air: The distance between Calicut International Airport and Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum is almost 33 kilometres. A cab or bus can take visitors directly from the airport to the museum.
By Road: From Mavoor Road junction, the museum is just 6 kilometres away. It takes nearly 15 minutes to cover the distance. Via Kannur Road, visitors can reach the Pazhassi Museum in about 20 minutes by car.
Things To Do At Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum
1. Explore The Museum
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
This two-hundred-year-old museum takes visitors close to the history of the Megalithic age in Kerala. It features mural paintings, ancient bronze models of temples, umbrella stones, earthenware from the Megalithic era, burial furniture, rock-cut caves, and other historical artefacts. It also exhibits coins from diverse empires, including the Roman Kingdom, Tipu Sultan’s Kingdom in Mysore, Travancore Kingdom, and others. One of the main attractions here is dolmenoid cists, a quadrangular burial chamber with capstones. Although it boasts a small collection, the museum whispers many tales about the Bronze Age.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kozhikode
2. Visit The Art Gallery
Photo: Evan Delshaw / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The art gallery adjoining the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum is a haven for art connoisseurs. It displays some of the best portraits crafted by the great Raja Ravi Varma and his uncle Raja Raja Varma. These artworks feature vibrant colours that beautifully showcase ancient Malabar.
Places To Visit Around Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum
1. Crown Theatre
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
This theatre is a perfect entertainment destination for both tourists and locals. It is one of the oldest theatres in Calicut, situated five kilometres away from the museum. Crown Theatre introduced Dolby Sound in Kerala for the first time. It also employs 2K digital projection technology to give a mesmerising feel to the eyes of the viewers. The theatre has comfortable seating arrangements with air-conditioned halls. It is the ideal place to watch the latest Hollywood, Bollywood, and Malayalam films.
Location: Town Hall Road, Kozhikode
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2. Kozhikode Beach
Photo: GXR441 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit around the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum is Kozhikode Beach, also known as Calicut Beach. Almost six kilometres away from the museum, this beach offers a charming view of the sunset. The Lions Park and Marine Water Aquarium are also good places to visit. There is a Dolphin Point nearby, where visitors may see playful dolphins at dawn. A hundred-year-old lighthouse and two piers near the beach make the beach view more tranquil while leaving a trace of history. Fresh seafood, especially mussels, is a must-try in Kozhikode Beach.
Things To Do: Parasailing, Catamaran Ride, Jet Skiing
3. Sarovaram Biopark
Photo: Junior Cat MW / Wikimedia Commons
This eco-friendly park brings tourists closer to nature with its wide range of mangroves and other flora. Sarovaram Park is mainly an initiative to conserve mangrove trees and is home to more than 25 species of birds. This 200-acre protected land offers a butterfly park, bird sanctuary, musical fountain, aquarium, and an open-air theatre. Travellers can also take part in boating along the canal connecting Korapuzha and Kallayi rivers. The distance between Sarovaram Biopark and Pazhassi Museum is almost 4 kilometres.
Things To Do: Boating, rafting
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kozhikode
4. Jellyfish Watersports
Photo: Guillaume Bonastre / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For the best adventure sports experience near Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum, visit Jellyfish Watersports. It spans across the Chaliyar River and offers a range of activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rowing, and stand-up paddling. About 15 kilometres away from Pazhassi Museum, it gives adventurers a heavenly view of the Calicut coastline. Visitors can also enjoy bonfires and barbeque arrangements here and spend some quality time. It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the minimum cost for a person is ₹1750, excluding taxes.
Things to do: Kayaking, Fishing, Sailing, Rowing
5. Kappad Beach
Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons
It takes nearly 21 minutes to reach Kappad beach from the museum, via Kannur Road. Besides being a peaceful beach with a picturesque view, it also has historical significance. This beach is one of the major parts of the Spice route that led Vasco Da Gama to India. The hills and rocks of various sizes make the beach more picture-perfect. The beach has a stunning shoreline with golden sand all around. Visitors can have a breathtaking view of the sunset from Kappad Beach.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
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Other Factors to Consider
Photo: Bryce Edwards / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- Kozhikode usually has calm and pleasant weather from November to March. However, following daily weather updates is a must to avoid uncertain rainfall, thunderstorms, and others.
- Photography might be prohibited inside the museum so make sure you check with the authorities before taking any Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum photos.
Visiting the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum Kozhikode feels like stepping back in time. It has a rich collection of historical artefacts. Moreover, the building itself is a part of history where British collectors used to reside. Visitors will have a great time exploring tourist attractions near the museum. Find places for adventure sports, like kayaking, rafting, wall climbing. Plan a Kozhikode trip with TripXL today and start the journey towards the cultural wonders of the Malabar coast.
Cover Photo: Bidhunkrishna / Wikimedia Commons
