Royal Hill Palace Tripunithura

Royal Hill Palace Tripunithura

Situated in Kochi of Kerala, the Hill Palace Tripunithura is a well-known archeological museum built in the year 1865 with a total of 49 buildings in the palace. The Maharaja of Cochin used it as his administrative official residence. It has been built in a traditional structure with an attractive architectural design. The overall museum complex is comprised of many parts such as a heritage and archeological museum, a deer park, a children’s park, and a prehistoric park. There are also many medicinal plants of rare species on the museum campus. Previously it was just an administrative office which is presently converted into a museum by the State Archeology Department of Kerala.

Legend Behind

Being the greatest archeological museum in Kerala it is being visited by a huge number of tourists every day. In the 17th century, the king of Cochin had his royal official kingdom in Thrissur but as on those days they had matrilineal traditions, accordingly, the office was shifted to Kochi at the seat of his Queen. Thereafter the king ruled under the authority of the Queen’s sovereign. Their son Prince Varma was raised later on to become the king of Tripunithura. For the advantage of the Prince the royal Hill Palace was constructed with minimum initial structures. Gradually it was extended by adding more other buildings in the complex. The palace which was being used as the office of the royal secretary was then constructed as an imperial residence of the king and his descendants. In the year 1980, the Royal Family of Cochin handled it to the Department of Archeology and was then opened to the public in the year 1986. Presently the site is also famous for film shooting by Malayalam Film Industry.

Belongings of the museum

There are many galleries such as the Weapons gallery and Horse Cart gallery that showcase artifacts of historical significance. The exhibits displayed in the museum are of 14 categories including crowns, ornaments, paintings, stone and marble sculptures, weapons, coins, majestic beds, epigraphy samples, Inscriptions, and many more. The belongings of the museum are hugely contributed by the Royal Family of Cochin. Some other parts of it demonstrate the Archeology Department of Kerala and Paliam Devaswom who is the oldest male family member of the Paliam dynasty. One of the major attractions of the Museum is the crown studded with valuable stones.

Useful information on Hill Palace Tripunithura

The visiting hours start from 9 to 12:30 in the morning and then 2 to 5 in the afternoon. The museum is kept open on all days of the week except Mondays and all other national and state holidays. Exploring the museum could be completed within two to three hours. It charges 10 INR for children as an entry fee. Visitors are not allowed with shoes inside the main building. Summers are very hot in Kerala due to the tropical climate. Monsoon brings a good amount of rainfall. So regarding all these conditions, the best time to visit there is the winter season which starts in October and continues till March. At this time the weather remains very pleasant and wonderful making it the perfect time for tourists.

Reaching Royal Hill Palace Tripunithura

Convenience is not a problem in the city. There are bus stoppages located near the museum, one in Kaliguchira and the other at Hill Palace Bus Stand. Ernakulum is the nearest railhead at a distance of 10 km from the spot and the closest airport is Cochin International Airport located 35 km away from the museum.

Nearby places of Interests

While you are in Kochi to explore the museum you may visit the nearby attractions as well. Marine Drive, Kerala Folklore Museum and Theatre, Sea India Foundation which you visit could in one day including the museum.

The architecture used in Hill Palace Tripunithura is that of the Kerala style. Other than Indian exhibits in the museum, there are also artifacts from Japan and China. The children’s park is open till 6 in the evening. Research on heritage history and manuscripts are done in the center of Heritage studies related to the National Mission for Manuscripts. Restaurants and places to stay are located close to the museum. Altogether the Hill Museum is a perfect spot to know about the royal history of the region.

Royal Hill Palace History

The Royal Hill Palace is a palace located in Tripunithura, Kochi, Kerala, India. It was the official residence of the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi and was built in 1865 by Sri Rama Varma IX.

The palace was designed by a British architect and was constructed using traditional Kerala architectural style, with a blend of European elements. The palace complex comprises of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style, surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with lush green lawns, flowers, fountains, and ponds.

