The metal wire elephant sculpture at the entrance of Regional Museum of Natural History immediately captures attention before entering this environmental education center. Established on May 20, 1995, as the southern regional office of the National Museum of Natural History New Delhi, this museum on T. Narasipura Road offers free entry while educating visitors about South India’s biodiversity. Open from 10 AM to 6 PM except Mondays, the museum sits on Karanji Lake’s banks, 5 kilometers from Mysore Railway Station.
Two main galleries – ‘Biological Diversity’ and ‘Life Through the Ages’ – use dioramas, models, and interactive exhibits to explain evolution and ecology. The dramatic walk-through tunnel depicting Earth’s history from formation to present creates an immersive experience. School groups frequently visit for environmental education programs, while the special garden for visually impaired visitors allows touching and feeling plant specimens with Braille descriptions.
Biological Diversity Gallery
The ground floor gallery showcases Western Ghats’ incredible biodiversity through life-size dioramas of different ecosystems. The rainforest section displays 50 plus plant specimens and animal models including tigers, elephants, and various bird species. Each diorama recreates natural habitats with authentic soil, rocks, and preserved plants.
The marine ecosystem display features coral reef models and 30 species of fish replicas from Karnataka’s coast. The wetland diorama highlights Ranganathittu’s birds with audio recordings of actual bird calls. Interactive panels explain food chains, symbiosis, and ecological balance. The endemic species section emphasizes Western Ghats’ unique flora and fauna found nowhere else.
Life Through the Ages Gallery
The evolution gallery takes visitors through a time tunnel starting from Earth’s formation 4.6 billion years ago. Fossil replicas, including a complete dinosaur skeleton model, illustrate prehistoric life. The Cambrian explosion section shows early marine life forms through detailed models and charts.
Human evolution displays trace our journey from early hominids to modern humans using skull replicas and tool reproductions. The ice age diorama features mammoth and saber-toothed cat models. Timeline panels mark major extinction events and evolutionary milestones. The gallery ends with current biodiversity crisis and conservation messages.
Discovery Center Activities
The Discovery Center encourages hands-on learning where children handle specimens under supervision. Activities include leaf printing, clay modeling of animals, and making paper animal masks. The center runs from 11 AM to 4 PM with sessions every hour for groups up to 20 children.
Microscopes allow examining insect parts, plant cells, and pond water samples. The touch table displays shells, bones, feathers, and dried plants for tactile learning. Weekend workshops teach nature journaling, bird identification, and basic ecology concepts. Schools can book special sessions aligned with their science curriculum.
Special Garden for Visually Impaired
The ‘Touch, Feel and Learn Live Plant Bio-Resource Centre’ contains 50 plus aromatic and textured plants. Each plant has Braille labels describing characteristics and uses. Audio commentary devices provide detailed explanations in Kannada, English, and Hindi.
Raised beds allow easy access while guide rails assist navigation. Plants include herbs like mint, basil, and lemongrass that visitors can smell and touch. The garden demonstrates how visually impaired individuals can connect with nature through other senses. Trained staff provide guided tours on request.
How to Reach the Museum
From Mysore City Bus Stand, buses 6, 80, 75, 180, 181, 333, 335, and 336 stop near the museum. The journey takes 20 minutes costing Rs 10. Auto-rickshaws from city center charge Rs 80-100. The museum is located behind Indira Venkata Lingiah Choultry near Nandini Milk Dairy.
Ample free parking exists for 50 cars and 100 two-wheelers inside the compound. The approach road through Siddhartha Nagar residential area can be narrow. GPS navigation to ‘Regional Museum of Natural History Mysore’ works accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for Regional Museum of Natural History?
No, entry is completely free for all visitors including special programs and film screenings.
What are the museum timings?
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, photography is permitted in most areas. Look for any restriction signs in specific galleries.
How much time should we allocate for the visit?
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours to explore both galleries, discovery center, and watch a documentary.
Is the museum suitable for young children?
Yes, the discovery center and interactive exhibits are designed to engage children of all ages in learning about nature.
Contact: 0821-2440245
Address: T. Narasipura Road, Near Nandini Milk Dairy, Siddhartha Nagar, Mysore – 570011
Email: rmnh-mysore@gov.in