About:

Napier Museum is situated at Trivandrum district, kerala.Its named after the governor general of Madras, John Napier, the Trivandrum Napier museum is located in the heart of the city. The museum is equipped with natural air conditioning and provides a glance of the rich historical legacy of Kerala. Napier museum and art gallery of Kerala are located in the same compound and the museum has a good collection of ancient archaeological artifacts. This museum was built in the 19th century.The Museum is located 400 meters east of Indian Airlines. In this museum you shall find a rich collection of fine ornaments that the queen of the ancient times used to wear. Kerala had been under the dynastic reign of the Cholas, Pallavas and Chalukyas. They have left their impact in the Indian Culture and so while you visit the Napier Museum in Trivandrum you shall discover their arms and ammunitions inside it. Moreover the coins inscribed by them are also available at Napier Museum in Trivandrum.The celestial beauty of the construction was imparted by bewitching brush of Chisholm. The tall minarets, gothic roofs and stained glass windows and the vivid use of colors such as blue, pink, yellow, red and white make it a dreamy sight. High arches, intricately carved balconies, red and white grilles and stone ornamentations give the museum its enamoring charms.There is an impressive collection of Javanese leather play figures which is used to depict Mahabharatha and Ramayana. A temple chariot and ivory carving add to its richness.

These coins indicate their achievements and intentions. The coins carry specific engravings which deal with the specific time in which they were created. In the Napier Museum you shall also find the life sized figures of Kathakali dancers in their original attires. A wide collection of contemporary ornaments would definitely enchant you.There is also a zoological garden located within the museum premises.The time for visit at Napier Museum in Trivandrum is 10 am to 5 pm. It remains closed on Mondays and on the first half of Wednesdays.IndianHoliday offers an opportunity for an online booking to Napier Museum Trivandrum.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

Climate is very cool during winter, Climate Temparature: (deg C) Summer Max 35 deg Min 22 deg. Winter Max 32 deg Min 20 deg.

History:

Kerala was built in 1857 at the bidding of Maha Raja Uthram Thirunal, His Highness Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Sri Padmanabha Dasa Vanchi Pala Marthanda Varma II, Kulashekara Kiritapati Mannaneya Sultan Bahadur Shamsher Jung, Raja of Travancore. The old building that housed the museum was demolished and the foundation for the new building named after Lord John Napier, the Governor General of Madras presidency was laid in 1874. The famous architect Robert Chisholm of Madras University Senate and Victoria Memorial fame was commissioned the project the construction was complete by 1880.

Interesting things to do:

you can see tall minarets, gothic roofs and stained glass windows and the vivid use of colors such as blue, pink, yellow, red and white, collection of Javanese leather play figures which is used to depict Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Interesting things to Visit:

Sree Chitra Art Gallery:

The Sri Chitra Art Gallery, near the Napier Museum, in Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1935. The gallery has on display a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The gallery also has a good collection of miniature

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu. The structure of this temple and the sculptures within are an interesting mix of the Kerala as well as Dravidian styles.

The Zoological Park:

This one is among the earliest of zoos in India and among the least artificial as well. It often resembles a jungle situated right in the heart of the city.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.

Nearest Airport:

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Road Transport:

The city has very well developed roadways connections to rest of Kerala and nearby states. Some major cities distances are: Chennai- 708 Km, Banglore- 753 Km, Mumbai- 1543 Km, Coimbatore: 413 Km and Calicut- 382 Km.

Nearest Visiting places:

The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :

Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.

Agasthyakoodam:

Lying at an altitude of 1,890 m, Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals. Trekking to the top takes two days and is only permitted between December and April.

Paripally Gajamela:

Paripally, 48 km north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival in the month of February-March.

Ponmudi:

An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.

Kanyakumari:

This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:

Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:

There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi

Chacha Nehru Children`s Museum:

Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird`s eye view of the city from here.

Anivikkara Dam (16km - 1/2 hour):

This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full offish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church :

This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur
Bolghatty Island : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.

Willington Island :

Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge, Willington Island is named after the former Viceroy of India, Lord Willington. It is a manmade Island created from the materials dredged while deepening Cochin Port. Willington Island sites some of the district’s best hotels, Trading and industrial offices. Besides the airport, ship building yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the customs house and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the government of India

Chinese Fishing Nets :

A legacy of the trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin's waterfront. These are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still to be in use by the local fisher folk of Fort Cochin.

