Ashwin Kumar from Bangalore, India, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in the historic town of Tripunithura, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin, the Hill Palace is a reminder of the history of Kerala’s royal past. Built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Cochin, this sprawling complex was once the seat of power for the Cochin royal family. Today, it is Kerala’s largest archaeological museum showcasing artefacts from the past.

The palace complex is spread over 54 acres and consists of 49 buildings built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. From priceless royal artifacts and paintings to ancient manuscripts, weapons, and rare coins, this museum is a treasure trove of history. Beyond its cultural significance, Hill Palace is also famous for its lush gardens, deer park, and film shooting locations, making it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cinephiles alike.

Getting to Hill Palace

Located just 10 km from Kochi city center, the destination is easily accessible by bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi. The Tripunithura Railway Station is only 2 km away, while Cochin International Airport is 38 km away. The most convenient way to reach the location is via the Kochi Metro, with the Tripunithura Metro Station situated just 2 km away.

Exploring the Royal Museum

The main museum at Hill Palace houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts once owned by the Cochin royal family. Every room and corridor of the palace offers a peek into Kerala’s royal history through a vast array of exhibits. One of the biggest highlights of Hill Palace is the golden crown studded with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies gifted by the Portuguese to the Maharaja of Cochin.

The museum is also adorned with oil paintings depicting the rulers of Cochin, dressed in regal attire and ancient temple-style murals illustrating scenes from Hindu mythology and Kerala’s folklore.

For those fascinated by history and literature, the museum boasts an impressive collection of palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient royal decrees written in Sanskrit and Malayalam. These documents provide insight into the administrative, cultural, and economic history of the Cochin kingdom.

The museum also houses a collection of a vast array of weapons once used by the royal army. It also showcases rare coins from different eras including Roman, Persian and Dutch era coins.

Deer Park and Heritage Garden

TarakaPraveen Ede, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Outside the museum, the Deer Park is a popular attraction, especially among nature lovers and families with children. Here, visitors can see spotted deer and sambar deer roaming freely in a serene setting.

The palace also features beautifully maintained gardens, showcasing a diverse collection of medicinal plants, exotic flowers, and ancient trees.

A Popular Filming Destination

Hill Palace is a renowned filming location where several iconic Malayalam movies, including Manichithrathazhu, Aaram Thamburan, Ravanaprabhu, and Narasimham, were shot. For avid Malayalam cinema lovers, visiting these real-life movie locations is a thrilling experience.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located just 2 km from Hill Palace. The Chottanikkara Temple, renowned for its spiritual significance, is about 7 km away. History enthusiasts can also visit the Museum of Kerala History, situated 9 km from Hill Palace, for an insightful journey into the state’s rich past.

Important Information When Visiting

The Hill Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. It is closed on Mondays and all public holidays.

The entry fee is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 10 for children (ages 5-12).

The best time to visit Hill Palace is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the palace and the gardens.