The Revi Karunakaran Museum in Alappuzha, Kerala, is a private museum that displays a huge collection of art, antiques, and rare objects. The museum was built in 2006 in memory of Revi Karunakaran, a businessman who played an important role in Kerala’s coir industry.
Covering 28,000 square feet, the museum has many different galleries filled with unique and valuable items. Visitors can see beautiful paintings, antique furniture, rare crystal works, and much more.
A Legacy in Art: The Story Behind Revi Karunakaran Museum
Revi Karunakaran was a well-known businessman who helped Kerala's coir industry expand and thrive. He worked tirelessly to increase coir exports and make Kerala known for its high-quality coir products.
He passed away in 2003. To honour him, his wife decided to build this museum and share their family's incredible collection with the world. The museum was officially opened in 2006. It is filled with rare and valuable artefacts.
Unlike government museums, this one is privately owned, so everything is arranged beautifully and carefully. The collection includes items like Swarovski crystals, delicate porcelain, and glasswork from Murano, Italy.
Where Art Meets Architecture: The Magnificence of Revi Karunakaran Museum
The Revi Karunakaran Museum is an architectural masterpiece. The interiors are well-planned, with spacious halls, high ceilings, and bright lighting that highlight the beauty of every artefact on display.
- Greco-Roman Columns: The front of the museum has tall white columns that follow the Greco-Roman style. These columns make the building look grand and different from the other buildings in the area.
- Religious Themes in Design: The museum is designed to represent four religions—Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. These themes can be seen in the murals, ivory carvings, and the Kerala Room.
Step Inside: Treasures That Await at Revi Karunakaran Museum
Inside the museum, there are several sections, each displaying a different type of collection. Some of the major attractions include:
The Crystal and Porcelain Gallery
This section is a dream for anyone who loves fine art and luxury. It has a huge collection of Swarovski crystals like the 'Coffee Bean Grinding Mill' and 'Crane', delicate porcelain, and rare glassware, including Murano glass from Italy.
The Ivory and Antique Furniture Section
This part of the museum displays intricate ivory carvings like Dasavatharam (the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu), the Virgin Mary, and antique furniture collected from different parts of the world. They include manufacturers such as Meissen, Capodimonte, and Lladró.
The Kerala Heritage Section
For those who love Kerala’s culture, this section is a must-visit. It showcases traditional Kerala artwork, including murals, paintings, and handicrafts. This section also highlights the history of the coir industry, which was a big part of Revi Karunakaran’s life.
The Tanjore Painting Collection
Tanjore paintings are known for their rich colours, gold foil work, and intricate details. The museum has a special section dedicated to these beautiful paintings, which reflect South India’s artistic traditions.
Lesser-Known Facts About the Revi Karunakaran Museum
Even though this museum is famous among art lovers, there are some interesting facts that not everyone knows:
- One of the Largest Private Museums in India: It is one of the biggest privately owned museums in the country.
- Three Generations of Collections: The artefacts displayed here were collected over three generations of the Karunakaran family.
- Not Just Indian Art: While many people assume the museum only has Indian artefacts, it actually houses collections from all over the world, including Europe and the Far East.
- Third Phase Opening: The third phase of the museum was officially opened on November 22, 2015, by Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the fifth President of Sri Lanka.
- Authentic Artefacts: Most of the artefacts in the museum include a certificate of authenticity, personally verified by Betty Karunakaran.
- Semblance to Taj Mahal: Chandrika Kumaratunga has metaphorically likened the museum to the Taj Mahal, as both were created as a tribute to a spouse’s memory and love.
Plan Your Visit: The Best Time to Explore This Hidden Gem
The best time to visit the Revi Karunakaran Museum is between November and February. The temperature is pleasant and relaxing, making it an ideal time to visit Alappuzha.
Because this is also the peak tourist season, the museum is well-maintained, and many tourists appreciate the exhibits. If you like a lively atmosphere and don’t mind crowds, this is the best time to go.
From March to May, the temperature rises, and it gets quite hot. But the museum is indoors and air-conditioned so you can visit without any problems.
From June to September, Kerala experiences heavy monsoon rains. Some people enjoy the monsoon season because the surroundings look green and fresh, and there are fewer tourists. If you're coming around this time, it can be peaceful to explore the museum.
Getting There: Your Guide to Reaching Revi Karunakaran Museum
The Revi Karunakaran Museum is located in the centre of Alappuzha and is easy to reach by air, train, or road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 81 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Alappuzha. A taxi will take around 2 to 3 hours and is the most comfortable option.
By Train
The closest railway station is Alappuzha Railway Station, located just 3 km from the museum. Many trains from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Chennai stop here. Once you get off the train, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the museum in 10 minutes.
By Road
Alappuzha is well-connected by road, and you can reach the museum by bus, taxi, or your own vehicle.
- By Bus: Government and private buses run regularly to Alappuzha from cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam. The Alappuzha bus stand is just 2 km from the museum. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or walk if you don’t mind a short stroll.
- By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available at the railway station, bus stand, and main areas in Alappuzha.
Glide past Kerala’s backwaters, step into the museum, and suddenly, you’re in a world where art, history, and sheer opulence collide. Swarovski crystals glisten, ivory carvings mesmerise, and every artefact hums with stories of passion and legacy. This isn’t just a collection—it’s an experience, a peek into a family’s love for the extraordinary. Whether you’re an art buff or just plain curious, this stop in Alappuzha is anything but ordinary.
