Museums and Zoo Complex (Suryakanthi Exhibition Ground)

It’s in the heart of the city, where Trivandrum’s museums and galleries converge, making it easier for the traveller to create a walking trail for the day. A single stop at the museums and zoo complex in the Suryakanthi Exhibition Ground takes up a large part of the day. Over 55 acres of landscaped property is dotted with seven interesting establishments: the Natural History Museum, K.C.S. Panicker’s Gallery, Sree Chitra Enclave, Napier Museum, V.K. Krishna Menon Museum and Art Gallery, Sree Chitra Art Gallery and the Zoo. Even though the complex is buzzing with visitors, school groups and locals, one has ample breathing room to roam around. If not all, one must see the highlights of the complex. These are, the Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery and the Zoo. Entry to all is separate from one another (0471-2318294; www.keralamuseumandzoo.org; Museum Compound)

Zoo The strictly plastic free zoo is one of the oldest in the country and was constructed in 1857. An impressive amount of animals, including tigers, wild boars, deer, monkeys and many more are kept in well maintained, spacious and naturally landscaped enclosures. Group and family tickets are discounted.
Opening hours: 9 am - 5.15 pm (Monday closed)

Sree Chitra Art Gallery The oil painting legend, Raja Ravi Varma’s outstanding collection of paintings is housed in the Sree Chitra Art Gallery. Enter barefoot wooden floored, double storeyed gallery. Apart from Varma’s art, one can also find famous Russian artist, Roerich’s work. The gallery also has murals and paintings from other parts of Kerala but Raja Ravi Varma’s work is what makes this a world-renowned gallery.
Opening hours: 10 am - 4.45 pm, Wednesdays: 1 pm - 4.45 pm (Monday closed)

Napier Museum
Constructed in 1855, the Indo-Saracenic styled museum is the most prominent structure of the complex. It sits on a low hill in the middle of the green lawn. The over 150 years old red tinged building is considered a masterpiece with its brilliant ornamental roof. Robert Chisholm, who was the consulting architect of the Madras Government, built it. Infact, the Gothic architecture of the museum is more fascinating than the artefacts that it houses. An audio guide can be accessed via phone by dialing 9048755555.
Opening hours: 10 am - 4.45 pm, Wednesdays 1 pm - 5 pm (Monday closed)