Kerala Soil Museum
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Kerala Soil Museum or State Soil Museum and Information Centre is located at Parottukonam in Thiruvananthapuram and is run by the State Soil Survey and Soil Conservation Department. If you are interested in learning more about the rich and diverse soils of Kerala, then you should visit the Kerala Soil Museum. It is a unique museum that showcases the soil profiles of all 82 soil series recognized in the state. It also provides information on soil formation, classification, conservation, and management.
Kerala Soil Museum is located on the premises of the Central Soil Analytical Laboratory at Parottukonam, Thiruvananthapuram. It was set up by the Department of Soil Survey and Conservation of the Government of Kerala and inaugurated on 1 January 2014. It has been described as the world’s largest soil museum and the first soil museum in India established to international standards.
Exhibits at Kerala Soil Museum
The most important exhibits in the museum are a set of 82 soil monoliths 1.5 meters tall, which preserve and display the intact soil profiles of all of the 82 soil series recognized in Kerala. Each monolith was dug from the ground without disturbing its elements and was processed for one month or longer before being mounted for museum display. Alongside each monolith is information about the soil, including its physical characteristics, where it is found, its nutrient status, its suitability for different crops, and recommendations for use and management.
The museum also displays a geologic map of Kerala, a map showing the distribution of eight soil orders represented in Kerala; collections of rocks and minerals; displays explaining how soils are formed, and displays about food security and climate change issues related to soils. The museum also has a Soil Information Centre that exhibits a model of a watershed, illustrating both its elements and various conservation measures. The center also provides soil maps, watershed maps, and related maps of all districts.
Things to do at Kerala Soil Museum
At Kerala Soil Museum, you can:
– Explore different types of soils from various regions of Kerala
– Learn about how soils are formed and classified
– Understand how soils affect agriculture and the environment
– Get tips on how to conserve and manage soils
– Watch videos on soils and environmental issues at the mini theatre
– Interact with experts on soil-related queries
Here are some details about this attraction that you should know before you plan your visit.
Best time to visit Kerala Soil Museum
One can visit the Kerala Soil Museum throughout the year. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on all working days. The best time to visit is during weekdays when it is less crowded.
If you prefer visiting the museum along with other attractions in the Thiruvananthapuram district, the ideal time would be from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Entry Fee for Kerala Soil Museum
The entry fee for the museum is INR 15 for school students, INR 20 for college students, and INR 30 for the general public.
How to Reach Kerala Soil Museum
Kerala Soil Museum is located at Parottukonam near the University of Kerala, Karyavattom Campus. You can reach there by bus, taxi, or autorickshaw. You can also take a bus from Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station or East Fort Bus Station that goes towards Kariyavattom or Technopark. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, 7 kilometers away, and the closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 9 kilometers away.
Nearby attractions to Kerala Soil Museum
Some nearby attractions to Kerala Soil Museum are:
- Kowdiar Palace: A royal palace built by Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma in 1934. It is known for its architectural beauty and gardens.
- Kanakakkunnu Palace: Another palace built by the Travancore kings that now serves as a cultural center hosting various events.
- Napier Museum: An art and natural history museum that displays rare collections of ancient ornaments, sculptures, paintings, and bronze idols.
- Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: This is one of the oldest zoos in India that houses over 75 species of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and deer.
- The University of Kerala Karyavattom Campus: One of the largest campuses of the University of Kerala that houses various academic departments, research centers, libraries, and hostels.
