Krishna Menon Museum is a museum and art gallery in Kozhikode, Kerala, India, that showcases the life and legacy of V. K. Krishna Menon, a prominent Indian politician, diplomat, and scholar who served as the Defence Minister of India and the Ambassador to the United Nations. The museum also displays the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kozhikode and Kerala. In this article, we will explore some of the features and attractions of Krishna Menon Museum that make it a must-visit place for travelers. Visit during One Day Calicut Local Sightseeing Trip by Private Cab
Location/ Timing / Entry Fees of Krishna Menon Museum
Krishna Menon Museum is located at East Hill, about 5 km from Kozhikode city center. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is about 31 km away. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 3 km away. There are also buses and auto-rickshaws available from the city to the museum.
The museum is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays and Wednesday mornings. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 10 per person for adults and Rs. 5 per person for children.
How to Reach Krishna Menon Museum
There are several ways to reach Krishna Menon Museum from the city. One of the most convenient and scenic ways is to take a walk along the East Hill Road, which starts from the Mananchira Square and ends at the museum. The walk takes about an hour and offers a panoramic view of the city and the hills. The East Hill Road also has some landmarks and monuments along the way, such as the CSI Cathedral, the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the Gandhi Statue, etc.
Another way to reach Krishna Menon Museum is to take a bus from the KSRTC bus stand or the Moffusil bus stand in the city. There are frequent buses that ply between the city and the museum. The bus fare is Rs. 10 per person and the journey takes about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, one can also hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the city to the museum. The taxi fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. The auto-rickshaw fare may be around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100.
Things to Do / Must See in Krishna Menon Museum
Krishna Menon Museum offers a glimpse into the past and present of Kozhikode and Kerala, with its rich collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, coins, models, etc. Some of the things to do and must see at Krishna Menon Museum are:
- Learn about V. K. Krishna Menon: Krishna Menon Museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to V. K. Krishna Menon, who was born in Panniyankara in Kozhikode in 1896. He was a brilliant student who graduated from Madras Christian College and London School of Economics. He was also a lawyer, journalist, editor, publisher, teacher, and social worker. He joined the Indian independence movement in London and became a close associate of Jawaharlal Nehru. He played a key role in India’s foreign policy and defence affairs after independence. He was also a passionate advocate of world peace and disarmament. He died in 1974 in Delhi. The museum displays his personal belongings and souvenirs such as his medals, awards, books, letters, photographs, etc.
- Visit the art gallery: Krishna Menon Museum has an art gallery that displays the paintings of Kerala’s renowned artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 – 1906) and his uncle Raja Raja Varma. Raja Ravi Varma was a celebrated painter who brought international fame to Kerala with his realistic and elegant portraits of Indian gods, goddesses, kings, queens, etc. He also introduced oil painting and lithography in India. His paintings are considered as masterpieces of Indian art history. The art gallery has some of his famous paintings such as Shakuntala Patralekhanam (Shakuntala writing a letter), Hamsa Damayanthi (Damayanthi with a swan), etc.
- Explore the archaeological museum: Krishna Menon Museum has an archaeological museum that showcases the ancient and medieval history and culture of Kozhikode and Kerala. The museum has exhibits from the megalithic age, the Indus Valley civilization, the Sangam period, the Chera dynasty, the Zamorin kingdom, etc. The exhibits include pottery, toys, stone and metal sculptures, coins, models of temples, burial urns, umbrella stones, dolmenoid cists, etc. The museum also has a collection of mural paintings, antique bronzes, and Panchaloha idols.
Significance of Krishna Menon Museum
Krishna Menon Museum is not only a scenic destination but also a historic one. It is here that one can witness the glorious and vibrant legacy of V. K. Krishna Menon, who was one of the most influential and controversial figures in Indian politics and diplomacy. His achievements and contributions to India’s independence, foreign policy, defence, education, culture, etc., are unparalleled and remarkable. He is also regarded as a patriot and a visionary who had a global outlook and a humanistic approach.
Krishna Menon Museum is also a cultural hub, as it showcases the rich and diverse heritage and art of Kozhikode and Kerala. The museum exhibits the ancient and medieval civilizations that flourished in Kerala, the artistic and literary achievements of Kerala’s eminent artists and writers, the architectural and religious traditions of Kerala’s temples and monuments, etc. The museum also reflects the harmony and tolerance of Kerala’s society, which welcomed and assimilated various cultures and religions from different parts of the world.
FAQ’s
- Q: Is Krishna Menon Museum suitable for children?
- A: Yes, Krishna Menon Museum is suitable for children, as it has educational and cultural value for them. The museum teaches them about the history and geography of Kozhikode and Kerala. The museum also offers them a chance to see and learn about various artifacts, paintings, sculptures, etc.
- Q: What are the best times to visit Krishna Menon Museum?
- A: The best times to visit Krishna Menon Museum are from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months from April to June can be hot and humid, while the monsoon months from July to September can be rainy and windy.
- Q: What are some other attractions near Krishna Menon Museum?
- A: Some other attractions near Krishna Menon Museum are:
- Kozhikode Beach: A lively and beautiful beach that attracts tourists and locals alike. It is also known as Calicut Beach, as it is located in the city of Kozhikode (also known as Calicut), which is the historical and cultural capital of Malabar.
- Pazhassi Raja Museum: A museum and art gallery that showcases the life and legacy of Pazhassi Raja, a brave king and freedom fighter who resisted the British colonialism in the 18th century. The museum also displays the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kozhikode and Kerala.
- Tali Temple: An ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and has a unique architectural style.
Conclusion
Krishna Menon Museum is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the history, culture, and nature of Kozhikode. It is a place where one can learn about V. K. Krishna Menon, admire the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, explore the exhibits in the archaeological museum, and learn about the past and present of Kozhikode. It is a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions.
