Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, Kozhikode

About this place

The Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery at East Hill in Kozhikode is an important cultural institution preserving archaeological artefacts and artistic works associated with Kerala’s history. Housed in the historic East Hill Bungalow, a building constructed in 1812 and formerly used as the residence of British Collectors of Malabar, the museum was converted into an archaeological museum after the building ceased to serve as the District Collector’s residence. It was renamed the Pazhassi Raja Museum in 1980 and is managed by the Kerala State Archaeology Department. The museum’s collections span a broad period, from prehistoric and megalithic remains to objects associated with later kingdoms and the colonial era. Visitors can see ancient coins, earthenware, antique bronzes, mural paintings, temple models and components of megalithic monuments such as umbrella stones and dolmenoid cists. The coin collection represents several historical periods and political powers, including coins associated with the Roman period, the Arakkal kingdom, the Kingdom of Mysore during Tipu Sultan’s reign, Kochi and Travancore, offering insights into Kerala’s commercial and political connections over time. The museum also preserves weapons and other historical objects, while recent renovations have incorporated newly excavated artefacts from Tippu Fort at Feroke. A dedicated section and the museum’s name commemorate Pazhassi Raja, Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakam of the Kottayam royal family, who led resistance against the British East India Company and became known for guerrilla warfare in the Wayanad hills. Pazhassi Raja was killed in 1805, and his legacy remains an important part of Kerala’s history of resistance to colonial expansion. Adjacent to the archaeological museum is the art gallery, which displays works by Raja Ravi Varma and his uncle Raja Raja Varma, adding an important artistic dimension to the visit. The museum complex therefore brings together archaeology, colonial-era history, numismatics, traditional art and the memory of one of Kerala’s prominent historical figures. Its landscaped grounds and historic architecture provide a calm setting for exploring the collections, while the range of exhibits makes the museum relevant to visitors interested in Kerala’s material culture, art and political history.

🚆 Railway: Kozhikode Railway Station — the nearest railway station; the museum is at East Hill, about 5 km from Kozhikode city centre.

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport — approximately 23 km from Kozhikode city.

🚌 Bus: The museum at East Hill is accessible by road from Kozhikode city using local bus services and other city transport.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, guesthouses and homestays are available throughout Kozhikode city, providing accommodation within convenient reach of East Hill.

✅ Notes: Visiting hours are currently listed as 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–4:30 PM, with Monday listed as the weekly holiday. Timings and closures should be confirmed before visiting.