About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum in Kollam is the only museum in India showcasing the history of Indian policing from pre-independence to modern times. The museum is named and known after India’s first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and his role in unifying the country. The museum houses artefacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, providing a deeper look into the history of advancements that Indian Policing systems have gone through. You can observe vintage guns, early communication tools, Morse code transmitters, and vehicles. There is also a detailed section for forensic sciences and crime investigation, providing fascinating insights into policing techniques.
Visitors are also educated by the museum on major milestones that the Indian law enforcement celebrates. A highlight of this museum is the Martyr’s gallery displaying the policemen who were sacrificed during their duties. This section displays the dedication and commitment of police personnel to keep law and justice alive. When visiting Kollam, including this museum in your list would be the best thing you could do. The museum has artifacts kept in four sections and also has DNA evidence on display, which makes it a fascinating place to visit. The visitors of this museum are allowed to interact with a few things, which makes this visit entertaining and educational.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum Highlights
• Visit Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum, Kollam, to witness India’s only museum dedicated to the evolution of law enforcement.
• Observe rare police equipment like antique firearms, communication equipment used earlier, and pre-independent policing tools like lathis, Lee-Enfield rifles, Webley revolvers, and bayonets.
• Witness police medals dating back over 100 years, showing the gradual transformation of the Indian police force.
• Get a chance to enter replicas of police control rooms, providing an insight into the policing systems.
How To Reach Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum
By road:
- By car/taxi - The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum is 4.3 KM from Kollam City centre, you can reach there in around 13 minutes via Chemmanmukku Railway Station Rd. Visitors can also take a taxi from the city centre to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum.
- By Bus: KSRTC buses connect various parts of Kollam to the city centre. Get off at the Asramam stop or nearby Collectorate Junction and walk a short distance to reach the museum.
Best Time To Visit Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum
Peak Season (November to February)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant daytime temperatures between 23°C–30°C; perfect for walking tours and city exploration.
- Things to Do: Visit the museum comfortably, explore nearby sites like Kollam Beach and British Residency.
Moderate Season (June to October)
- Weather Insights: Mild to heavy showers with a temperature of 25°C–30°C, fewer tourists.
- Things to Do: Enjoy a quiet, crowd-free experience at the museum and other indoor attractions.
Low Season (March to May)
- Weather Insights: Hot and humid with temperatures above 35°C in the afternoon.
- Things to Do: Visit the museum in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat; pair it with a calm walk along Kollam’s shaded streets.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Keep an eye on the opening and closing hours of the museum, and when visiting on a national holiday, make sure you check if it's open or closed.
- Avoid carrying large bags as they may not be allowed within the facility or areas of display.
- Keep in mind the rules and regulations issued by the museum authorities for its visitors, and avoid taking pictures if prohibited.
- Plan a visit for about 1 hour to observe the displays in the museum and ensure a relaxing visit.
Walk through the Hall of History
You can begin with a guided walk through the museum’s first section, where India’s police history is displayed in a timeline format. The collection contains rare insight from the colonial policing to post-independence reforms, offering a rare insight into the changing face of law enforcement in the country.
Explore the Forensics and Crime Scene Display
Visitors can see models of crime scenes, fingerprint kits, lie detectors, and tools that are used for ballistics and evidence analysis. The forensic section is the most interactive section of the museum, indulging its visitors with interesting insights.
Observe Real Police Medals and Honors
Get a chance to see rare old and original police medals by visiting the Medals Gallery. The section also explains the backstory behind each medal and the Policemen it was awarded to, providing recognition to their names.
View Vintage Police Vehicles and Guns
You can step outside the museum to see the vintage retired vehicles used by Kerala Police. These vehicles, including bikes and cars, were earlier used for patrolling by the police. Inside the museum, there are vintage guns, including pistols and rifles, on display.
Tourism Board Alliances
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum FAQs
What makes the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum unique in India?
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum is the only museum that is exclusively dedicated to the history and evolution of the Indian Police Force. The museum exhibits a rare collection of artefacts that includes old uniforms, weapons, medals, and forensic equipment. It is not only about artefacts but also about displaying the courage of police personnel from every department of the Indian Police.
Is the museum suitable for children, families, or educational trips?
Yes, the museum is suitable for inclusion in your educational trips and family trips. It is designed to be easily understood by everyone and not be very technical. It is accessible to teenagers and children with interactive elements in the forensic section and replicas of old patrol equipment, making it a great learning experience for all.
What is the entry fee, and are there any ticketing formalities?
The museum charges a very nominal fee for its visitors to enter, which makes it a budget-friendly attraction. The tickets are available offline at the museum, and you can just visit the venue to buy tickets and enjoy visiting inside.
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