Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a museum dedicated to showcasing the natural history and biodiversity of the state. Here's a brief history, profile, and attractions of the Natural History Museum.

History:
The Natural History Museum was established in 1885, during the reign of the Maharaja of Travancore, with the aim of preserving and promoting the rich natural history and biodiversity of the region. The museum was originally located in the Napier Museum, but was later moved to its current location on the outskirts of the city. The museum is currently managed by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.

Profile:
The Natural History Museum is spread over an area of 5.5 acres and features several galleries and exhibits showcasing the flora, fauna, and geology of the region. The museum has an extensive collection of specimens, including preserved animals, birds, reptiles, insects, and plants, as well as fossils and rocks.

Attractions:
One of the main attractions of the Natural History Museum is the Gallery of Taxidermy, which features an impressive collection of stuffed animals and birds, including tigers, elephants, and peacocks. There is also a Butterfly Park, where visitors can observe and learn about various species of butterflies and moths. The museum also has a Botanical Garden, with a wide variety of plants and trees, and a Nature Trail, where visitors can explore the natural surroundings of the museum.

Other galleries and exhibits at the Natural History Museum include the Mineralogy Gallery, which showcases the geology of the region and features a collection of rocks and minerals, and the Evolutionary Biology Gallery, which explores the evolution of life on earth and the diversity of species in the region. There is also a Snake Park, where visitors can see various species of snakes and learn about their behavior and habitat.

Overall, the Natural History Museum in Thiruvananthapuram is a fascinating and informative attraction for anyone interested in the natural history and biodiversity of Kerala. With its extensive collection of specimens and interactive exhibits, the museum offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

The Natural History Museum, housed in a modern spacious building, is situated in the Napier Museum and Zoo complex.

The museum has a varied and rich collection of minerals and books presented by General Cullen in 1885. There are several galleries within the Natural History Museum. Each of the galleries is specifically assigned to a particular category of the animal kingdom.

The museum has separate galleries for mammals, birds, lower vertebrates, invertebrates, separate room for index collections, skeleton gallery, an ethnographic collection, and a laboratory.

There is also an outdoor exhibit of fossil tree trunks near the entrance of the museum.

The art collection covers aspects of Kerala's rich heritage in sculptures of stone, wood and metal. An interesting replica of Tharawad is also present in the museum.

The Natural History Museum has a vast collection of replica of a typical Kerala Nair wooden house, naluketu, detailing the principles of its construction. The Kanakakunnu Palace where the royal family of Travancore once entertained their guests is adjacent to this complex, on the top of a hill.

Superintendent,
Natural History Museum,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Web : http://www.indianholiday.com/kerala/museums-in-kerala/natural-history-museum.html