Museums in Kerala: From Contemporary Art to Traditional Elegance

Known for its therapeutic ayurvedic retreats, age-old temples and backwaters, Kerala blends elements of tourism so well! As you discover the hidden gems, you are certain to come across the best museums in Kerala. Most cities in the state house a museum showcasing the rich history and heritage.

Stepping into a museum in Kerala is just like immersing yourself in classic architecture. Interestingly, they are not limited to history and culture. You can find multiple museums providing knowledge on tea production, honey making, coir business, perfumes and craftsmanship. So, get ready to walk and soak the old-world vibes. 

14 Top-Rated Museums in Kerala That Take You Back in Time

1. Kerala Folklore Museum

To witness something extraordinary and historic is what defines your travel to the state of Kerala. The Kerala Folklore Museum is one of the best places for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. 

If you are up for an exciting time, this is the place to be! Interestingly, the museum is made completely of wood, making it an architectural marvel. As you enter the museum, you can watch everything ancient, taking you back in time. 

It is renowned for timeless paintings, percussion instruments, sculptures of deities, weapons and utensils. What makes it one of the best museums in Kerala is the amount of artefacts you shall see here! It also has a souvenir shop for outstanding sarees, paintings and exclusive perfumes.

• Entry Fee: INR 100 Per Person | INR 100 for Photography 
• Timings: 9:00 Am to 6:00 Pm
• Location: 2059C, No 26, Pandit Karuppan Rd, near Thevara Ferry Road, Junction, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682013

2. Napier Museum

Get ready for an unforgettable time at one of the unique museums in Kerala. Napier Museum is an architectural wonder as it blends Kerala and Gothic styles. Moreover, the museum is surrounded by lush green gardens, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate. 

The museum houses long-lived artworks, glamorous jewellery and temple chariots. Additionally, the museum also has exclusive collections from Southeast Asia. 

The information is well displayed, making it an indulging process for history lovers. Friendly staff is always ready to assist you! Make sure to book hotels in Thiruvananthapuram for a pleasant experience.

• Entry Fee: INR 20 Per Person
• Timings: 10:00 Am to 4:45 Pm
• Location: GX54+H2P, LMS Vellayambalam Rd, near Museum Junction, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033

3. Keralam – Museum of History and Heritage

As the name suggests, step into an extraordinary place that takes you into a traditional Kerala house. Keralam is one of the best museums in Kerala, built with enriching interiors. 

The thoughtful craftsmanship reflects in each exhibit showcasing paintings, murals and sculptures of deities. It also houses remarkable weapons, utensils and textiles. Elevate your time as you step into a beautiful museum with clean surroundings. 

Additionally, it is filled with multiple informative boards and displays wherein you can read in-depth about the exhibits. It is a significant place for enthusiasts willing to discover the rich heritage of Kerala. 

• Entry Fee: INR 20 Per Person
• Timings: 10:00 Am to 5:00 Pm
• Location: GX53+7G2 Tourism Directorate Compound, LMS Vellayambalam Road Near Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Office, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033

After checking out the museum, head to one of the hill stations in Kerala to experience pure solace and bliss.

4. Arakkal Museum, Kannur

With many museums in Kerala showcasing the rich heritage of the state, there’s the Arakkal Museum doing it differently. It is the only museum dedicated to the Muslim dynasty of Arakkals. Moreover, the museum is a small part of the Arakkal Royal Palace. 

The museum takes you to the rich dynasty with time-worn weapons, utensils and telephones. The museum is renowned for its simplistic interiors with a blend of Kerala-style craftsmanship on the outside. 

Catch a glimpse of copies of the holy book of Quran, wooden boxes used for grain storage, compass, furnishings and bronze utensils. You can also watch mosques and administrative buildings on the same premises. It is best to book affordable hotels in Kannur for a comfortable time.

• Entry Fee: INR 20 Per Person 
• Timings: 10:00 Am to 5:00 Pm
• Location: V95H+Q89, Ayikkara Government Hospital Road, Ayikkara, near District Hospital, Kannur, Kerala 670013

5. Indian Naval Maritime Museum

Hold your breath as you have to step into World War II bunkers. Yes, these bunkers were used for storing weapons. They are now converted into museums for you to witness the history of the Indian Navy. 

