Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 198 FEBRUARY 2010 HOME WHERE TO GO VIDEOS Newsletter Archives SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER

Krishnapuram Palace

Kerala is noted for many palaces that were an outcome of princely domains that once ruled different parts of Kerala. The Krishnapuram Palace is one such palace, which could be reached from the National Highway - 47 going via Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is a historically important palace, located close to the Sree Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram. History reckons this double-storeyed palace as the one where the kings of Kayamkulam dynasty last stayed. It is a typical example of a palace design that is akin to that of local rulers in ancient Kerala.

Many ancillary units of Krishnapuram Palace got demolished and only the main palace structure remains intact. There are no authentic records stating the period of the palace's construction. According to old timers, the princess of Kayamkulam ruling family used to stay at a place north of Kayamkulam while the men stayed at the Krishnapuram Palace.

Currently a protected monument under the Department of Archaeology, the palace situated near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram was built during the period of King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD) following the annexation of Kayamkulam to the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.

The palace would easily catch the attention of its visitors, due to its traditional Kerala style of architecture. The architectural highlights of this palace include a courtyard, gabled roofs, thick-framed doors, narrow corridors and stairways, dormer windows and low roofs.

A highlight among the sights for visitors at the Krishnapuram Palace is without doubt the mural found here, depicting the story of Gajendramoksham (salvation of elephant). Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala and is a fantastic blend of colours and expression.

This magnificent palace with sixteen blocks is also famous for its museum that houses antiques, sculptures, paintings, weapons, megalithic remains, stone inscriptions, coins and artifacts in bronze. Among the museum highlights include a Bible in Sanskrit language.

The palace visiting hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Mondays.

Getting there:

By road: Kayamkulam is about 47 km from Alappuzha.
Nearest railway station: Kayamkulam Junction, about 5 km.
Nearest airports: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 103 km; Cochin International Airport, about 132 km.