Siddhagiri Gramjivan Wax Museum (Kenari Math) is situated at Kenari, near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. It is less known, but must to go, to understand ancient village life before Mughals entered in Maharashtra. The museum shows the dream village of Mahatma Gandhi - self-sufficiency, barter-system of ancient times, one large family feeling of people in a village, etc. These situations are displayed here by approximately 300 wax statues in 80 different life-scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, spreading over 7 acres of large area. These wax statues have immense magnificent and multidimensional effects that they seem to be alive. This museum was created by the great efforts of 27th Mathadipati H. H. Adrushya Kadisidheshwar Swamiji, who imagined all these things and worked over to show the richness of our ancient culture and society to the coming Indian generations that we were really ' Golden Bird ', by all means.
History
The museum was inaugurated in 2006 to know the richness and greatness of ancient rural background, the forgotten way of life, cultural heritage and traditions of India. It is a journey to older times through the various phases of life by displaying the wax statues, depicting the society of that time. it is an open air museum in Kenari Math, which is a holy place for Lord Shiva's devotees. This hilly area is also naturally rich in flora and fauna.
Getting There
Nearest airport is 9 kms. from Kolhapur, Ujalaiwadi. Nearest railway station is 12 kms. frommuseum, Kolhapur or Chatarapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus. You can go by a bus from airport and railway station to MIDC, personal auto or sharing auto is easily available there to reach the Math, which is 4 kms. from MIDC on NH-4, Pune- Bangalore highway.
Things to Do in and around
Photography or videography is strictly prohibited there. Audience will feel proud on their rich cultural heritage by viewing the village scenes, depicted by wax statues, reflect the joy, beauty and satisfaction in togetherness with nature. This place feels as heavenly paradise. The scenes include: Goldsmith at work, villagers fetching water from the public well, women cooking food for their families, etc. .
Opening and Closing timings and Date
The museum opens 7 days a week- Monday to Sunday. Timings are 09:30 - 19:00 IST. and ticket window opens from 09:30 to 17:30 IST. It takes around 2:30 to 3:00 hours to take a tour of museum. If you want to stay there, Math has accommodation of 36 rooms with attached toilets. Facilities for the physically disabled people are also available in this museum.
Best Time to Visit
It is an open air museum, so winter season, from November to February, is best time to visit because of pleasant weather. You should carry your own food, water, hat, and sunglasses there.