Being one of the prominent museums in Kerala, the museum introduces you to bombers, guns, torpedoes and radars. It also has massive displays of different aircraft used in the Navy. 

Moreover, there’s a special space where you can watch an elaborate video highlighting the evolution of the Indian Navy. The place is surely a great destination to immerse in the history of maritime. You can also book budget-friendly hotels in Kochi for a great time.

• Entry Fee: INR 50 Per Person 
• Timings: 10 Am to 1:30 Pm | 2:30 Pm to 5:30 Pm
• Location: X65Q+CJG, K.J. Herschel Rd, Veli, Kochi, Kerala 682001

6. Kerala State Science & Technology Museum

If you are travelling with younglings, this is one of the best museums in Kerala for an entertaining time. Kerala State Science & Technology Museum houses a planetarium as well. Adults and kids can watch videos and learn about the solar system. 

As you step into the museum, you can find different exhibits diving you into the world of science. You get to learn with elaborate models in chemistry, biology, physics and engineering. 

What’s more? You can always be a part of interesting workshops and science fairs. Make sure to visit the astronomical observatory and other galleries. Additionally, it also has a garden area perfect for little ones.

• Timings: 10:00 Am to 5:00 Pm
• Location: Priyadarshini Planetarium Road, Junction, Near PMG, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033

7. Wayanad Heritage Museum

Kerala helps you dive into its history and cultural extravaganza like never before! Wayanad Heritage Museum has to be on your list during the tour. It is one of the best museums in Kerala to witness the beauty of notable architecture and conventional interiors. 

The museum is renowned for its simplistic approach towards the history and heritage of the state. It houses quintessential artefacts, weapons and archaeological findings. You can also witness different rustic utensils, sculptures of gods and goddesses, stone carvings, tribal jewellery and pottery.

The museum is well-maintained and direction signs are placed everywhere. It indeed provides a soulful experience as you walk through the historic past.

• Entry Fee: INR 30 Per Person 
• Timings: 9:00 Am to 5:30 Pm
• Location: Ambalavayal, Kerala 673593

8. Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum

Visiting a museum is more like stepping into a treasure trove of historical finds. Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum is one of the underrated museums in Kerala that remains unexplored by many. It sure is a great place for adults as well as children to learn about British Colonial rule. 

As you enter this museum, you can witness the vintage feel of its time-honoured architecture. The museum is filled with exhibits introducing you to sculptures, antique items, metal crafts and coins. It also has a special section for vibrant paintings depicting the contemporary art forms of the state. 

Do not miss out on beautiful models of temples and religious texts. The museum is surrounded by verdant landscapes helping you rejuvenate. You can easily book hotels in Kozhikode for a comfortable time in the city.

• Entry Fee: INR 25 Per Person
• Timings: 9:00 Am to 1:00 Pm | 2:00 Pm to 4:30 Pm
• Location: Kendriya Vidyalaya Rd, East Hill, Kozhikode, Kerala 673005

9. Teak Museum

You must have heard of different historic museums in Kerala known for their religious and cultural elegance. However, the state is home to unique museums as well. Straight away head to Nilambur to witness the majesty of the Teak Museum. 

You get an amazing opportunity to learn about the cultivation of teak as well as its economic importance. The place is all about exhibits and models explaining the history and the evolution of teak. Moreover, you also get information about the biodiversity in the forests of Nilambur. 

Dedicated to nature, the museum is settled in a lush green setting ideal for photography. You can also find a few eateries, an auditorium, a library and a clean restroom for a comfortable getaway. The place remains a hidden treasure to many travellers. 

• Entry Fee: INR 20 to INR 50 Per Person
• Timings: 10:00 Am to 4:30 Pm
• Location: 8722+25V, SH28, Nilambur, Kerala 679330

10. Honey Museum, Wayanad

Imagine entering a massive hive where all you see are the shades of brown and bees wandering around! Similar is the experience when you visit the Honey Museum in Wayanad. 

