Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum, the first of its kind in the country, is fast emerging as a fascinating destination for a diverse spectrum of patrons.

If the visitor turnout is any indication, the museum which started functioning from December 2013 at Thaikkattussery near Ollur in Thrissur has been drawing big crowds which comprise foreign tourists, tour groups, families etc.

Even several ayurvedic colleges both in Kerala and outside have included the museum visit as part of their study tour programme. An audio-visual tour provides visitors a glimpse of the age old history and evolution of this ancient form of medicine through a slew of media including artefacts, sculptures, scriptures and pictures.

“Researchers and students looking to discover and learn the origin and evolution of ayurveda will find the museum a veritable treasure trove. Along with imparting wisdom about India’s ancient medical science, the museum also aims to convey the message – health through ayurveda – to the new generation”, says E.T.Parameswaran Mooss, Director.

The original Nalukettu, the traditional mansion with authentic Kerala architectural flourishes, where the Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala started off in 1941 is preserved and named as “Acharya Griham” in honour of the founder, he said.

The museum has three sections. A digital library with a CD collection based on ayurveda and “NadyaGriham” – a projector conference hall for audio visual presentations. A 3D gallery displays the developments in the manufacturing of ayurvedic medicines and treatment techniques that evolved over the ages.

It was established in remembrance of the founder Ashtavaidyan E.T.Neelakandan Moos at an investment of ₹2 crore with the objective of propagating comprehensive knowledge about ayurveda to the general public.

The medicinal garden in the premises has a wide variety of rare and nearly extinct species of medicinal herbs that are preserved and nourished to keep the pivotal area of authentic medicines intact.