11.264775.8084Thrissur, Kerala

GARDEN

Heritage Garden Kozhikode - An Open-Air Megalithic Museum

An open-air garden at the Pazhassi Raja Museum complex in Kozhikode, showcasing ancient megalithic monuments and burial urns amidst greenery.

Thrissur, Kerala30 minutes10:00 AM – 5:00 PM₹20Photography OK

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Best Season:The best time to visit is from September to March. During these months, the weather in Kozhikode is pleasant with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor garden. The summer months from April to May are very hot and humid. The monsoon season, from June to August, sees very heavy rainfall, which can make a visit to an open-air site difficult.

Duration:30 minutes

Entry (Indian):₹20

Entry (Foreign):₹20

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Heritage Garden?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Heritage Garden is an open-air exhibition space located within the grounds of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum and the V.K. Krishna Menon Art Gallery in Kozhikode. This is not a typical botanical garden but rather an outdoor extension of the museum itself. As you walk through the green, maintained lawns, you will see a unique collection of megalithic monuments sourced from various parts of Kerala. The main exhibits include ancient burial urns, known locally as 'Nannangadi', and models of dolmens, which are tomb-like structures called 'Muniyaras'. These artifacts, some dating back thousands of years, are placed thoughtfully around the garden, allowing visitors to see them in a natural setting. The atmosphere is generally quiet and reflective, offering a change of pace from the indoor galleries. It provides a direct look into the prehistoric burial customs and traditions of the region, making it an interesting stop for anyone visiting the museum complex.

Outdoor display of megalithic monuments

Collection of ancient burial urns (Nannangadi)

Life-sized models of dolmens (Muniyaras)

Location within the Pazhassi Raja Museum complex

A quiet, green space for a historical walk

Exhibits representing Kerala's Iron Age history

Ideal For

History enthusiastsFamiliesSolo travelersPhotographersStudentsSenior citizens

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and school holidays due to pleasant weather and tourist season.

Moderate

September-November and February-March, especially on weekday afternoons.

Low Season

April-May due to extreme heat, and June-August during the heavy monsoon season.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹20

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹20

Per person

Opening Hours

10:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Open on all days except Mondays and national holidays. The ticket counter closes around 4:30 PM. Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing time.

Entry fee for adults is ₹20. For children (5-12 years), it is ₹10. This single ticket provides access to the Heritage Garden, Pazhassi Raja Museum, and the V.K. Krishna Menon Art Gallery. Camera fees may be extra.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, East Hill, Kozhikode, Kerala 673005

Coordinates

11.2647, 75.8084

Nearest City

Thrissur

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is the nearest airport, located about 30 km away. You can hire a taxi from the airport, which takes about an hour to reach t...

By Train

Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT) is the main railway station, about 5-6 km from the garden. It is well-connected to major Indian cities. Auto-rickshaws and taxis...

By Road

Kozhikode is well-connected by National Highway 66. KSRTC and private buses operate regular services from major cities like Kochi, Mangalore, and Bengaluru. The...

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient way to get around Kozhikode. City buses are also available. You can use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola to book cabs.

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The Heritage Garden is an integral part of the Pazhassi Raja Museum, which was established in 1976. The museum is housed in a colonial-era building known as the East Hill Bungalow, constructed in 1812. The garden was developed on the museum grounds to display large archaeological finds that are bett...

Significance

The garden's primary significance lies in its unique presentation of Kerala's megalithic culture. Instead of viewing artifacts behind glass, visitors can walk among life-sized dolmens and large burial urns, offering a more tangible connection to the past. It serves as an important educational site, ...

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Visit in the late afternoon, between 3 PM and 5 PM, for cooler temperatures and softer light.

Plan to visit the garden along with the Pazhassi Raja Museum and Krishna Menon Art Gallery, as they are in the same compound and covered by a single ticket.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking on lawns and pathways.

Weekdays are much quieter than weekends and school holidays, offering a more peaceful experience.

Carry a water bottle, especially during warmer months, as facilities inside are basic.

Read the information plaques near the exhibits to understand the history of each artifact.

Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash to preserve the artifacts.

Don't touch the ancient monuments as they are fragile and of great historical value.