A Museum of Life, A Mirror of Nature

Started in 1853, in a part of the Bungalow of John Allan Broun, then Director of the Trivandrum Observatory, the Thiruvananthapuram Natural History Museum nowadays features an impressive display of the animal kingdom, featuring everything from tiny ants to grand whales. As you walk through, the carefully crafted dioramas transport you into the natural habitats of these creatures, making it an educational and engaging encounter. You’ll discover fascinating facts about fauna and conservation, helping you appreciate the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.

The museum has a history as layered as its collections. Originally part of the Art Museum in the 19th century, the natural history exhibits grew over time and were eventually housed in their own dedicated space in a building called Shankumukhom. With roots tracing back to 1853, when specimens of Travancore rocks formed its earliest collection, this institution has evolved into one of the country’s most comprehensive natural history museums.