Poonjar Palace, located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India, is a significant example of the royal grandeur of ancient times. Constructed primarily from wood, the palace showcases the traditional architecture of Kerala. It houses an impressive collection of antique furniture, including a Thoni (a traditional wooden boat), grand chandeliers, jewelry boxes, palm leaf engravings, and various lamps. The palace also contains grain measures, statues, weapons, and sculptures of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. A unique conch, preserved for centuries, is ceremoniously used only once a year. The nearby Sastha Temple and a replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple add to the cultural richness of the area.

History
The Poonjar Palace was built by the Poonjar Rajas, an ancient dynasty linked with the Travancore royal family. This 600-year-old palace served as the seat of the Poonjar kingdom. The dynasty originated from the Pandyan Kings of the Sangam Age, with Manavikrama Kulashekhara Perumal as its founder. In 1152 AD, the Poonjar dynasty relocated from Madurai due to civil wars in Tamil Nadu. They brought with them one of the three idols of Meenakshi, their "Kula Devatha," which was established in the Meenakshi Temple on the banks of the Meenachil River.

Manavikraman Raja acquired land from the Thekkancoor Rajas, which now forms parts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki districts. Erattupetta became the commercial hub of the Poonjar kingdom. This small principality remained under the Poonjar Rajas until it was leased to British tea companies for two centuries. In the 1950s, TATA Tea Ltd acquired the land, leading to ownership disputes after the lease expired. Today, Poonjar Palace features a museum exhibiting a collection of antiques, rock-cut lamps, and sculptures from the past.

Attractions
Poonjar Palace offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Kerala's royal family, making it a prized destination for art and history enthusiasts. The palace is adorned with grand chandeliers, Nataraja sculptures, and military equipment. The on-site museum showcases a royal collection of antiques, rock-cut lamps, and various sculptures. Close to the palace is a replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, featuring walls adorned with sculptures depicting stories from the Puranas. Nearby, the Sastha Temple is home to beautiful Chuttuvilakku (rows of lamps) carved into the stone walls.

Visitors can explore the palace by taking a drive along the Erattupetta-Pala route. This architectural marvel, constructed with fine wood and featuring exquisite furniture, granite tiles, laterite, clay, and beautiful artifacts, stands as a glowing testimony to Kerala's rich past. The palace's massive walls, reminiscent of its regal era, still protect its treasures. Situated in Meenachil Taluk, Kottayam, Poonjar Palace remains a lasting reminder of the grandeur and stories of a bygone era.