Hill Palace

Though the hill palace was initially created as a palace for the Maharaja of Cochin, later the Kerala State government made it a museum to cater to the visitors who were interested in understanding the rich history of the cultural traditions of Kerala. The many rare types of herbs and trees that are today seen in the compound have all been taken care of by the Government of Kerala who has enhanced the beauty of the entire palace.

History

The Hill Palace came into existence in 1865, when the ruler or the Maharaja of the Kottayam district had constructed this as his own palace.  Built with a very unique rounded structure, but still in line with the styles of the Keralite architecture, this is a natural landmark in the area.  Today this houses the historical museum, an archaeological museum and a deer park and children’s park.  These make the Hill Palace even more attractive as the numbers of children who visit this have increased because of these facilities that have been done at the palace.  The Kerala State Government has also taken special steps in growing the rare medicinal plants in the compound – this is a rarity and the surprise element of the Hill Palace.  The Museum has been visited by the public starting 1986 and apart from tourists the sprawling campus of the Hill palace is also a common sight in most Kerala films.

Architecture

Since the Hill Palace served as the Administrative office of the kings of Kochi, the palace is blessed with exquisite architecture that is rich in tradition and authentic Kerala Style. Since it had to house a whole lot of offices and the entire gamut of administrative services across the whole state, this palace spread over an area of 54 acres.  It housed close to 49 buildings when this was the office of the Kochi Rajas.  Now it has been converted to a heritage and archaeological museum.  Today the museum houses a gold crown that once belonged to the royal family of Cochin that was studded with precious gems and other precious ornaments, jewels, money, coins amidst many other things.

Best Time to Visit

Since May and June are the monsoon months of May, tourism could be a little affected during these two months.  However since the winters are pleasant and even the rains do not create havoc in Kerala, the hill palace can be visited during the monsoons as well.  So, the tourists can choose to draw up a plan covering most tourist spots in Kerala and plan their trips in such a way that they have enough time to spend at the Tripunithura palace.

Visitor Information

Visitors have to note the timelines that the Hill palace is open to prevent them going without visiting the palace.  This monument is open from 9 am in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon and after a small lunch break reopens at 2:00 pm and closes for the day at 4 p.m.  The palace is closed for visitor’s entry on Mondays and other national holidays.  The famous psychological thriller movie Manichitratazhi that was remade in languages like Telugu, Tamil and Hindi was shot here.

How to Reach

Since Tripunithura is just 11 kms from Ernakulam, tourists have to make their itineraries to reach Ernakulam.  Since Ernakulam is one of the most advanced cities in Kerala, tourists will find no difficulty in reaching here.  They can either opt to fly in, take the train or even travel on road by bus or taxis from other important cities.

By Air

Tourists can arrive at the Kochi airport.  Kochi has connections to all major cities in India and considerable connections to international cities.  There are daily flights that connect Ernakulam to the major parts of the country.  So, this will be the best choice for air travellers.  They can then take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to the palace.

By Rail

Ernakulam is an important junction and all trains that ply from Ernakulam to Kottayam will stop at Tripunithura.  So, the tourists can also plan to reach the Ernakulam station.  The palace is only 11 kms away from the railway station.

By Road

There are good bus connections between Ernakulam and major cities in South India.  The Kerala government has commissioned good buses to ensure the comfort of their tourists.

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