Tripunithura hill palace

The Hill Palace is the most famous and the largest archaeological museum in the state of Kerala, in South India. It is located at Tripunithura, near Karingachira area, in Kochi. It was built in 1865. It is spread across in 220,000 m2 or 54 acres. The palace complex comprises 49 buildings in the Kerala traditional architectural pattern and style. This building was used as the Kochi Rajas’s administrative office. The museum campus is home to many rare species of plants related to medicinal category. Now, the palace has been rightly converted into a museum under The Kerala State Archaeology Department. It is wide open to public from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays. On National and State holidays, the museum is open from 10am to 12.30 noon and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. At present, the complex has an archaeological museum, a park for children, a heritage museum, a deer park and a pre-historic park.

At the site, The Centre for Heritage Studies which is an autonomous research and training institute established under the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the Government of Kerala also proudly functions. It is to be highly noted that CHS is well-designated as the Manuscript Resource Centre and ‘Manuscript Conservation Centre’ by the National Mission for Manuscripts.

History of Tripunithura hill palace

In 1865, the Hill Palace was built by the Maharaja Of Cochin. At present, it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala state. In 1980, the palace was wholeheartedly handed over by the Cochin Royal Family to the Government of Kerala. The palace was immediately taken over by the Department of Archaeology. Later, it was converted into a large Museum. In 1986, it was opened to the public. The museum plus its campus is one among the most sought after and popular shooting spot for Malayalam film industry. The weapon gallery and Horse cart gallery are really amazing.

Tripunithura hill palace Museum

The Hill Palace museum largely displays fourteen categories of grand exhibits comprising Crown plus ornaments of erstwhile Cochin royal family, sculptures in stone and marble, weapons, paintings, coins, inscriptions, etc. in this museum, the major share of attractions are contributed by the Cochin Royal Family, There are also some exhibits of rare objects from the department of Archaeology plus the Paliam Devaswom. With precious stones, it has a gold crown embedded. It also has several valuable coins, majestic beds, ornaments and samples of epigraphy. The popular Malayalam movie titled Manichitrathazhu was perfectly shot here.

How to reach Tripunithura hill palace

By road: The Hill Palace Museum is nearly 12 km from Ernakulam town. It can be approached road that lead to Tripunithura. There are plenty of private and Government bus services.

By Air: The nearest airhead is located at Kochi international airport located at Nedubassery.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is located at Tripunithura railway station that has stop for few express trains and all passenger trains. The major railheads are Ernakulam North and Ernakulam town that connect within Kerala and rest of India.