Vyppin light house :

The biggest Island, situated between the sea and the backwaters of Cochin. It is 24 km long and 2 1/2 km wide. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu which is open to tourists from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Island can be reached only by water transport provided by boat services and Junkar. There are bus services on the Island.

Pallippuram Fort :

Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vyppin Island at Pallippuram. The catholic church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.

The Akulam Boat Club:

Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately. It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.

Vellayani:

Vellayani or Vellayani kayal as known in local language is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala, the other two being Sasthamcotta lake in Kollam and Pookkode lake in Wayanad. This lake is abourt 50 hectare huge freshwater lake. The most unique feature is that a road passes through the lake.

Peppara dam:

The dam is erected across the Karamana River.Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas.

Poovar beach:

Poovar beach is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land and it is located in poovar near kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India.Poovar Beach separates the Neyyar River from the sea. Essentially a fishing village, it is a beautiful and unexplored beach resort. This stunning location has been successful in attracting many tourists over the years.

Mankayam Waterfall:

Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls.From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River.

Parasurama temple:

The Parasurama temple located on the banks of the river Karamana, is the only one temple dedicated to Sri Parasurama.Many Pilgrims visit this temple for 'Balitharpanam'. People make offerings to their ancestors, after taking a dip in the holy river. There is wide belief that the great monk Adi Shakara made the Bali for his mother at this place.Very famous for Pithru Karyiam (Oblations for the departed souls) where three rivers joins and flowing to Sea.

Fort Anjengo:

It was here that the firstanchuthengu light house settlement of the English East India Company was established in 1864 A.D. Historically, the limits of area where five coconut palms stood was given on lease to the Company by the King of Travancore for trade purposes. The remains of the old English Fort, which had withstood many a siege, can be seen here even today.

Shanghumugham beach:

Shanghumugham beach is one of the most pictorial beaches located in Kerala. Kerala, God’s own country, in south India has some of the best beaches in the world. Shanghumugham beach is one of them. A travel tour to Shanghumugham beach would help you to gather knowledge about the nearby places.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Civil Supplies Petrol Pump
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Varma Travels Petrol Pump
Trivandrum, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Statue General Hospital Road
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Palayam Petrol Pump
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Classic Avenue Hotel
Manjalikulam Rd, Trivandrum
Kerala 695001
Tel: 0471 2333555.

Keralagreenery
Tutors Ln, Palayam
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala 695001
Tel: 0471 2573011.

Keys Hotels Trivandrum
Opposite Fire Brigade
Housing Board Junction
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001
Tel: 09820451618.

Fortune Hotel The South Park
M. G. Road, Trivandrum
Kerala 695034
Tel: 0471 2333333.

SP GRAND DAYS Hotel
Railway Station Rd,Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala 695014
Tel: 0471 2333344.

Shirleysbeach Hotels and Tour operators
Behind Coconut Groove restaurant
kovalam Beach, trivandrum
Kerala 695527
Tel: 0471 2317303.

Pankaj Hotel
Opposite Old Secretariat
M.G.Road, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala
Tel: 0471 2464645.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Pothencode Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Vizhinjam Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Nedumangad Police Station
Nedumangad
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Mangalapuram Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

KERALA AYURVEDA
VATTIYOORKAVU JUNCTIO
KERALA STATE, TRIVANDRUM
Kerala 695013
Tel: 094 96197071 – 097 40737834.

Jubliee Hospital
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Geethanjali Hospital
Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Tel:0471 2326774.

GG Hospital
Pattom Kumarapuram Road
Kumarapuram, Trivandrum
Kerala
Tel:0471 2445832.

Sree Ramakrishna Mission Hospital
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Tel:0471 2722125.

Vadayakkadu Vaidyasala
Vadayakkadu Junction
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Link:

http://chithrakkudukka.blogspot.com/2009/10/napier-museumtrivandrum.html
http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/napier-museum.html
http://taradaleroom16.blogspot.com/2009/06/napier-museum.html
http://trivandrumhangouts.blogspot.com/2007/09/lush-exteriors-of-napier-museum.html
http://tourismkerala4u.blogspot.com/2008/09/napier-museum.html
http://bangalorefizz.blogspot.com/2008/07/napier-museum-trivandrum.html