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Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The magnificent Shakthan Thampuran Palace is one of the most popular palaces in Thrissur or Trichur in Kerala. The palace is a marked place of the previous dynasty who ruled Kochi. 'Perumpadappu Swaroopam' as by going to the palace, the visitors comes across various aspects of Kochi ruler's lifestyles. The district is a prime place of attraction for the tourists who have a keen interest in ancient dynasties and rulers. It was later on named Vadakkekara Palace. In 1795, it was constructed and built by Ramavarma Thampuran in Kerala-Dutch architectural style. It was Shakthan Thampuran who was Cochin dynasty's greatest ruler and now it is being taken care by the Archaeological department of Kerala. Later on in 2005, the palace got converted into a museum which has a huge number of artifacts and relics which portray the legacies of the people resided there in form of stories carved in the image. It has a gallery of Bronze too.
History
Shakthan Thampuran Palace belonged to the Perumpadappu Swaroopam Dynasty of Kochi earlier. Later on after the Dynasty of Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the palace was taken over by the king and ruler of Kochi, Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran who also ruled for a period of some time. He ruled from the period 1790 till 1805 and during this period he lived in his same residence and not even changed the capital. The era in which he ruled is called the golden era of Cochin Dynasty. He received victory in most of the battles he fought as there weren't a large number of fights during his rule.
The palace earlier was known by the name of Vadakkechira Kovilakam till Shakthan Thampuran reconstructed the palace. It was later known as Shakthan Thampuran Palace and at present also it is known by this name. Shakthan Thampuran gave the present form to the palace. There were various remnants of that time which are still being found here like Tipu Sultan's visit. The most interesting thing about the palace is the ancient 'Sarpakavu' which means the 'serpants sacred grove'. It was the time of worshipping done by the kings to the snake God as per the Hindu mythology and also at the time when criminals were being punished, the grove was used. Rama Varma Bharathan Thampuran who was Chowwarayil Theepetta Veliyathampuran’s grand nephew was the last person or member to reside in the palace from the royal family.
Architecture
The palace is built in the architectural style of Kerala and Dutch. There are few such styles found in Kerala. It has also got its structural style of Nalukettu and a two storeyed structure of the building. The roof of the building has roof which are very elevated and high and it has also very thick walls. The flooring of the palace is done by Italian marbles which are very smoothly paved and it is one of the specialties of the palace. There are rooms inside the palace which are very spacious and the interiors inside the palace is in such a manner that it feels great comfort to be inside the palace in any weather condition. The construction of the palace is very unique in its style.
How to reach
It is very easy to reach Thrissur by air, rail and road. As Kerala has well-connected route, it makes easier for the visitors to travel to and fro from the city.
By air
The nearest airport to the town is Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery. It is at a distance of 58 km from the area where the palace is situated. The airport is connected to several places by both international and domestic flights.
By road
The palace in found to be in the center of the city of Cochin and therefore the city has a very good facility of road transport, both private and public.
By rail
Thrissur railway station in Thrissur has good connectivity to various towns and cities by a large number of trains available all the time.
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