Veluthambi Dalawa Memorial Museum | Mannadi | Pathanamthitta

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 368

APRIL 2024

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Veluthambi Dalawa Memorial Museum - A Journey Through the Life of a Freedom Fighter

A testament to the brave stand for freedom! Dedicated in honour of renowned Indian freedom fighter Veluthambi Dalawa, the Prime Minister of the former Travancore kingdom, this museum is located in Mannadi village of Pathanamthitta district. He spent his final days in this location after leading an uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India. To escape British capture, he ended his life here at Mannadi Pazhayakavu Devi Temple. Currently, a cultural complex dedicated to Veluthambi Dalawa occupies the site, featuring a pavilion with his statue, a museum with replicas of historical documents like the notable Kundara declaration, and an open-air theatre.

The Department of Archaeology museum illuminates the heroism of the Dalawa and the cultural legacy of ancient Travancore. An open-air gallery enriches the experience, showcasing portraits of Travancore rulers from Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma to Sree Chithra Thirunal. In addition, the museum displays several historical pieces, including a stone Buddha statue, age-old agricultural tools, cannons, and old war apparatuses. There is also a pictorial gallery on Veluthambi Dalawa’s life and a gallery focusing on old coins. Within the compound, visitors can also view a Lord Shiva shrine, reportedly demolished by the British. The museum grounds feature a picturesque garden and house a library. It is built on 1.27 acres of land.

Contact:
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Near Panchayath Stadium, Kozhencherry
Pathanamthitta-689641
Phone : +91 468 231 1343, +91 94477 09944
Email: info@dtpcpathanamthitta.com

Getting there:
Nearest Bus Station: Adoor Bus Station, about 11 km
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station, about 36 km
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 86 km