Poonjar Palace
Poonjar Palace- a heritage site in Kerala
The Poonjar palace in the Kottayam district of Kerala is truly an amazing place and is regarded as a heritage destination. Because of its ancient glory, the palace is loved by history lovers. Built almost 600 years ago the ancient tradition could be explored in its architectural styles. The eastern part of Idukki and Kottayam districts has a huge availability of wood and therefore it is the main component of construction. Clay tiles and stone blocks are siding components to be used as building materials. The pyramid-like structure was used in ancient houses for a holy look. Moreover, they used to design according to the Vastu Shastra means aesthetic rules and regulations to build a house. Statues of deities had been kept in various corners of the palace as a means of purity.
History of the Poonjar Palace
The palace has been built by the Poonjar kings who created the Poonjar kingdom. They were linked with the royal family in Travancore. The creator of the Poonjar dynasty was Kulasekara Perumal whose mother was Chera princess. During the civil war of 1152 AD, the Poonjar dynasty reallocated from Madurai, and the king carried the three deities along with him and set them up in the Meenakshi temple. In this present era, the palace is serving as a museum. These three deities were the Kuladevata of the Poonjar dynasty.
The antique pieces of furniture that is kept there had been crafted out of rosewood and sandalwood, the reason why lots of visitors are attracted here. The main attraction of the palace is the museum which preserves lots of antique pieces. The heritage has been bounded by massive and high walls. The palace is being looked after by the archaeology department of Kerala and is regarded as a historic monument. Visiting the palace would make you feel the essence of past glory. The unique attraction of the palace that has increased its beauty has been detailed here:
- The sculpture of the dancing Shiva or the Nataraja
- The ancient weapons used by the rulers at that time
- A traditional bed that was being used for natural Ayurveda treatment known as Droni
- Valuable jewel boxes
- Lamps cut out of rocks
- Engravings from Palm leaf
- Chandeliers and palanquins
- Grain measurers
- A boat made with a single piece of wood
- A special conch is taken out once in a year for performing rituals
These things in the museum are the main reasons for people wanting to visit the Poonjar palace. But it has been heard that visitors are not allowed all the time and they need to take the permission of the department who are looking after the property. There is also a temple that is just a duplicate of the Meenakshi temple in Madurai. The sculptures crafted on the walls narrate the story of Puranas. There is a row of lamps that are equally fascinating. Another temple lies nearby called Sastha temple which is truly interesting with ancient carvings.
Where to stay
There are a few hotels in Kottayam where you can spend your holiday with a nice experience. Hotel Indraprastha which was formerly known as Hotel Fairmount is one of the best hotels that are in the main Central road the room charges per night is near 4000 Indian rupees. Hotel Ambassador in SH Mount in Kottayam is the other best one but the charges are a bit high from other home stays but offer the best service in the palace. The room tariff is near to rupees 5000. But Hotel Pearl Regency provides home stays in reasonable rates that lie in Main central in TB junction.
Best Time To visit Poonjar palace
Poonjar is a year-round destination and as a result, it can be visited every time at some point of the yr as a consequence of its satisfactory climate and luxuriant surroundings. However, in case you desire to skip the summers of Kerala, then the effective time to go to Poonjar is from September till the end of March. All through the length, the splendor of this least-explored hill station is at its height
Open timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
How to reach Poonjar palace
The nearest railway station in Kottayam and from there buses and taxis are available that would take you to the palace but most of the time prior permission is necessary to enter the museum. The Ettamanoor- Poonjar road connects to the palace. After crossing the Reliance Petrol Pump and Near Jama Masjid, the PHC road comes. The nearby road is PHC and the palace lies to its left at a distance of 200 meters. The exact location is called Panachippara.
Things to see
The Poonjar Palace is a historic palace in the state of Kerala, India, known for its traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage. Some popular things to see at the Poonjar Palace include:
- Antique Furniture: The palace is home to a vast collection of antique furniture, including chairs, tables, and cabinets, made of rosewood and teakwood.
- Royal Ornaments: Visitors can also see a collection of royal ornaments, including gold and silverware, as well as intricate jewelry pieces.
- Historical Artifacts: The palace also houses a number of historical artifacts, including oil paintings, sculptures, and coins, which offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
- Handicrafts: Poonjar is also famous for its traditional handicrafts, including coir products, bamboo products, and brassware, which are available for purchase.
- Architecture: The palace itself is a work of art, with its unique blend of traditional Kerala and European architectural styles, including gabled roofs and spacious verandahs.
Visitors to Poonjar Palace can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds, and take part in traditional festivals and cultural events, which are held regularly at the palace.
