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Situated on the banks of the Chaliyar River, Nilambur is beautiful town in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Famous for having the world's first teak plantation raised in the Conolly Plot about 150 years ago, the Teak Museum here is worth visiting if you travel to Nilambur. Established by the Kerala Forest Research Institute in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department, it is a thematic museum housing historical, cultural and aesthetic aspects of teak, all under one roof.
A collection of bamboo trees on the way to the museum imparts a special beauty to the place. The carved teak door at the entrance of the museum has a painting of the Kannimara teak. It is the oldest living teak tree not only in India but also in the world, located in Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary in the district of Palghat, Kerala. It is 47.5 m tall with a girth of 642 cm.
Among the several exhibits displayed in Nilambur, the root system of a mature teak tree is perhaps the most interesting of all. Paintings on the walls remind one of the early histories of teak planting. The miniature model of an antique sailing vessel made of teak wood and a painting of a sailing ship are the other attractions. Logs of a 116-year-old tree have also been preserved. The museum presents scientific information and exhibits on various aspects of teak. A world literature on teak is available in the library.
Tourists planning to holiday in Nilambur during their Kerala travel can reach Nilambur either by going via Kannur, which is 70 km away or through Ooty, which is 100 km away.
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