Sahyadri Museum

If you want a unique and enriching experience in Kerala, visit the Sahyadri Museum at Kuttikkanam, near Peerumedu in the Idukki district. The museum is part of the Sahyadri Ayurvedic Hospital, which offers holistic treatments based on ancient Indian medicine systems. The museum showcases the history of Ayurveda, spices, tribal livelihoods, and ayurvedic medicines in Kerala through a collection of books, antiques, artifacts, and models.

The museum is housed in a heritage building that dates back to 1900. It was initially a medical center during British rule and later became an ayurvedic hospital under the Peermade Development Society. The museum was established in 2015 with the aim of preserving and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Kerala.

The museum has four sections: Ayurveda, Spices, Tribals, and Medicines. Each section has informative displays and interactive exhibits that explain the concepts and practices of ayurveda, the varieties and uses of spices, the lifestyle and culture of tribals, and the preparation and properties of medicines.

Some of the highlights of the museum are:

– A replica of a traditional ayurvedic clinic with wooden furniture, brass utensils, herbal plants, and oil lamps.
– A spice garden with live plants of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, etc.
– A tribal hut with bamboo walls, palm leaf roof, earthen pots, hunting tools, musical instruments, etc.
– A model of a spice trade ship with cargo boxes filled with spices.
– A library with rare books on ayurveda and other subjects related to Kerala’s history and culture.
– A souvenir shop with products made from natural ingredients such as soapnuts (Reetha), neem (Veppu), coconut (Thenga), etc.

The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Sundays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person. You can also avail of guided tours by prior booking.

The museum is located about 3 km from Kuttikkanam junction on NH 183. You can reach there by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kuttikkanam or Peerumedu. The nearest railway station is Kottayam (75 km) and the nearest airport is Cochin (150 km).

The Sahyadri Museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Kerala’s rich heritage and diversity. It will give you a glimpse into the ancient wisdom and traditions that have shaped this land for centuries.

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