The architecture of this place replicates a hive and everything feels like an eternal piece of natural bliss. It provides an immersive experience of the honey-making process. 

You get to witness everything about honey extraction, production, different types of honey and the collection process. Moreover, it also offers a honey-tasting session wherein you can understand diverse honey types. The museum is renowned for natural products including honey, creams and bee wax. 

• Entry Fee: INR 30 Per Person
• Timings: 9:30 Am to 8:30 Pm
• Location: Beecraft Building, 193/6, Old Vythiri, Vythiri, Kunnathidavaka, Kerala 673576

11. International Coir Museum

Locally known as the Alappuzha Coir Museum, it is an ideal place for witnessing the history of coir. As South India produces a large amount of coconuts, the husk of these fruits is used to make coir. 

The coir is then converted into varied products and decorative items. The museum takes you through the coir production process, techniques and the final making of the product. An idol of Lord Ganesh made out of coir is the centre of attraction in the museum. 

What’s more? It also has a souvenir shop wherein you can purchase mats and other house decor items for your loved ones. Even though it is a small place, it leaves no gap in showcasing the heritage of Kerala. Book budget-friendly hotels in Alappuzha for a serene time.

• Entry Fee: INR 20 Per Person | INR 50 for Photography
• Timings: 9:30 Am to 5:00 Pm
• Location: H88H+9QG, Kochi, Panvel – Kochi – Kanyakumari Highway, Kalavoor, Alappuzha, Kerala 688522

12. Tea Museum Munnar

With many tea gardens in India, Munnar is one of the finest destinations to understand the tea production process. The Tea Museum helps you experience an immersive journey into tea plantations. If you are specifically a tea lover, this place is certain to enthral you. 

You get to understand different types of tea and coffee powders. Along with this, it also displays animal taxidermy, legendary pictures, pottery and classic typewriters. Make sure to watch the documentary to learn about the evolution of this museum from the pre-independence era. 

Tea tasting is available at an additional cost. End your journey with a number of tea shops to purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. It is best to book affordable hotels in Munnar for a peaceful getaway.

• Entry Fee: INR 125 Per Person 
• Timings: 9:00 Am to 5:00 Pm
• Location: KDHP House, NH 49, Nullatanni, Munnar, Kerala 685612

Now that you are in Kerala, you might like to check out the best coffee plantations in India for an exciting tour amidst the aroma of coffee.

13. Krishnapuram Palace

When in Alappuzha, you cannot miss visiting the Krishnapuram Palace! It is one of the underrated museums in Kerala known for its customary South-Indian style architecture. The place literally exudes a rustic charm taking you back in time like never before. 

It is a combination of a palace and museum which served the Maharaja of Kayamkulam. It was built during the reign of a Travancore King named Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. 

You can walk through traditional pottery utensils, coins, weapons, sculptures and contemporary murals. The central attraction of the museum is the Gajendra moksham painting which narrates a story of the past. The surroundings are pleasant helping you dive into the natural bliss.

• Entry Fee: INR 10 for Adults | INR 5 for Children 
• Timings: 9:00 Am to 1:00 Pm | 2:00 Pm to 4:30 Pm
• Location: 5G25+4MP, Oachira Rd, near Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam, Kerala 690533

14. SPR Perfume Museum

The state is known for its Ayurvedic heritage and essential oils. Being one of the unique museums in Kerala, SPR Perfume Museum offers an immersive experience. It explains to you the history of fragrances in India along with their evolution. 

The museum is home to multiple perfume bottles and perfume-making machines. The instruments used in the process are explained well by the coordinators around. Moreover, every perfume is displayed with its information, helping you learn elaborately. It also has a shop to buy fragrances and essential oils for your loved ones.

• Timings: 10:00 Am to 5:30 Pm
• Location: CC 7/29, Jew Town Rd, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Here’s your Entry Ticket!

As you dive into the beauty of Kerala, know that it has something for everyone. Whether you love history, art or archaeology, museums in Kerala leave no gap in providing a mesmerising experience. Here is your chance to explore the best of spots exuding vibes of heritage and pride. Take this opportunity to discover the hidden treasure right in the state of lush greenery.