• Jan 25 2016
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Nilambur Teak Museum

 

Recognising the historical importance of Nilambur leading to a momentous shift from a purely extraction and regulatory function of forestry to a phase of resource development, Kerala Forest Department (KFD) and Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) have decided to establish a thematic Museum, devoted entirely to the unique species - Teak, which produces the world's most ideal timber that can be put to almost any conceivable use from handicrafts to building ships.

The Teak Museum located within campus of Kerala Forest Research Institute Sub Centre at Nilambur was opened to the public on 21st May 1995. The Museum is ideally located in Nilambur where the plantation activities on this species were initiated about 160 years ago. Also, the Museum is situated very close to the oldest existing teak stands - the famous 'Conolly's Plot'. The Museum is the first of its kind in the world and aims at disseminating information on various aspects of teak, including history, cultivation, management, utilization, socio-economics, etc.

In the Museum, through exhibits and associated texts, information is provided on historic, aesthetic, scientific and cultural values of the species. Exhibits of historic and artistic values are displayed on the ground floor, while the first floor is mostly devoted for exhibits and information of scientific nature. The extensive root system of a 55- year- old teak exhibited in the portico is symbolic sign welcoming the visitors to witness the past, the present and the future at the museum. In the ground floor of the double-storied museum, a translite of `Kannimara teak', the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in Malayattoor forest division are exhibited. A translite of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conolly's Plot at Nilambur helps visitors to visualise the teak plantation activities initiated 160 years ago. The traditional granary and a miniature model of sailing vessel - Uru - made up of teak wood are the other attractions. Teak poles of different sizes and qualities obtained during ` thinning' of teak plantations are exhibited along with details of standard classification of teak poles. The foliage, flowers, fruits and bark of tree are depicted in one bay. Juxtaposed is a large stump of 480-year-old teak tree brought from Nagarampara Forest Range in Kottayam Forest Division.