Shakthan Thampuran Palace

Shakthan Thampuran Palace is located in the district of Thrissur, in the state of Kerala, in South India. Its architectural pattern and style is related Kerala-Dutch style. This palace was completed in a successful manner in the year 1795. It was build for and under the order of Sakthan Thampuran who was the Maharaja of Cochin and Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile Princely State of Cochin. This palace is locally known as Vadakkekara Palace. It comes with the structural system related to the Kerala style of Nalukettu. At present, this palace is perfectly preserved by Archaeological Department under the Central Government. In 2005, the palace was successfully converted into a museum by Kerala State Government.

Style of the Shakthan Thampuran Palace

The principal structure of the Sakthan Thampuran Palace has a traditional Kerala pattern and style Nalukettu. High roofs, a two-storeyed building, extra thick walls, spacious floors and rooms paved with nice smoothened Italian marbles. The exterior and interiors of the palace mainly because of its special construction provides pleasant and comfortable staying conditions in all prevailing weather situations, conditions and circumstances. These are certain of the structural unique specialties of this particular palace.

History of Shakthan Thampuran Palace

Sakthan Thampuran Palace actually belonged to the Perumpadappu Swaroopam who is regarded as the ruling dynasty of Kochi. This particular Palace and place was the centre of strong power of King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, who successfully ruled Kochi in the years between AD 1790 plus 1805. According to the local legends, His rule in a successful manner was regarded as the Golden Era of the Cochin dynasty. It is to be remembered that this particular palace is just close to the Vadakkumnathan Temple located in Thrissur. This King is largely credited with the grand introduction of the Thrissur Pooram festival which is an annual festival held in the month of May with strong teams representing the Tiruvambadi Krishna temple and Parmekavu Bhagavathy temple competing for successful primacy just in front of the Vadakkumnathan temple with percussion, elephants, drums, colorful fireworks, etc. The particular palace was commonly called as Vadakkechira Kovilakam.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace Museum

The museum located in the palace campus displays Bronze Gallery where the visitors can find bronze statues largely belonging to the golden period between the 12th plus the 18th centuries, Sculpture gallery with granite statues dated from the 9th century to the 17th century, Numismatics Gallery, the history gallery and the Epigraphy Gallery. On the other hand, other galleries of interest at this particular palace comprise a Megalithic Gallery and a Gallery for Household Utensils made of copper and bronze.

 The other attractions of Shakthan Thampuram Palace are archaeological garden with the indigenous varieties of tress and plants of Kerala, a very ancient Serpent Grove and the Heritage Garden. This palace largely attracts visitors and tourists from within the state and nation plus abroad. It is to be remembered that a person by visiting this palace can easy understand the royal personal and professional lifestyle, their culture and tradition with a lot of perfection. It is one of the must visit palace in Kerala.