Visitor Information
- Famous For: Travel, Experience seekers, History and Learning.
- Entrance Fee: You can enter the museum with the help of passes only. Once you get to the place you will get to know more about how to get the passes.
- Visiting Time: The museum is open on all days except Monday. The timings from Tuesday to Saturday are from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. On Sundays, the museum opens at 11.30 A.M. and closes on the usual time.
- Visit Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours approximately.
Traveller Tips
- The average rainfall in the region is about 1100 mm every year. You can always expect light rain during the evenings. So, do remember to carry an umbrella with you.
- Carrying a camera is a must. You need to record every moment of this trip.
- If you plan on visiting Kumarakom during the winter season, do not forget to carry proper winter clothes because the drop-in temperature might be sudden after a rainfall.
Things to Do
- Taking a tour of the museum takes up most of your time here. You can have a nice long chat with Mrs. Raji if she is available. She explains the history and structures of the museum.
- Try out the authentic food of Kerala in the nearby restaurants. The dishes are lip smacking and worth a try.
Availability of Guides
The items in the museum are pretty self-explanatory. There are boards and descriptions at almost all places. You can easily read through them to find out the details of sculptures. If you are lucky, you will have a chance to meet Mrs. Raji who herself will explain all structures and their importance to visitors. You can also ask the locals of the place more about the history of the museum. The internet is a great way to get all you need. There are blog posts and various sites that mention the Bay Island Driftwood Museum.
Best Time to Visit
Kumarakom is a heaven for people who love rainfall. On most days, the place receives light showers which keep it fresh and green. The temperature is moderate and not very hot. The winter season can be a little chilly but the daytime is perfect for touring the city. It can easily be that winter months are the most enjoyable here. Try visiting this place between Octobers to February. That way you will make the most of your visit.
How to Reach
- The best way to reach the Bay Island Driftwood Museum is to travel by train. The nearest railway station is Kottayam. It is just at a distance of 16 kilometres from Kumarakom. You can opt for a bus or hire a private taxi.
- If you are flying to Kumarakom, the nearest airport is that of Cochin. The distance is about 90 kilometres and you will need to hire a cab for a comfortable journey.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Bay Island Drift Museum
- As the name suggests, the driftwood museum in Kumarakom displays a variety of driftwood pieces that were carved into a myriad shape. Some of them resemble birds, reptiles, amphibians and also other animals.
- The museum is one of its kinds in the entire country and has been recorded in the Limca Book of Records. Visitors from all across the country come to see this splendid place.
- The museum was found by Mrs. Raji Punnoose. She was a school teacher in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and showed a great deal of interest in collecting objects from sea shore.
- Most of the art and artefacts that are displayed in the museum have been brought by the sea waves. Some of them were later carved and some were left intact.
- Most astonishing of the structures includes that of Jesus and a soldier. The figure of the soldier is displayed as a tribute to the national leaders of our nation like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi etc.
- The museum is not aided by any external organization. The founder, Mrs. Raji manages it all by herself.
Nearby Attractions
- Kumarakom Beach
- Pathiramanal
- Juma Masjid
- Vembanad Lake
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls
- Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
- NEARBY RESTAURANTS
- Lakesong
- Grannery
- Cordon bleu
- Baker’s Gourmet House
- Cocobay Restaurant
- Green Garden Restaurant
The Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a beautiful place where you can spend some time. Do not miss out on this one if your trip to Kumarakom is finalised.
