Kerala Biodiversity Museum

Kerala Biodiversity Museum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Thiruvananthapuram Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located on the scenic banks of the Karamana River in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala Biodiversity Museum is India’s first museum dedicated exclusively to biodiversity conservation and environmental education. This innovative institution, established in 2018 through a collaboration between the Kerala State Biodiversity Board and the Department of Environment and Climate Change, is housed in the beautifully restored Vallakadavu Boat Jetty—a heritage structure that blends colonial-era architecture with principles of modern sustainability. Serving as a gateway to Kerala’s rich ecological heritage, the museum provides immersive exhibits, interactive technologies like Science on a Sphere, and engaging programs for visitors of all ages, making it a vital hub for environmental awareness and scientific learning (Kerala Biodiversity Museum Official; The Hindu; Kerala Tourism).

Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Best Time to Visit
Facilities and Amenities
Key Attractions and Interactive Features
Sustainable Practices and Accessibility
Special Events and Programs
Practical Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Location and Accessibility

The Kerala Biodiversity Museum is situated at Vallakadavu, Thiruvananthapuram, along the Trivandrum-Shoranur (T.S.) Canal. The historic boathouse setting offers a tranquil riverside experience while remaining easily accessible from central Thiruvananthapuram. The museum is about 5 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and 7 km from Trivandrum International Airport. Public buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws provide convenient connections (Kerala Biodiversity Museum Official; Museums of India).

Accessibility:
The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, wide corridors, accessible restrooms, and assistance available for visitors with special needs. Multilingual signage and information panels in English and Malayalam cater to a diverse audience.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and select public holidays. Always check the official website for updates during festivals or special events.
Tickets:
- Adults: ₹20
- Children/Students: ₹10
- Children under 5: Free
- Additional charges for attractions like the 3D theatre or guided group tours may apply.
- Discounts are available for educational groups, college students, and senior citizens (Museums of India).

Contact:

Phone: +91 471 2504750
Email: [email protected]

Best Time to Visit Kerala Biodiversity Museum

Thiruvananthapuram enjoys a tropical climate, making the museum an all-weather destination. For outdoor exploration of the riverside and nearby historical sites, the best months are October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. The monsoon season (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, so visitors should carry umbrellas or raincoats and wear suitable footwear if visiting during this period (TravelTriangle).

Facilities and Amenities

The Kerala Biodiversity Museum provides a range of amenities for visitor comfort and convenience:

Restrooms: Clean and accessible.
Drinking Water: Water stations located throughout the museum.
Parking: Limited parking for cars and two-wheelers is available near the entrance.
Cloakroom: Storage for bags and personal belongings.
Souvenir Shop: Offers books, educational materials, and eco-friendly products.
Guided Tours: Educators are available for in-depth tours and interactive sessions.
First Aid: Basic medical assistance at the reception desk.
Café: Light refreshments and local snacks.

Key Attractions and Interactive Features

Science on a Sphere (SoS)

The museum’s signature exhibit, Science on a Sphere, is a NASA-supported visualization system that projects real-time planetary data—including weather patterns, climate change, and biodiversity hotspots—onto a six-foot globe. This interactive display offers live data feeds and is one of only a few such installations in India (Kerala Tourism; The Better India).

Thematic Biodiversity Galleries

Kerala’s Ecosystems: Dioramas and multimedia panels on the Western Ghats, wetlands, backwaters, and marine life.
Species Diversity: Endemic and endangered flora and fauna, traditional rice varieties, and medicinal plants.
Conservation Initiatives: Infographics on habitat loss, pollution, and local community conservation projects.
Interactive Kiosks: Explore species databases, take biodiversity quizzes, and access real-time environmental data.

3D Theatre

A 30-minute immersive film experience on biodiversity and conservation, available in Malayalam and English, is a highlight for families and school groups.

Aquarium and Medicinal Plant Garden

The museum features an aquarium with indigenous fish species and a garden with over 60 medicinal plants, each labeled with conservation and ethnobotanical details.

Hands-On Learning and AR Experiences

Microscope Stations: Examine plant and insect specimens.
Augmented Reality: Scan QR codes to access 3D animations and extra content.
Children’s Zone: Puzzles, storytelling, and craft activities designed for young visitors.

Sustainable Practices and Accessibility

The Kerala Biodiversity Museum is a model of eco-friendly design:

Sustainable Architecture: The adaptive reuse of the historic Vallakadavu Boathouse preserves local heritage while incorporating energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, and solar power.
Waste Management: Segregation and recycling stations are provided throughout the museum.
Inclusive Design: Ramps, accessible restrooms, multilingual signage, and audio guides ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors (Kerala Biodiversity Museum Official).

Special Events and Programs

The museum regularly hosts workshops, expert talks, and special exhibitions aligned with International Biodiversity Day, World Environment Day, and other occasions. School outreach programs, biodiversity clubs, and citizen science projects are also run throughout the year. Updates on upcoming events are available on the museum’s official website and social media channels.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the galleries, aquarium, and outdoor spaces.
Group Visits: Book in advance for guided tours, especially for schools and colleges.
Photography: Permitted in most areas—avoid flash and tripods unless authorized.
Language: Displays are bilingual; guides are available in English and Malayalam.
Best Time: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.

What to Bring:

Notebook and pen for notes or sketches.
Comfortable footwear.
Rain protection during monsoon months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Kerala Biodiversity Museum visiting hours?
A: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays and select public holidays.

Q: What is the ticket price?
A: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children/students; group discounts and concessions available.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistance on request.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, advance booking recommended, especially for educational groups.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, except in restricted areas; avoid flash and tripods.

Nearby Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram

Make the most of your visit by exploring nearby cultural and historical sites:

Napier Museum and Art Gallery: 3 km away, for art and Kerala’s history.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: 7 km away, a renowned Hindu temple.
Shanghumukham Beach: About 5 km away, ideal for sunset views.
Kanakakkunnu Palace: Another heritage attraction in the city.

These sites offer a holistic experience of Thiruvananthapuram’s natural and cultural riches (Kerala Tourism).

Conclusion

The Kerala Biodiversity Museum is a vibrant center for environmental education and cultural heritage, uniquely combining a restored 19th-century boathouse with cutting-edge exhibits and sustainable architecture. With its interactive galleries, the Science on a Sphere system, and comprehensive accessibility features, the museum is a top destination in Thiruvananthapuram for anyone passionate about nature, science, or Kerala’s legacy. Plan your visit using the information above, and enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and travel tips. Stay updated on workshops and events via the museum’s official channels, and make the museum the starting point for your exploration of Kerala’s biodiversity and history.