The Royal Hill Palace was the center of all administrative activities of the Kochi kingdom and was also the venue for several grand events and festivals. The palace was also the hub of cultural activities and housed several valuable paintings, murals, manuscripts, and artifacts.

In 1971, the Royal Hill Palace was converted into a heritage museum by the Kerala Government. Today, the palace is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, admire the traditional architectural style, and visit the museum to learn about the history and culture of the Kochi kingdom.

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Royal Hill Palace:

  1. The Royal Hill Palace was built as a summer retreat for the Kochi royal family.
  2. The palace complex comprises of 49 buildings, including a swimming pool, tennis court, and a mini theater.
  3. The palace was built using traditional Kerala architectural style, with a blend of European elements. This can be seen in the usage of red tiles, wooden beams, and the usage of clay tiles for roofing.
  4. The palace was the hub of cultural activities in the Kochi kingdom, and housed several valuable paintings, murals, manuscripts, and artifacts.
  5. In 1971, the Royal Hill Palace was converted into a heritage museum by the Kerala Government.
  6. The palace museum has a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the Kochi kingdom.
  7. The palace grounds are surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with lush green lawns, flowers, fountains, and ponds, making it a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
  8. The Royal Hill Palace is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its rich history and cultural heritage.

Things to do

If you’re visiting the Royal Hill Palace, here are some things you can do to make the most of your visit:

Explore the Palace Museum:

The palace museum houses a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the Kochi kingdom. You can learn about the history of the royal family and the kingdom, and admire the traditional paintings, murals, manuscripts, and artifacts on display.

Take a Guided Tour:

Guided tours are available for visitors, which offer an in-depth look at the history and architecture of the palace. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the palace complex, explaining the significance of each building and the exhibits on display.

Admire the Architecture:

The Royal Hill Palace is a perfect example of traditional Kerala architecture, with a blend of European elements. Visitors can admire the red tiles, wooden beams, and clay tiles used in the construction of the buildings. The palace grounds are surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with lush green lawns, flowers, fountains, and ponds, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.

Enjoy a Picnic:

The palace grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. Visitors can bring a picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing day in the beautiful surroundings of the palace.

Shop for Souvenirs:

There is a souvenir shop located in the palace grounds, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia related to the Royal Hill Palace and the Kochi kingdom.

Visit the Mini Theater:

The palace complex includes a mini theater, which is a great place to catch a movie or a play. The theater is equipped with modern amenities and offers a comfortable and intimate viewing experience.

These are just some of the things you can do during your visit to the Royal Hill Palace. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the palace has something to offer for everyone.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Royal Hill Palace:

What is the Royal Hill Palace?

The Royal Hill Palace is a palace located in Tripunithura, Kochi, Kerala, India. It was the official residence of the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi and was built in 1865 by Sri Rama Varma IX. Today, the palace is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history and cultural heritage.

What is the history of the Royal Hill Palace?

The Royal Hill Palace was built in 1865 by Sri Rama Varma IX as a summer retreat for the Kochi royal family. The palace was the center of all administrative activities of the Kochi kingdom and was also the venue for several grand events and festivals. In 1971, the Royal Hill Palace was converted into a heritage museum by the Kerala Government.

What can I do at the Royal Hill Palace?

Visitors to the Royal Hill Palace can explore the palace museum, take a guided tour, admire the traditional architecture, enjoy a picnic, shop for souvenirs, and visit the mini theater. There is something for everyone at the palace, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

What is the significance of the Royal Hill Palace?

The Royal Hill Palace is a significant historical and cultural landmark, representing the rich heritage of the Kochi kingdom. The palace was the official residence of the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi and was the center of all administrative activities of the kingdom. The palace complex comprises of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with lush green lawns, flowers, fountains, and ponds.

Is the Royal Hill Palace open to the public?

Yes, the Royal Hill Palace is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, admire the traditional architecture, and visit the museum to learn about the history and culture of the Kochi kingdom.

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