If you’re looking for a unique and offbeat experience in Kerala, then the Bay Island Driftwood Museum in Kumarakom is a must-visit destination. This museum showcases the art of creating sculptures from driftwood found on the beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It’s a perfect place to witness the combination of nature and art, and understand the intricate details of creating masterpieces out of driftwood. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bay Island Driftwood Museum in Kumarakom.
Introduction to Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Located in Kumarakom, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a private museum owned by Mr. Raji Punnoose, who has been collecting driftwood sculptures for over 25 years. This museum is the only one of its kind in India, and it has an impressive collection of more than 150 unique sculptures made from driftwood.
History of the Museum
The Bay Island Driftwood Museum was started in 2001 by Mr. Punnoose, who was fascinated by the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and its beaches. During one of his visits, he came across a few driftwood pieces that caught his eye. He started collecting these pieces and eventually turned them into stunning sculptures. Over time, he accumulated a large collection of sculptures and decided to share his art with the world by starting the Bay Island Driftwood Museum.
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The Art of Driftwood Sculpting
The art of driftwood sculpting is a unique skill that involves finding and collecting driftwood from the beach, cleaning and curing it, and then creating a sculpture out of it. The sculptures are created using basic tools like chisels and knives, and the process can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the sculpture.
The Collection at Bay Island Driftwood Museum
The collection at the Bay Island Driftwood Museum is impressive and awe-inspiring. It includes a wide range of sculptures, including animals, birds, fish, human figures, and abstract designs. Some of the most notable sculptures in the museum include a 10-feet long tree root sculpture, a life-size statue of a horse, and a sculpture of a fisherman pulling a fish out of the water.
Visiting Bay Island Driftwood Museum
The Bay Island Driftwood Museum is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day. The entry fee is INR 100 per person for adults and INR 50 per person for children. The museum also offers guided tours, which are highly recommended as they provide detailed information about the sculptures and the art of driftwood sculpting.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience in Kerala, then a visit to the Bay Island Driftwood Museum in Kumarakom is a must. It’s a perfect place to witness the beauty of nature and the skill of art coming together to create something truly amazing. So, add this hidden gem to your Kerala itinerary and be prepared to be amazed.
FAQs
- What is driftwood sculpting?
Driftwood sculpting is the art of creating sculptures from driftwood found on the beach. - Who started the Bay Island Driftwood Museum?
The Bay Island Driftwood Museum was started by Mr. Raji Punnoose in 2001. - What is the entry fee for the Bay Island Driftwood Museum?
The entry fee for adults is INR 100 and for children is INR 50.
- What is the best time to visit the Bay Island Driftwood Museum?
The museum is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit would be between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the outdoors. - Are photography and videography allowed inside the museum?
Yes, photography and videography are allowed inside the museum. However, you may have to pay an additional fee for professional photography and videography.