Thripunithura Hill palace is located in Thripunithura, 12kn from Ernakulam, Ernakulam didtrict, kerala.The Hill Palace Museum in Kochi is the largest of all archeological museums in Kerala.Built in 1865, it was once the official residential palace of the royal family of Kochi. It is now a qualified Ethno archeological museum besides having the distinction of being the first Heritage Museum in Kerala.This Museum of archaeology at Thripunithura is made up of 49 buildings, surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with ponds, fountains and lawns. The palace is a fine example of classical architecture.The palace museum is a big tourist spot as the hill palace Museum gives an in depth detail of the culture and customs of Kerala.Among the exhibits at the Hill Palace Museum are paintings, murals, manuscripts, inscriptions, carvings and sculptures, mainly from the Travencore Royal House, Paliam Devaswom and the archeological department. Other attractions here are the gold crown ornamented with precious stones, coins, epigraphy samples and majestic beds. There is also a gallery of contemporary art, the Paliam Gallery.The recent structure of the complex is a three storied building which was built in 1950. This three storied construction is meant for official use. The architectural style involves traditional Kerala art form. The other constructions in the complex are a fusion of western and traditional architecture. The Hill Palace of Kerala was improved as a museum in 1980 and since 1986 it served as a tourist place.The oldest building in the complex is a single storeyed Kerala style ‘ettukettu’ constructed around 1850 AD with an adjacent pond, temple and urappura. The other buildings are a combination of traditional and western architecture. The latest construction was a three storeyed western style building constructed in 1950 which used to function as the office. Other important exhibits at the Hill Palace museum are over 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from China and Japan, Kudakkallu (tomb stone), menhirs, granite, Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials, wooden temple models and rock cut weapons.Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here. plaster cast models of objects from Mohanjodaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum also houses a gallery of contemporary art.
Location info:
Address:Thiruvankulam village,Kanayannoor Taluk,Ernakulam district, Kerala, India.
District: Ernakulam district.
Nearest City: Kalady, Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha and Ernakulam(kochi) .
Best time to visit: October to April.
Climate/Weather:
The climate is tropical and Temperature is between 31.3oC and 25.8oC
History:
Hill Palace was built in 1865 by the Maharaja Of Cochin using their personal wealth and now is the largest archaeological museum in kerala.[3] The palace was handed over to the Government of Kerala by the Cochin Royal Family and in 1980, the palace was taken over by the Department Of Archaeology and later converted into a Museum. It was opened to the public in 1986. The famous Malayalam film, “Manichithrathazhu” was shot in the palace.
Interesting things to do:
Watch the paintings, murals, manuscripts, inscriptions, carvings, sculptures,coins, epigraphy samples and majestic beds in the museum.
Interesting things to Visit:
Bolgatty Island:Bolghatty Island also known as Ponjikara is one of the islands that make up the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. The island is a popular tourist haunt, and houses the Bolghatty palace. The palace was built by the Dutch during their reign of the Kingdom of Kochi.SIVA TEMPLE :Located near the old Collectorate in Park Avenue, this is one of the largest temples in Kerala.Bolgatty Island:This old Dutch palace is located on Bolgatty Island which is a brief boat ride away from the mainland. In fact, boat rides are available at regular intervals all day long. This building may have been a royal palace in the past, but in modern times it has been converted into a hotel quality hotel. This hotel is now run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).Cherai Beach:
Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.Children’s Park :A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.Marine Drive :Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.Ernakulam Backwaters:Ernakulam at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.St. Francis Church:It is the first European Church in India. Vasco da Gama, the first European to come to India was buried here at the St. Francis Church. St. Francis Church was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. Situated 2 Km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church is a living historical monument and one of the main tourist attractions in Fort Kochi.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Ernakulam railway station
Nearest Airport:Kochi International Airport.
Road Transport:There are bus services from Ernakulam and many private buses are provided for travel within Kerala.
