Thrissur Zoo and Kerala State Museum – Timing, Ticket and What to See

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Zoo in Thrissur -

Welcome to a journey steeped in culture, history, and the wonders of nature as we delve into the heart of Kerala, India. In the vibrant city of Thrissur, two iconic destinations stand as testaments to the rich tapestry of this South Indian state: the Thrissur Zoo and the Kerala State Museum. Join us as we explore these cultural and natural marvels, each holding a unique treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered.

Thrissur Zoo: Where Nature Comes Alive Nestled in the heart of Thrissur, the Thrissur Zoo, also known as State Museum and Zoo, is a living testament to the breathtaking biodiversity of the region. Established in 1885, it is one of the oldest zoos in India, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of the animal kingdom. From the graceful gait of big cats to the playful antics of primates, every visit to this zoo promises an adventure that resonates with the beauty and diversity of nature.
Kerala State Museum: A Walk Through Kerala’s Heritage Adjacent to the Thrissur Zoo stands the Kerala State Museum, a treasure trove of the state’s cultural heritage. Established in 1938, this museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and historical memorabilia that narrate the tale of Kerala’s rich past. Each exhibit is a step back in time, immersing visitors in the glorious history and traditions that define this enchanting state.

In this blog, we will take you on a captivating journey through these two remarkable destinations. We will wander through the verdant pathways of Thrissur Zoo, where the vibrant fauna awaits to enthral us. The roar of the lions, the playful antics of the monkeys, and the majestic grace of the elephants — every zoo inhabitant has a story to tell.

Thrissur Zoo Location

Thrissur Zoo is located in a small area called Chembukkavu, in the heart of Thrissur City, Kerala, India. It is about 2 kilometers from the Thrissur Railway Station and 3 kilometers from the Thrissur Bus Stand.

Here is the address of the Thrissur Zoo:

State Museum & Zoo, Thrissur Chembukkavu Thrissur, Kerala 680020 India

Thrissur Zoo Entry Fee

The entry fee to Thrissur Zoo is as follows:

Adults: INR 20
Children (aged 5-12): INR 5
Children below 5 years: Free

There are also additional charges for cameras and other items:

Camera: INR 5
Video camera: INR 500

Thrissur Zoo and Kerala State Museum Timings

Thrissur Zoo:

Open all days except Mondays
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM

Kerala State Museum:

Open all days except Mondays
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Please note that both the zoo and museum are closed on public holidays.

Layout of Thrissur Zoo and Kerala State Museum

Layout of the zoo:

The zoo is divided into several sections, including:

Mammal section: This section is home to animals such as tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, bears, monkeys, and apes.
Reptile section: This section is home to a variety of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
Bird section: This section is home to a variety of birds, including parrots, macaws, peacocks, pheasants, and cranes.
Aquarium: The aquarium is home to a variety of fish, including sharks, rays, and ornamental fish.
Children’s play area: This area has a variety of slides, swings, and other play equipment for children.

Layout of the museum:

The museum is divided into several sections, including:

Archaeological section: This section houses a collection of archaeological artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and other ancient cultures.
Bronze sculpture section: This section houses a collection of bronze sculptures from the 9th to 12th centuries CE.
Painting section: This section houses a collection of paintings from the Kerala School of Painting, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries CE.
Wood carving section: This section houses a collection of wood carvings from the 16th to 18th centuries CE.
Coin section: This section houses a collection of coins from the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties.
Textile section: This section houses a collection of textiles from the different regions of Kerala.
Natural history section: This section has exhibits on the flora and fauna of Kerala.

Wildlife of Thrissur Zoo

The Thrissur Zoo is home to a wide variety of wildlife from all over the world. Here are some of the most notable species:

Animals of the Thrissur Zoo

The Thrissur Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Here are some of the most notable species:

Tiger
Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Rhinoceros
Giraffe
Zebra
Bear
Monkeys and apes

Birds of the Thrissur Zoo

The Thrissur Zoo is home to a wide variety of birds from all over the world. Here are some of the most notable species:

Parrots: The zoo has a variety of parrots, including macaws, African greys, cockatoos, and lories.
Peacocks: The peacock is a beautiful bird that is native to India. The Thrissur Zoo has a large population of peacocks.
Pheasants: The pheasant is a type of bird that is found in Asia and Europe. The Thrissur Zoo has a variety of pheasants, including golden pheasants, silver pheasants, and tragopans.
Cranes: The crane is a large bird that is found in many parts of the world. The Thrissur Zoo has a variety of cranes, including crowned cranes, demoiselle cranes, and sarus cranes.
Other birds: The zoo also has a variety of other birds, such as pelicans, flamingos, hornbills, owls, and eagles.

