Napier Museum and Art Gallery

A visit to the Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of the state's cultural heritage. The Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General, John Napier. It is also called the Government Art Museum.

The building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Built by the 19th Century British architect Chisholm, it has a unique natural air-conditioning system. A treasure house of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, it is the pride of the place.

The Sree Chitra Art Gallery features a rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich among others, and works from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools. An oriental collection of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali offers a visual treat.

A four centuries old clock and an herbal coat for the use of the king of Travancore are the main attractions here. The structure is surrounded with a beautiful meadow with various kinds of flowers.