Kerala Folklore Museum — Attraction in Kerala

Amazing place to visit in Ernakulam. The place is packed with ancient artefacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, musical instruments and statues. The most mesmerizing fact about it is that this museum belongs to an art aficionado and is purely maintained by his family and the small entry fees paid by the visitors. It was inaugurated in the year 2009, after almost 8 years of meticulous hard work. As soon as one enters the main gate, they can feel the traditional temple vibes. There is a huge kalivilakku (a large stone structure in which many lamps/diyas are lighted; present in front of south temples) just in the middle of the main gate and the main building entrance. Following the tradition and to keep the premises clean, one has to keep their shoes outside in a rack (to the right of the main gate). The racks are made of wood and wooden benches are provided for comfort.

As we enter the main building, we pay an entry fee of INR100 per person and INR100 extra to take pictures. A staff member greets us in the fee counter and gives a basic introduction of the museum to all visitors. All the staff members are ladies adoring traditional sarees. She informs about the architectural design of the building, i.e. the ground floor is based on Malabar School of architecture and the 1st and 2nd floor are based on Cochin & Travancore styles respectively. There are a few paintings and sculptures in this room including an old ship compass and paintings from Raja Ravi Varma School. Leaving the room of entry, other parts of the museum are fully air-conditioned.

What one sees once they enter the main hall of the ground floor is nothing short of awe inspiring. Apart from adoring the architectural style of the roof, doors, locks and sometimes the walls, there are numerous other artefacts dating back to centuries. The size of these artefacts varies from a few millimetres to a few metres. There are artefacts belonging to many religions which are placed side by side showcasing the harmony in diversity of India. The feelings that arise by seeing them cannot be put down in words and must be felt only by visiting first-hand. The beauty of the paintings are breath-taking, belonging to different parts of India and in different styles including Tanjore style, glass painting, oil and water based paintings. The sculptures and artefacts are made of rocks and wood with different kinds of craftwork done on them. There are some sculptures which depict the same icon, but belong to a different time altogether. One can understand how the myths, styles and sharpness of the image of that icon evolved with time and continues to evolve till today.

Apart from the artefacts, there is a cloth shop, a gift shop, a jewellery shop and small snacks café inside the museum. Good quality traditional sarees, kurtis, shirts, etc. are available here. I would definitely suggest everyone to purchase the small bottle perfumes here, they are awesome. There are certain traditional snacks in the café including banana chips, tapioca chips, etc and other refreshments such as tea, coffee, lime juice, etc. Everything is worth the price and our time.

A special shoutout to all the staff members for being polite and helping the visitors in every way they can.

Many many thanks to Mr. George J Thaliath & family for sharing this wealth of knowledge and...

Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi: A Cultural Treasure Trove

My visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi was a captivating journey through the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the traditional arts, crafts, and folklore of this beautiful state. The well-curated exhibits and the unique blend of attractions make it a standout destination in Kochi.

Museum Experience:

The Kerala Folklore Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, each telling a unique story of Kerala's vibrant history and culture. From intricately carved wooden sculptures and traditional masks to ancient musical instruments and colorful costumes, every exhibit is a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. The museum is housed in a beautifully designed building that itself reflects traditional Kerala architecture, adding to the authenticity and charm of the experience.

The museum also hosts live performances of traditional dance and music, which provide a dynamic and immersive way to experience Kerala's cultural traditions. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready to share fascinating stories and insights about the exhibits, making the visit even more enriching.

1 Gram Gold Jewellery Exhibition Cum Sale:

One of the unique features of the Kerala Folklore Museum complex is the 1 gram gold jewelry exhibition cum sale. This section offers a stunning collection of beautifully crafted jewelry that combines traditional designs with modern aesthetics. It's a great opportunity to purchase exquisite pieces at reasonable prices, making it a delightful addition to the museum visit.

Kerala Ethnic Wear Sales:

Another highlight of the complex is the Kerala ethnic wear sales section. Here, visitors can find a wide range of traditional Kerala clothing, including the iconic Kasavu sarees, Mundu, and other ethnic garments. The quality of the fabrics and the craftsmanship is exceptional, and the prices are quite reasonable. It's a perfect place to shop for authentic Kerala attire and souvenirs.

Entry Fees and Camera Tickets:

The museum charges a nominal entry fee, which is well worth the experience it offers. Additionally, there is a small fee for using cameras inside the museum, which is understandable given the valuable and delicate nature of the exhibits. These fees help maintain the museum and ensure that it continues to provide a high-quality experience for all visitors.

Overall Experience:

The Kerala Folklore Museum is a fascinating destination that offers a deep dive into the cultural heritage of Kerala. The addition of the jewelry and ethnic wear sales sections enhances the overall experience, providing a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and shopping. While the entry and camera fees are nominal, they are a small price to pay for the enriching experience that the museum offers.

Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique shopping experience, the Kerala Folklore Museum is a must-visit destination in Kochi. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting...

Had visited yesterday, at the entrance it was written in bold letters to take off the shoes to enter the museum but nowhere it was mentioned that entry tickets had to be purchased, only seen Rs100/- to be paid if one has to take photos, we were tourists and had few hours in hand before catching the next flight so decided to visit museum ( I believe one can get an idea of the place, it's people, habits, culture from the artefacts, objects that are exhibited, preserved there) & had no intention to click photos so we entered, as we hardly stepped in, the lady at the counter started shouting & behaving rudely and then we came to know there was an Entrance fee of Rs200/- per person for Indians, from her. We immediately paid her but refused to enter the museum anymore, been humiliated but still the woman kept on saying unnecessary things as a result of which we asked her to call her manager who came but she was equally rude and put the blame on us for not asking about tickets, instead of seeing their fault and when we again pointed out that every visitor should be well informed and it should be properly mentioned at the entrance only about the tickets. She said it was our duty to ask before entering the museum. How could this logic be accepted? Every museums, halls have designated places for proper ticket counters but Folklore Museum is not having that. We informed this but this snooty manager showed us the doors and asked us to leave which was very insulting. My question is where is our fault, we didnot find any ticket counter, nowhere it was mentioned about Entrance fee, we even paid entrance fee after we were informed, but instead of acknowledging their fault they behaved so badly. Are we, Indians, taught to behave with strangers /visitors /guests in this way? Are we forgetting our culture, our concept, to us ' Atithi devo bhava'? It is a private museum, so to survive in long run employees, owners, lineage, all should change their attitude and be properly trained in human management else it will close down very soon. This ill mannered manager should learn business, change herself and her attitude to become successful in her professional life, else every business run under supervision will close down very soon. To become successful one has to be rational and no harm in admitting faults when and where required

These two employees should be warned by management for...