India Seashell Museum, Mahabalipuram - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 1.5 km from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the India Seashell Museum is a newly built museum situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the must-include places in Mahabalipuram family packages.

The newly built India Seashell Museum in Mahabalipuram is one of its kind in the country and the largest museum in Asia. This private museum, founded by K Raja Mohamed, serves as a comprehensive repository of diverse seashells, aimed at educating its visitors. Among its notable exhibits are sculptures crafted from shells, including representations of a car and a ship. The museum spans an area of one and a half acres.

India Seashell Museum houses over 40,000 specimens of rare and unique seashells, fossils, shark teeth and whale fins from around the globe. These seashells are presented in an artistic and informative manner. Additionally, the museum features oysters and snails, complete with details regarding their sizes and origins. It provides an opportunity to delve into the history and significance of maritime trade, as well as the cultural relevance of seashells across various civilizations.

In addition to its extensive seashell collection, the museum includes a Pearl Museum, showcasing a vast array of pearls derived from different types of seashells globally. The complex also features a small aquarium named Fish World, which is home to a variety of colorful fish. Visitors can explore the Mini Asia Museum, which highlights some of Asia's most remarkable sites, including a Shell Merlion from Singapore, the Great Wall of China, and underwater creatures from Indonesia. The Mineral Museum offers a distinctive experience, ensuring that such a venue is unparalleled in India. Furthermore, guests can observe extinct species at the Dinosaur Museum, as well as enjoy attractions like the Horror Museum, 3D Art Gallery, and Virtual Gaming Arena.

The museum complex also includes a shopping center known as Maya Bazaar, where visitors can purchase a variety of intriguing items crafted from marine products such as oysters and conch shells. Additionally, there is a seafood restaurant named Fresh 'n Live Sea Food.

Timings: 8 AM - 8 PM

Entry: Rs. 400 for All Seven Attractions