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Museums of Tamil Nadu

SRI MEENAKSHI SUNDARSVARA TEMPLE MUSEUM, MADURAI

Exquisite collections of South Indian bronzes, paintings, musical instruments, decorative arts and jewellery are the main attractions.

PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE AND MUSEUM

The palace museum has an amazing collection of wooden architecture, coin, and stone sculptures. The palace constructed in teak and granite is the finest example of traditional Keralan architecture. It has rosewood ceilings carved in floral patterns, windows laid with jewel-coloured mica and floors finished to a high special compound of crushed shells, coconuts, egg whites and local plant juices. The palace has intricately carved rosewood chairs, screens and ceilings, as well as large Chinese pickle jars.

From Thiruvananthapuram, travel by Kanyakumari bus and get off at Thuckalay. The palace is 15 min by walk or travel by auto. Admission Rs 10, camera Rs 25, Monday closed. Guides are available at Rs 50 to 100.

THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, OOTY

On display are tribal objects, district’s ecological details and representative sculptural arts and craft of Tamil Nadu. Timings: 10.00 a.m to 1 p.m and 2.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays, second Saturdays and government holidays. Entry: Free.

THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, VELLORE

It treasures ancient and present day articles relating to Anthropology, Art, Archaeology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-History, Zoology, etc. Timings: 9.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m and 2.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and government Holidays. Entry: Free.

PONDICHERRY MUSEUM

A collection of findings from Arikamadu, bronzes of the Chola, armoury, coins and handicrafts are features in this museum.

THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, PUDUKKOTTAI

This museum has sections of geology, zoology, paintings, anthropology, epigraphy and historical records. There is also a collection of fine sculptures and bronzes from various periods. Timings: 10 a.m to 1 p.m and 2 p.m to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays, second Saturdays and public holidays. Entry: Free.

THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, SALEM

Valuable collections of terracotta and sculptures are featured in this museum. Timings: 10 a.m to 1 p.m and 2 to 5 pm. Closed on Fridays, second Saturdays and public holidays. Entry. Free.