Historical Monuments in Kerala-Shakthan Thampuran Palace

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About:
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is located near Thrissur town of the Thrissur district. The Palace is a landmark in the chronicles of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the erstwhile ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest in the history of rulers and dynasties. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace highlights several interesting and outstanding aspects of the former rulers of Kochi.This palace is a blend of traditional Kerala and Dutch architectural style. Formerly this palace was known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam The palace spread over six acres, This palace is named after King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran, who is the founder of Thrissur town. There are three tombs including the tomb of Shakthan Thampuran.The palace has been constructed in a unique combination of Dutch and traditional Kerala style of architecture. Very few structures in Kerala have such a unique combination that has been skillfully blended together to make such a magnificent palace.Some of the highlights of the Sakthan Thampuran Palace are high roofs, extra thick walls, spacious rooms and floors paved with finely smoothened Italian marbles. The construction and interiors are done so tastefully and comfortably that it remains cozy irrespective of weather condition.The Shakthan Palace, which was recently renovated by the State Archaeology Department with financial assistance from Kerala tourism, also houses an elaborate museum. The museum houses some interesting galleries like the Bronze gallery, where one can find bronze statues belonging to the period between the 12th and the 18th centuries.The palace has mainly two stories and a traditional Kerala “Naalukettu”.The Sakthan Thampuran palace in Thrissur has a very old Serpent Grove, where serpents are worshiped. The Heritage Garden is situated on the southern side of the Shakthan Palace. Recently the garden has been set up to display and preserve some of the local varieties of plants and trees found in Kerala.The palace also has a very ancient Sarpakaavu or Serpent Grove, which is a place for worshipping the serpents according to Hindu belief, and was once widely practiced in Kerala. A Sculpture gallery displaying granite statues from the 9th century to the 17th century; and the Epigraphy gallery showcasing the genesis and evolution of ancient writings.One of the major Established a Botanical Garden near the Sakthan Thampuran Palace. There is also a medicinal plants garden with an indigenous and exotic collection of plants. The interiors of the palace offer comfortable and pleasant staying conditions irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions.There is snake temple inside the complex. The museum has the largest collection of excavated megalithic material in Kerala. You will also find very good ancient coins. In addition, the galleries depict the treasury, royal bedroom, and the royal kitchen utensils, besides displays of bronzes, weapons, and stamps. Shaktharan Thampuran Palace is now conserved by Archaeological Department. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace reflects a number of exciting and exceptional aspects of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi.
Location info:
Address: Near Thrissur town, Thrissur district , Kerala, India
District: Thrissur district
Nearest City: Kochi, Sholayar, kaladi, Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam and Kodungallur.
Best time to visit: September to March
Climate/Weather:
The weather Temaparture on Summer: (January – May) 300 to 360C and Monsoon: (June – October) 260 to 320C.
History:
Historians consider the reign of King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran (AD 1790-1805) popularly known as Shakthan as the golden era of Kochi. At a very young age itself, Shakthan?Thampuran demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and bravery. During his reign, he maintained cordial relations with European powers including the English and also with rulers of neighbouring regions like Mysore and Travancore. Shakthan Thampuran was a farsighted ruler, whose outstanding administrative skills and diplomacy resulted in admirable achievements in key sectors.
Interesting things to do:
Watch the Beautifull three tombs including the tomb of Shakthan Thampuran,moothened Italian marbles, medicinal plants garden with an indigenous and exotic collection of plants and a Museum.
Interesting things to Visit:
Parthasarthy Temple Adoor:Seek the divine at Parthasarthy temple in Adoor Kerala, India and find yourself in the middle of a temple building brimming with enchanting architectural friezes and sculptural treasures.The Parthasarthy Temple in Adoor, Kerala India comes to life during the annual Gajamela, a traditional elephant festival that draws crowds from the near by areas. See caparisoned elephants march in rhythm with the cultural fiesta held at the Parthasarthy Temple every year. Kovalam holidays.Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple:Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the largest Krishna temples in Kerala. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple is located in Thrissur in Kerala, South India and is considered to be over a 1000 years old.Thumpurmuzhi gardens:

Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.Tippu’s Flag Staff:The flag staff of Tippusultan which was erected in 1789 is now protected in front of the Sakthanthampuran palace near the fort well.Old Fortification:The eastern and western gateway and old fortification around the Sakthan Thampuran Palace has been declared as protected monuments due to its stylistic importance.Two stone images of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi under the Saptaparna tree in Vadakkechira palace (Sakthan Thampuran Palace) compound are protected by the departement.Archaeological Museum:Located on the Town Hall Road in Trichur, the archaeological museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and National holidays.Vilangakunnu:7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity.Vadakkumnathan Temple:The famous Vadakkumnathan temple located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India.A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala’s most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Thrissur Railway station is the nearest station and Thrissur city is well connected and serviced by rail to all major cities in India. Daily over night trains run from Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore and Hyderabad. Long distance trains from Mumbai and Delhi also pass through Thrissur
Nearest Airport:Kochi International Airport Nearest railway and from Kozhikode (Calicut) Airport is 80 km away from city.
Road Transport:Take the Cochin Thrisur Highway from Chalakudy Railway Station to reach Vazhachal Falls and You can also reach here by bus from cities like Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Coimbatore.
Nearest Visiting places:
Peechi Dam:

Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary,and this place is easily accessible by road from Thrissur, as there are frequent private buses from Thrissur.Chowalloor Shiva Temple:Renowned as one of the 108 Shivalayas (Abode of Shiva) the Chowalloor Shiva Temple is in the neighborhood of Guruvayur. The temple location is scenic, calm and cool. The premier deity is Shiva with a special Shivalinga installed in the sanctum Sanctorum.Heritage Garden:Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala.Lourdes Cathedral:Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.The Zoo:2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Shelter):Near Guruvayoor, 2 km away is Punnathur Kotta, the place where temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else one can find so many elephants at a time.Christian Divine Retreat Centres:They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi – Thrissur route.Thriprayar Temple:This Temple is located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight.Mummiyur Temple:This is a small temple dedicated to Shiva, whose image is said to have been existing in Guruvayoor, even prior to the installation of the image of Krishna. It is located near the famous Krishna temple.A visit to this shrine is considered mandatory for all those worshipping at the Krishna temple.Chavakkad Beach:Lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, Chavakkad beach is an important tourist spot. Chavakkad is famous for Haidross Kuttee, a lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. St Thomas Church at Palayur and Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are nearby tourist spots.Parthasarathy:This is a famous temple credited with an idol of Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna in the form of Guiding Arjuana (Partha)Anakkaya:

Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.Elephant Camp:Elephant Camp in the Punnathur Kotta is the largest elephant sanctuary in India. At present it has more than 60 elephants. All these elephants are offered to Guruvayur temple by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. This elephant sanctuary is a specimen example elephant love and preservation.The Vazhachal waterfalls:The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.Sholayar Dam:Sholayar Dam is situated 20 km from Valparai, a hill station on the Anamalai range in Coimbatore District. It is the second deepest dam in Asia. With its scenic surroundings, the dam is a busy tourist spot in the hidden forest area. A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam.Vachumaram:Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.Thumpurmuzhi gardens:

Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.Malakapara Tea Gardens:

For the adventurous a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculptured beauty of Malakapara tea Gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some good wildlife.Charpa Falls:To the east of athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy.Bhagawati Temple:The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is known throughout Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Bhagawati temple is one of the biggest in Kerala.St.Thomas Church:Jesus Christ’s apostle, St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (earlier Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics. St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and brave personality.Kottayil Kovilakom:Kottayil Kovilakom is a small village located at Chennamangalam, near Paravur. The place is located around 40 kilometers from Ernakulam town and is a symbol of religious harmony. The beautiful hillocks of Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple (Dedicated to Krishna) , a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other.Pallippuram Fort:Pallippuram Fort was built in 1507 AD, by the Portugese. It is considered to be the first fort built in India by the Europeans.It witnessed several battles between the Portugese and the Dutch. The hexagonal-shaped fort has three storeys and is now a protected monument.Shiva Temple:The Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located 3 kilometers from Kodungalloor on the Ernakulam road. The temple porch is very much attractive because it is decorated with carvings depicting people and incidents in the epic Ramayana. The Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of ‘Shivalingam’ and his faithful bull ‘Nandi’ also worshiped here.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump
Thrissur, KeralaPetrol Pump
Swaraj Round West
Thrissur, Kerala.Petrol Pump
Mahatma Gandhi Rd
Thrissur, Kerala.Petrol Pump
Mahatma Gandhi Rd
Thrissur, Kerala.Thaliyath Petrol Pump
Irinjalakuda, Kerala.Prabhus Petrol Pump
Kodungallur, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Luciya Palace
Thrissur, Kerala
0487 2424731.Hotel Trichur Towers
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2425290.Hotel Casino
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2424699.Hotel Das Continental
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2446222.Hotel Joys Palace
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2429999.Pearl Regency Hotel
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2446661.Hotel Elite International
Chembottil Lane, Veliyannur
Thrissur, Kerala 680001.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2363608.Viyyoor Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala.Peramangalam Police Station
Thrissur, KeralaWadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Kerala
Tel: 04884 233100.Police station
Kattoor Town, KeralaPolice Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda
Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Modern Hospital Kodungallur
P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post
Thrissur, Kerala 680664
Tel: 0480 2802022 – 0480 6451456 – 09249582666.Aswini Hospital
Thrissur, Kerala.Karthyayani Hospital
Thrissur, Kerala.Sree Chithra Panchakarma Research Centre and Speciality Ayurveda Hospital
Rd, Thrissur, Kerala 680003
Tel:0487 2384055 – 09387111124.Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel:0487 2428740.Vasan Eye Care
Veliyannur, Thrissur
Kerala 680001
Tel:0487 2442451.Metropolitan Hospital
Koorkenchery, Thrissur
Kerala.Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital
Thaikkattussery, Thrissur
Kerala.
Society/Community Phone Number:Contact Address:
Kerala Kalamandalam
Deemed University for Art and Culture
Cheruthuruthy – 679 531 via Thrissur, Kerala, India
Phone : 0488-4262418, 4263440
Fax : 0488-4262019
Link:http://destinationthrissur.blogspot.com/2009/05/sakthan-thampuran-palace.html
http://godsowncountrykerala1.blogspot.com/2009/04/shakthan-thampuran-palace_19.html
http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/02/shakthan-thampuran-palace.html