Palaces in Kerala

1. Padmanabhapuram Palace

Although it is located in Tamil Nadu, this palace belongs to Kerala. The Padmanabhapuram Palace and Museum Complex is located in Thakkala, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. This palace, which is owned by the Kerala Archaeological Department, was built by the Maharaja of Travancore, Marthanda Varma. Initially known as 'Kalkulam Palace', this palace was renamed Padmanabhapuram Palace in 1744. In addition to numerous wooden carvings, horses, 90 different lotuses, Onavillu, granite beds, Chinese jars, and many wall paintings, including those of Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, can be seen here. An archaeological museum and a heritage museum built on the model of a four-story house are functioning in the Padmanabhapuram Palace. The Kubera statue and ancient kitchen utensils are the main exhibits here.

2. Kuthiramalika

This palace is located in the East Fort of Thiruvananthapuram. It is named after the sculptures of horses. This palace is also known as 'Puthenmalika'. This palace was built by Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. Oil paintings of the kings of Travancore, Kathakali seals, ornaments, musical instruments, etc., and a musical tree that plays melodies are some of the sights here. The Kuthiramalika Museum is currently being designed as the Thiruvananthapuram District Museum.

3. Koyikkal Palace

Koyikkal Palace is located in Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district. It was the palace of the Perakam dynasty and later became the property of the Venad dynasty. In 1979, the Archaeological Department took over the palace and converted it into a museum. Today, it houses a Folklore Museum and a Coin Museum. Palm leaves, oil jars, and models of Thullal art are among the attractions of the Folklore Museum at Koikkal Palace. The Coin Museum, which has the largest coin collection in Kerala, has valuable collections such as coins from the Mauryan period, Dutch - British - Roman coins, Chera - Chola coins, and the Travancore royal seal.

4. Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is located in Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district. Built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma, this palace was once the temporary residence of the Travancore royal family. This palace, which is under the Kerala Archaeological Department, was renovated into a museum in 2000. The exhibits here include jars from the megalithic period, bronze statues, swords, measuring tapes, bullets, and a Bible in Sanskrit. The museum houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, 'Gajendramoksham'.

5. Hill Palace

Hill Palace is located in Tripunithura in Ernakulam district. Hill Palace, which was the palace of the Cochin Dynasty, was taken over by the Kerala Archaeological Department in 1984 and converted into a museum. The Hill Palace Museum consists of 15 galleries, a deer park, and a garden. The Hill Palace galleries have countless exhibits, including furniture, other items used by the dynasty, paintings, weapons, jewelry, coin collections, and the holy book called the Torah written on sheepskin. The 1.75 kg gold crown and royal throne, gifted by the Portuguese, are also the main attractions here.

6. Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace is located near the Jewtown in Ernakulam district. The palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555. Later, the Dutch acquired and renovated it. Hence, this palace is also known as the 'Dutch Palace'. This palace, which is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, was converted into a museum in 1986. Mattancherry Palace is the only museum in Kerala run by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is also the oldest palace museum in Kerala. The main exhibits here are the headscarves, turbans, coins, portraits of kings, and Dutch paintings of the Cochin Dynasty. The mural paintings based on the Ramayana also attract a lot of attention.

7. Sakthan Thampuran Palace

This palace, built in Kerala-Dutch architecture, is located in Thrissur city. The old name of the Sakthan Thampuran Palace was 'Vadakkechira Kovilakam'. This palace of the Cochin Dynasty was converted into a museum by the Kerala Archaeological Department in 2005. The Bronze Sculpture Gallery, Coin Gallery, and Archaeology Gallery are other attractions. Iron Age relics, various sculptures, and documents about the arrival of Tipu Sultan can also be seen here.

8. Arakkal Palace

Arakkal Palace is a palace located near the town of Kannur. It was the seat of the Arakkal dynasty, the only Muslim dynasty in Kerala. It was converted into a museum in 2005. The collection here includes portraits of kings and queens from various periods, guns, other weapons, and telephones.

9. Chirakkal Palace

This palace is located in Chirakkal in Kannur district. It was the palace of the Kolathiri kings. The life of the famous poet Cherussery is also associated with this palace. In 2003, the Kannur Folklore Academy took over the palace and converted it into a museum. Models and paintings of many folk art forms and costumes are displayed here. Jars made of wood and various types of ornaments can also be seen here.