Introduction

Bay Island Driftwood Museum in Kumarakom displays a unique collection of twisted stumps of driftwood etched into sculptures. These interesting pieces of wood were collected over the years from the serene beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Bay of Bengal by Mrs. Raji Punnoose, a retired teacher, which she hand-sculpted to create different life forms. The museum is one-of-its-kind in the country, having a unique synergy between nature’s art and extensive persuasive imagination. Most of the pieces on display resemble living creatures such as animals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.

This unique collection of driftwood sculptures created through a rare and innovative modern art form, has attracted many an art connoisseur and tourist to the little backwater village of Kumarakom. During Raji’s professional tenure in the green islands of Bay of Bengal, she developed a knack for collecting pieces of driftwood washed ashore by the sea, comprising twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots and twigs. And with marginal effort and fecund imagination, she transformed these contorted and naturally shaped pieces by water into objet d’art. It was after every cyclone that hit the sea, she would set out collecting these priceless bits of driftwood around on the beach. Of these wood pieces, some were centuries old, and having drifted across the seas they had become more resilient. She would then cleanse, remove the dead parts, scrape and trim to carve it to the shape in her mind. And a lot of time, during the process nature’s original designs would come out more pronounced. The museum, outside of connoisseurs, sees a lot of students studying art who find the display extremely imaginative, creative and original.
The museum gives you a different perspective to Kumarakom and its artistic lineage. Don’t miss it!

Special Attributes

The museum is one-of-its-kind in the country, and displays a unique collection of twisted stumps of driftwood etched into sculptures.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

The nearest airport to Kumarakom is at Kochi, about 106 kilometers (66.25 miles) away and Kottayam Junction about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away, connects the Bird Sanctuary with the rest of the country. Approx. 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Kumarakom is Kottayam city which stands on both SH 1 (Trivandrum to Cochin International Airport) and on NH 220 which leads to Theni. KSRTC buses ply from Kottayam to Kumarakom, Kochi, Trivandrum, Alleppey, Thekkady, Thodupuzha, Kollam, Kozhikode and Bangalore.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens, Kids

Exposure

You will be indoors.

Avoidable Season

June

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No Such Restriction

Tip

Keep at least a few hours at hand to appreciate the artwork, and probably meet the curator to get a background on each of these sculptures.

Type of site

Museum