Reptiles of the Thrissur Zoo

The Thrissur Zoo is home to various reptiles from all over the world. Some of the most notable species include:

Snakes: The zoo’s reptile house is home to a variety of snakes, including King Cobras, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Kraits, and Vipers

Lizards: The zoo’s reptile house is also home to a variety of lizards, including Monitors, Iguanas, and Chameleons.

Turtles: The zoo’s reptile house is also home to various turtles, including Tortoises, Terrapins, and Sea Turtles.

Crocodiles: The zoo’s reptile house is also home to a variety of crocodiles, including Alligators, Caimans, and Gharials.

In addition to these species, the Thrissur Zoo is also home to various other reptiles, such as geckos, skinks, and tortoises.

Aquarium at Thrissur Zoo

The aquarium at Thrissur Zoo is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. It is home to various fish worldwide, including sharks, rays, and ornamental fish. The aquarium is also home to many reptiles, such as turtles and crocodiles.

The aquarium is well-maintained and the exhibits are informative. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions visitors may have.

Here are some of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium:

Shark tank: The aquarium has a large shark tank that is home to various sharks, including blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.
Ray tank: The aquarium also has a ray tank home to various rays, including spotted eagle rays and manta rays.
Ornamental fish tank: The aquarium has a variety of ornamental fish tanks home to a wide variety of colorful and exotic fish.
Reptile tank: The aquarium also has a reptile tank home to various reptiles, such as turtles, crocodiles, and lizards.

In addition to the above exhibits, the aquarium has several educational exhibits that teach visitors about the different types of fish and reptiles that can be found in the aquarium.

Fun activities at Thrissur Zoo

Here are some fun activities you can do at Thrissur Zoo:

Visit the animal enclosures. The Thrissur Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals worldwide, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, bears, monkeys, apes, reptiles, birds, and more. Take your time exploring the zoo and seeing all the different animals.
Take a ride on the elephant train. The elephant train is a fun way to get around the zoo and see some animals up close.
Attend a animal feeding session. The zoo offers animal feeding sessions for some animals, such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the animals and see them up close.
Visit the children’s play area. The zoo has a children’s play area with various slides, swings, and other equipment. This is a great place for kids to let off steam and have fun.
Have a picnic. The zoo has several picnic areas to enjoy meals with family and friends. Bring your food and drinks, or purchase them from one of the food vendors in the zoo.
Learn about animals and nature. The zoo has many educational exhibits to learn about animals and nature. These exhibits are a great way to learn about the world around us.

Things to do at the Kerala State Museum

The Kerala State Museum in Thrissur is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich history and heritage.

Here are some things you can do at the museum:

Visit the permanent exhibits: The museum has many permanent exhibits that showcase the diverse aspects of Kerala’s culture and heritage, including:

Archaeological Section:This section houses a collection of artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and other ancient cultures, such as megalithic monuments, ancient coins, and pottery.
Art and Sculpture Section:This section houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from different periods of Kerala’s history.
Natural History Section: This section showcases the rich biodiversity of Kerala, with exhibits on the state’s flora and fauna.
Kerala History Section:This section tells the story of Kerala’s history, from the earliest to the present day.
Cultural Heritage Section:This section showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Kerala, including its folk arts and crafts, traditional costumes, and religious artifacts.

Visit the temporary exhibits:The museum hosts many temporary exhibits throughout the year on various topics related to Kerala’s culture and heritage.
Take a guided tour:The museum offers guided tours of its permanent and temporary exhibits, which is a great way to learn more about the museum’s collection and the history and culture of Kerala.
Participate in a workshop:The museum offers a variety of workshops throughout the year on topics such as traditional arts and crafts, cooking, and dance. These workshops are a great way to learn new skills and experience Kerala’s culture firsthand.
Visit the museum shop:The museum shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including books, handicrafts, and textiles. This is a great place to purchase gifts for friends and family.

Best time to visit Thrissur Zoo

The best time to visit Thrissur Zoo is during the winter months, from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for exploring the zoo and seeing the animals. The summers in Thrissur can be hot and humid, so it is best to avoid visiting the zoo during this time of year.

How to Reach Thrissur Zoo

There are a few ways to reach Thrissur Zoo:

By train: Thrissur Junction Railway Station is located about 2 kilometers from the zoo. You can take a taxi, auto rickshaw, or bus from the railway station to the zoo.

By bus: The Thrissur KSRTC Bus Stand is located about 3 kilometers from the zoo. You can take a taxi, auto rickshaw, or bus from the bus stand to the zoo.

By car: Thrissur Zoo is well-connected to major roads and highways in Kerala. You can drive to the zoo from anywhere in the state.

By air: The nearest airport is the Kochi International Airport, which is located about 60 kilometers from Thrissur. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to the zoo.