Hill Palace is a beautiful palace situated in Tripunithara, a suburb of Kochi in Kerala, India. The palace was built in the 19th century by the Maharaja of Kochi and is now a popular tourist destination. Hill Palace is located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is also known for its rich history, beautiful gardens, and impressive collection of artifacts.

History: Hill Palace was originally built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Kochi, and it served as the administrative headquarters of the Kochi kingdom until 1947. The palace was later converted into a museum in 1980, and it was opened to the public in 1986. Today, the palace is managed by the Kerala State Archaeology Department and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

Architecture: The Hill Palace of Tripunithara has an impressive architecture that reflects the traditional Kerala style. The palace is a two-storied building, with sloping roofs, long verandas, and spacious courtyards. The palace is made of laterite stones, and the walls are plastered with lime mortar. The palace has a number of rooms that are decorated with beautiful paintings, carvings, and sculptures. The palace also has a beautiful garden that is spread over an area of 54 acres.

Museum: The Hill Palace Museum is one of the largest archaeological museums in Kerala, and it is home to a vast collection of artifacts that belong to the royal family of Kochi. The museum has a collection of paintings, sculptures, weapons, coins, manuscripts, and other artifacts that date back to the 19th century. The museum has 14 galleries that showcase the different aspects of the history and culture of Kerala.

The first gallery showcases the royal furniture and artifacts used by the royal family of Kochi. The second gallery displays the traditional Kerala costumes and ornaments. The third gallery showcases the ancient coins, seals, and inscriptions. The fourth gallery displays the sculptures and statues of various Hindu gods and goddesses. The fifth gallery is dedicated to the paintings and murals that depict the various events in the life of Lord Krishna. The sixth gallery displays the weapons used by the royal army of Kochi.

The seventh gallery displays the traditional Kerala handicrafts, such as woodcarvings, metalware, and pottery. The eighth gallery is dedicated to the Kerala architecture and showcases the traditional Kerala houses and temples. The ninth gallery displays the manuscripts, palm-leaf manuscripts, and ancient books. The tenth gallery showcases the antique furniture and decorative items. The eleventh gallery displays the musical instruments used in Kerala. The twelfth gallery showcases the coins, medals, and other items that were used as currency during the reign of Kochi. The thirteenth gallery displays the toys and games that were played by the royal children. The fourteenth gallery is a temporary exhibition gallery that displays the artifacts of different themes and periods.

The museum also has a heritage museum that showcases the traditional Kerala lifestyle and culture. The museum has a traditional Kerala kitchen, a model of a traditional Kerala house, and a replica of a traditional temple.

Visiting Hill Palace: Hill Palace is located in Tripunithara, which is approximately 10 km from Kochi. The palace is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The entry fee is nominal, and photography is allowed inside the museum.

Hill Palace

Conclusion || Hill Palace

In conclusion, Hill Palace of Tripunithara is a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Kerala. The palace’s rich history, impressive architecture, and vast collection of artifacts make it an excellent place to learn about the culture and traditions of Kerala.

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