Nearest Visiting places:
Kodanad:It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.Madhavan Nayar Foundation:It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.Malayatoor:Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church built on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill. This hill is dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine to participate in the annual festival of Malayatoor Perunnal, in the month of March. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.Chendamangalam:Chendamangalam is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala.Mangalavanam-” The green lung of Kochi city”The ecologically sensitive Magalavanam is safely tucked away behind the Ernakulam High Court. This evergreen forest land in the heart of Kochi is a green oasis for many migratory birds as a nesting ground. Visitors to Mangalavanam are captivated by the sheer variety of migratory birds that have nested atop the huge trees.Cochin Carnival:Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.Pierce Leslie Bungalow:Founded in 1862, this graceful colonial abode, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and native building style, was the office of the coffee merchants, the Pierce Leslie and Company.Santa Cruz Basillica Church:This is Built by the Portuguese, this church was elevated in its rank to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, and later was declared as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.Old Harbour House:Fishner Net, Cochin TravelThis elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.Vasco House:Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi.Chottanikkara Temple:Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still floak here seeking liberation from torment.Parikshith Thampuran Museum:This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.Vamanamoorthy Temple:Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.Dutch Palace:Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Kochi Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs.Children’s Park :A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.Madhavan Nayar Foundation:It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.Jewish Synagogue:The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch.Maniyanthram hills:Maniyanthram hills 22 km from Muvattupuzha near to Vazhakulam, We can really enjoy the beautiful series of gentle hills, valleys and green slopes from the top station of Maniyanthram hill!Puzhakkara Kavu temple:The Puzhakkara Kavu, one of the most important temples dedicated to Bhagawati, is situated on the banks of the Muvattupuzha.Bhoothathankettu dam:Bhoothathankettu dam is a scenic dam site and tourist spot situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam, Thattekad and 50 kms away from the main city of Ernakulam. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight.Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is about 13kms from Kothamangalam and about 71kms from Kochi Airport. Without guide or special permissions it’s a dead end.The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930’s as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. Since then much of the forest has been diverted to cultivation and teak and mahogany plantation but what survives gives a glimpse of the phenomenal bird diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala.Paittingattilkadavu:Paittingattilkadavu a very nice place to have bath and sight seeing. River-side Park with rare Butterflies Near Latha Theatre.boating through river.Check Dam at Rakkad:Check Dam at Rakkad six Kilometres from Muvattupuzha town. It is a very beautiful place with a waterfall across Muvattupuzha river. You can see Sreekrishna swami Temple near the river.The check dam situated in rackad,rackad is a beautiful villege.Nice to watch.
Hotel Maria 20/628, Kezhekekotta Vaikom Road, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel: 0484 2775588.Hotel Anapoorna 20/1142, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel: 0484 2781041.Salini Hotel 8/688, Irimpanam P O Tripunithura, Ernakulam Kerala 680309 Tel: 0484 2783347.Hotel Prasanth 14/156, Nfg, Tripunithura Ernakulam Kerala 680301 Tel: 0484 2781256.Satsuma Hospitality Ideas Sff Surya Apartment Sanskrit College Road Tripunithura, Ernakulam Kerala 680301 Tel: 0484 3246377.Hotel Queens Puthiyakavu, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel: 0484 2777277.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Tripunithura Police Station Tripunithura, Ernakulam Kerala.Hill palace police station Ernakulam Kerala.ET North Police Station Ernakulam Kerala.Panangad Police Station Ernakulam Kerala.Police Station Edappally Ernakulam Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Roshan Eye Care Hospital S N Junction, Main Road Tripunithura, Ernakulam Kerala 680301 Tel: 0484 2774701.Nairs Hospital Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass Ernakulam, Kerala 682304 Tel:0484 2302666 – 0484 2304480.Labline Instruments Pb No-36, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel:0484 2780675.Devi Nursing Home Near Nss Colege North Fort Gate Tripunithura, Ernakulam Kerala 680301.Matha Medicare N F Gate, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel:0484 2778332.Ranjini Eye Hospital Near Powerhouse Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin Kerala 682019 Tel:0484 2301922 – 09746400936.Rcm Hi-Tech Multi Speciality Hospital Rcm Hospital Complex Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel:0484 2776318.R C M Hospital Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura Ernakulam, Kerala 680301 Tel:0484 2776319.
Society/Community Phone Number:Archaeological Museum Hill Palace, Hill Palace.P.O, Ernakulam district Phone: 0484 2781113 Fax: 0484 2776374.
