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| Araku Tribal Museum |
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History
The Araku Tribal Museum is perhaps as famed as the place that houses it, the splendiferous Araku Valley. Started in February 1996, the museum unlike others is not historical, but instead showcases the orthodox lifestyle, along with the social, economical and cultural norms and customs of the native tribes of the region. The museum itself is built with mud and various metals that give it an authentic tribal feel and lend more credence to the artefacts that reside within.
Aimed at preserving and displaying the dominant traits of original tribal culture, traditional handicrafts, and fine arts of ancient tribes, the display of beautiful artefacts, intricate ornaments and exquisite textiles of the tribes of Northern Andhra Pradesh is a sight to behold. Araku Tribal Museum is spread over two levels, the first one displaying some extremely rare artefacts belonging to the Eastern Ghats Tribal Culture. The museum has been designed to showcase tribal lifestyle in motion, starting with a kitchen that displays utensils made of iron and mud. The passages within the museum that connect the various sections are constructed of mud walls adorned with drawings and artwork made by tribals. Displayed further ahead are differences in house constructions that signify tribal hierarchy. Another section of Araku Tribal Museum showcases the local tribal dances of Mayur and Dhimsa, with their beautifully coloured mannequins dressed in vivacious clothing and accessories to match.
The second level of the museum also houses a shop with number of artists from local tribes, setting up stalls to try and entice customers with their own skilful creations of tribal art. The museum also houses The Tribal Arts and Craft Centre, which is aimed at promoting and showcasing the hitherto unknown tribal art of the region. The Centre also provides convenient accommodation, with ten double rooms, public conveniences and a cafeteria.
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Best time to visit
Although Araku Valley has a moderate climate throughout the year, October to March is the best time to visit Araku Tribal Museum.
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Trivia
The Araku Tribal Museum is also home to a fortune teller with a parrot that interestingly speaks only the local language. A number of people apparently believe in his predictions, as a sizeable number pay him regular visits.
Across the street is Coffee Museum, which although named so is simply a coffee shop where a tired traveller can feast and unwind post the museum visit.
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Timing
The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Travel Tools
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