The Maritime Museum is housed in INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery school of the Indian Navy at Fort Kochi. The museum is located in two magazines used for storage of ammunition by the British during World War II, and displays information and artefacts related to India’s glorious maritime history over the centuries.

The display begins on the grounds, with artefacts too huge to fit inside. Inside, the walls are lined with paintings, maps and replicas of documents detailing the birth of the Indian Navy and its transformation over the years. The museum is filled with interesting anecdotes, such as one explaining the motto of the Indian Navy, and its origin, with a letter from Rajaji, the last Governor General of India, suggesting the motto and its meaning.

The museum aims to capture children’s attention with a section devoted to the maritime history of the region, depicted through murals and figurines. A whole wall is dedicated to the Kunjali Marakkars, the admirals to the Zamorins of Calicut. There are murals depicting the evolution of Kochi as a port and a fort, and also the arrival of Vasco da Gama. The murals aren’t works of art, but they do depict the history in an attractive manner, and especially help in engaging kids!

Another section focuses on naval history of India before the Europeans arrived here. There are maps of ancient ports and trade routes in Southern India, as well as maps of important forts along the western coast. The museum is a treasure trove of information of India’s glorious naval history―a must visit if you are in Fort Kochi!

Note:
Location: The Maritime Museum is located quite near the beach, at INS Dronacharya. There are plenty of boards directing you here.