Nilambur Teak Museum- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Nilambur Teak Museum offers numerous resources. You can learn about the habitat, history, cultivation, management and socio-economic aspects of teak plantations. It gives an insight into the significance of this timber in the culture of the state. The numerous artefacts include a granary, swing cot, and cloth chest among others, all made out of solid teakwood.

The two floors with different exhibits

The Teak Museum is housed on two floors. The ground floor of the museum exhibits a trans light of the Kannimara teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the other trans lights exhibited are the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in Malayatoor Forest Division, and of a giant teak tree present in the oldest teak tree plantation of nearby Conolly’s plot. These exhibits offer the visitors a glimpse into the teak plantation activities undertaken 160 years ago.

An extensive, full-size root system of gigantic teak is displayed at the Museum. It is interesting to note that the teak trees do not have a tap root, rather anchored by a network of roots giving them extensive footing to distribute their massive weight over a large area. Teak poles of varying sizes, ages and qualities are also displayed along with the necessary details of their classifications. The depiction of foliage, flowers, fruits and bark of the teak trees provides the visitors with deeper insight into many other characteristics of the tree in addition to information on teak timber itself.

The various methods of seed-grading, pre-sowing treatments, teak-stump preparations, vegetative propagation, and different stages in the complete growth cycle of teak- from seed to mature tree are also on display in the Museum.

Collection of insects that are seen in teak plantations

Apart from teak, the museum also houses a collection of butterflies, moths, and insects that are found in teak plantations. A separate section of the Museum exhibits the various diseases of Teak Tree. Diseases caused by insects and pests, plantation and other nursery diseases etc.

The portraits of figures like H.V Conolly, Chathu Menon and T.F Bourdillion who helped in the successful establishment of teak plantations in the region are also displayed in the Museum. Additionally, you can find a large library on teak and a mini auditorium for audio-visual presentations.

The bio-resource nature trail in the museum's premise

There is a bio-resources nature trail on the museum campus which passes through a heavy growth of shrubs, trees, and bamboo. Fifty naturally grown tree species and 136 endangered tree species of the Western Ghats are planted in this nature trail which is 800 meters long. 58 species of resident and migratory birds are recorded here and a medicinal plant garden with 150 species of plants is also on the trail.

A visit to the Museum will leave you with a wealth of knowledge about one of the most used timber in Kerala. You will leave the Museum impressed with the scale, variety, and uniqueness of the exhibits displayed.

The museum was established in Nilambur owing to the historical significance of the region. The world's first teak plantation was raised in Nilambur in the 1840s to ensure a steady supply of teak timber to the British East India Company.

Kerala's love affair with teak wood

Teak holds a special place in Kerala’s love for timber and it has a long history of teak cultivation and trade. The word teak originates from the Malayalam name of the tree 'Theku'. Nilambur is synonymous with the finest teak in the region and the teak and the plantations here are famed for their quality timber used for shipbuilding and cabinet making from the 19th century onwards.

Kannimara- one of the oldest teak trees in the world

In nature, teak or ‘Tectona Grandis, is majestic. The oldest surviving tree is about 500 years old and still grows in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. This old tree is worshipped by the Kadar people (a tribal community), calling it a ‘Kannimara' or a Virgin tree. According to the tribal belief, blood started to spurt out from its slash when the tree was tried to cut down. Since then the tribes started to worship it.

Nilambur Teak Museum is good to visit any time of the year. Just make sure to not go on a rainy day as you won't be able to properly enjoy the nature trail. Make sure to reach before 3 PM so that there is enough time to cover all that is offered at the museum. Also, the museum is closed on Mondays.

1. Museum is closed on Mondays
2. The museum is kids friendly, so don't hesitate to bring your children. They will enjoy their time, especially at the well-maintained nature trail.
3. The museum can get quite busy on weekends, so plan your visit for a weekday if possible.

1. Nilambur Teak Museum is the first teak museum in the world.
2. It is the one and only Teak Museum in India.

On average, it will take 2 to 3 hours to explore Nilambur Teak Museum and all it offers.

Nilambur Team Museum, as the name suggests is located in Nilambur, 4 km from the city. There are buses/ taxis to the Museum from the city. The nearest railway station is 3 km away in Nilambur, connected to the rest of the country by rail network.

The entry fee for adults is 50 INR and for children under the age of 12, it is 15 INR.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 4.30 PM daily, except on Mondays on which it is closed.