Situated just thirteen kilometers to the
east of Kochi, along the Kochi–Chottanikkara–Muvattupuzha road, Hill Palace is
Kerala's largest archaeological museum and a majestic flashback to the grandeur
of the bygone Cochin Kingdom. Covering a massive 52 acres, this complex
comprises 49 traditional buildings with classically designed Kerala
architecture. If you are in Kochi and planning an excursion packed with
history, art, and heritage, Hill Palace is the perfect must-visit place. For
tourists wishing to have a peaceful stay nearby, luxury hotels in Edappally, such as Kaypees Grande, are the ideal destination
to base oneself on while visiting the heritage areas of Ernakulam.
Commissioned by Maharaja Ravi Varma, who
ruled Cochin from 1853 to 1864, Hill Palace, or Kanakakkunnu Palace, was
constructed during this time. It was in this period that Nalukettu and the
attached Oottupura of the palace were built, depicting the local building
traditions of the place. Gradually, the palace grew into a beautiful complex
consisting of Poomukham (sit-out), Akathalam (inner hall), Homappura (pooja room),
Madappally (kitchen), Oottupura (dining hall), a series of blocks and
galleries, etc. One of its numerous interesting amenities, the palace contains
a Victorian-era Cabinet Hall, constructed with an elevator sourced from England
and featuring Italian marble flooring, floral ceramic tiles, and an interesting
metallic ceiling. These are indicative of the lavish lifestyle of Cochin's
royal family, particularly under monarchs such as Rama Varma (1895–1914).
The Kerala State District Department of
Archaeology purchased the palace in 1981. It was then, in 1984, that it was
fashioned into the archaeological museum. The museum was opened for public
viewing in 1986, and now it stands as one of the most frequented heritage spots
in Kerala. The museum houses 15 major galleries, wherein visitors will find
Some of the exhibits have been contributed
by the royal courts of Travancore and Cochin, whereas others have been acquired
from all over Kerala. One of the distinctive parts is the Paliath Achan
Gallery, which features artifacts of the Paliayam Devaswom group.
Apart from the museum, the Hill Palace
complex also has a Heritage Museum, Deer Park, Prehistoric Park, and Children's
Park, making it the best place for a family outing. The gardens, fountains, and
expansive lawns are great for outdoor photography, but photography is strictly
not allowed within the main museum complexes. If you plan on visiting Kochi's
other side, you will find good accommodation at Kaypees Grande. Being one of
the luxury hotels in Kochi, we provide easy
accessibility to Thripunithura and the palace.
The architectural wonder of Hill Palace has
not only turned it into a tourist destination but also a preferred shoot
location for filmmakers. It was most famously used as a production location for
the cult Malayalam film Manichithrathaazhu, which went on to inspire remakes in
other languages spoken in India. The eternal appeal of the palace remains a
draw for culture vultures, history fans, and photographers alike. The Heritage
Museum, located in the oldest building of the complex—the Nalukettu—provides an
intimate glimpse of the bygone life of Keralites through tools, utensils,
furniture, and models of architecture from that time. It brings alive vividly
as to how the royal family and their people lived, toiled, and prayed.
If you are a history buff visiting the gems
of Kerala, the Hill Palace is a fantastic place that has art, architecture, and
royal heritage. Its peaceful surroundings, informative galleries, and
well-preserved grounds make it accessible to both adults and kids. For a
comfortable and luxurious stay, Ernakulam hotel rooms at Kaypees Grande offer the perfect mix of modern amenities and
easy access to key landmarks like the Hill Palace.
