Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace in Alleppey, Kerala
Located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, the Krishnapuram Palace is a well-maintained museum and palace and is one of the popular destinations for tourists in Alleppey. Maintained by the archeological department of Kerala this magnificent palace has ancient exhibits on display. The design and structure of the museum is proof that it is very old and have been built as per the architectural style of the state. It stands near the Krishnaswami temple in the locality. There is a lake inside the complex that possesses an underground route as an option to escape from enemies. The palace is located left to NH 47 and is near to the Kayamkulam town.
Legend behind
After winning in the battle between Odanad and Travancore in the year 1746, the king of Travancore, Marthanda Varma decided to build this palace. This place was built after demolishing a previous palace that was built there by the king of Odanad. The palace was initially started with just a one-storied building with a pond adjacent to it. There was also purpura and a temple in the complex and was managed by the Prime Minister of Kerala. The structure of the building has been designed in the western and traditional style. Presently there is a three-storied structure in the building complex which got modified in the year 1950 by The Archeological Department of Kerala according to modern style. It is regarded as a heritage building and a protected testimonial that houses an Archeological Museum.
Structural design on Krishnapuram Palace
The structure totally reflects the Karalee style which is also known as pathinarukettu in the South Indian language. The corridors are narrow feature with dormer windows that replicate the Travancore headquarters. Previously the palace was very big in the area but gradually it got destroyed and reduced to a few acres of land. There stands the main building rebuilt by the archeological department of the state. The place was converted into a museum in the year 1950 and artifacts from different locations were brought and kept there. The structure is built out of lateritic stone, angili wood, and rosewood. There are four major open areas in the courtyard center providing proper ventilation to the palace. Windows and doors are placed in such a way so that natural light could flow through the rooms. Overall 22 rooms are there protected with a verandah in front to ensure wall safety from rains. The special features of the structural complex are the spiral staircases, locks and wooden hinges for doors, polished wooden floors, and roof stuffed with Mangalore tiles that increased its aesthetic beauty. Another attractive feature of the building is the underground pond that extended up to the building which helped in maintaining the temperature of the internal rooms.
Belongings of the Museum
The complex as well as the museum now houses different antique pieces that are displayed inside it. Ancient paintings, wooden artifacts, stone sculptures, inscriptions, and coins are kept in the treasure house of the museum. Some other outstanding exhibits are:
- The kayakulam Vaal which is the sword of kayamkulam rajas and its unique characteristics brought it to the museum on display. Both sides of the sword is sharpened which is far more dangerous than any other weapon.
- The Buddha statue is regarded as an antique statue of the 10th century which was discovered in the fields of the Alapuzha district.
- Gajendra moksham is a mural painting and is the one and only piece in the whole state. Gajendra who is the king of elephants, salutes his lord Vishnu attaining salvation which means moksham.
Useful information on Krishnapuram Palace
The visiting hours start from 9:30 in the morning till 4:30 in the evening. Duration of 1 to 2 hours is required to fully explore the palace. The entry fee for adults is 10 INR while that of children is 5 INR. Although photography is not allowed shooting is allowed on providing a charge of 25 INR. The palace is closed on Mondays so avoid going on this day every week. The nearest railway station is Kayakulam and Kollam is the biggest station that connects all other major railway stations. September to November is the best time to visit.
History
Krishnapuram Palace is a historic palace located in the town of Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. The palace was built in the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the King of Travancore. The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for the king, and later served as the residence of the Kayamkulam royal family.
The palace is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture, with its sloping roofs, dormer windows, and wooden walls. It is also known for its exquisite mural paintings, which cover the walls of the palace. The paintings depict various scenes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana, and other mythological stories.
In 1950, the palace was taken over by the Government of Kerala, and it was converted into a museum. The museum houses a collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts. The most famous exhibit in the museum is a 49 square meter mural painting, known as the Gajendra Moksham, which depicts the story of Lord Vishnu rescuing an elephant from a crocodile.
The Krishnapuram Palace is now a popular tourist destination in Alleppey, and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beautiful architecture and historic significance.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Krishnapuram Palace in Alleppey is during the winter months from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, the temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C, and the humidity is relatively low. This is also the peak tourist season in Kerala, so the palace and its surroundings can be crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit during the monsoon season from June to September. While the rains can be heavy, the lush green surroundings and the pleasant weather make it a good time to visit. However, it’s worth noting that some of the outdoor activities may be limited due to the rains.
The summer months from March to May can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. This is not the best time to visit Krishnapuram Palace, as the weather can be uncomfortable, especially for outdoor activities.
Visiting hours and Entry Fee
The visiting hours of Krishnapuram Palace in Alleppey are from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, all days of the week, except on Mondays.
The entry fee for Indian visitors is INR 30 per person, while for foreign visitors it’s INR 100 per person. Children under the age of 10 can enter for free.
The palace also has a separate fee for photography and videography. Photography is allowed inside the palace, but for commercial purposes, the visitors need to pay an additional fee of INR 100 per camera. Similarly, for videography, visitors need to pay INR 150 per camera.
It’s important to note that the entry fee and photography/videography fees are subject to change, so it’s always best to confirm the current prices before visiting the palace.
Things to do
Krishnapuram Palace is a popular tourist destination in Alleppey and there are several things to do and see when you visit the palace. Here are some of the things to do when you visit:
- Explore the Palace: The palace itself is an architectural marvel and is known for its beautiful wooden architecture and exquisite mural paintings. You can explore the various rooms and halls of the palace and admire the intricate carvings and designs on the wooden walls and ceilings. The palace also houses a museum where you can see ancient sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts.
- Admire the Gajendra Moksham Mural: The Gajendra Moksham mural is the most famous exhibit in the palace museum. The mural, which is 49 square meters in size, depicts the story of Lord Vishnu rescuing an elephant from a crocodile. The mural is a stunning work of art and is a must-see when you visit the palace.
- Visit the Palace Gardens: The palace gardens are a serene and peaceful space with a beautiful collection of trees and plants. You can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and admire the lush green surroundings.
- Enjoy a Boat Ride: Krishnapuram Palace is located close to the backwaters of Alleppey, and you can take a boat ride to explore the serene waterways. You can hire a boat and explore the backwaters at your own pace, or you can join a guided tour to learn more about the local culture and traditions.
- Explore the Surrounding Areas: The palace is located in the town of Kayamkulam, and there are several other attractions nearby that you can explore. These include the Kayamkulam Lake, Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, and the Karunagappally Sree Mahadeva Temple.
Overall, a visit to Krishnapuram Palace is a must-do activity when you visit Alleppey, and there are plenty of things to do and see to make your visit a memorable one.
