Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in the 18th century, when Kerala was ruled by the mighty Travancore kings? If yes, then you should visit the Krishnapuram Palace, a magnificent palace and museum that showcases the rich heritage and art of Kerala. Located in the scenic Alleppey district, the palace is a must-see attraction for history buffs, culture lovers, and anyone who appreciates beauty and elegance.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the palace, such as its history, architecture, museum, attractions, timings, entry fee, best time to visit, how to reach, and things to do nearby. Read on to discover why the Krishnapuram Palace is a historical and cultural treasure in Kerala.
History and Architecture
The Krishnapuram Palace was built by Marthanda Varma, the most celebrated ruler of the Travancore dynasty, in the 1740s. He was the one who defeated the Dutch at the Battle of Colachel in 1741, and expanded his kingdom to cover most of Kerala. He also renovated the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and dedicated his kingdom to the deity. The palace was his residence and administrative headquarters, and it witnessed many important events and legends in his reign.
The palace is a fine example of the traditional Kerala style of architecture, which is characterized by gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors, and mural paintings. The palace is built on a raised platform, and has two storeys and four wings. The palace is surrounded by a moat and a fortification wall, which were meant to protect it from enemies. The palace also has a secret escape route, which was used by the king and his family to flee in case of an attack. The palace is made of laterite, wood, and lime plaster, and has exquisite carvings and sculptures.
Museum and Attractions
The palace was converted into a museum in 1951, and it houses a remarkable collection of artefacts and antiques that reflect the culture and history of Kerala. The museum is divided into 16 galleries, and displays items such as weapons, coins, jewellery, pottery, furniture, manuscripts, and paintings. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays and national holidays.
The most famous attraction of the museum is the Gajendramoksham mural, which is the largest mural painting in Kerala. It depicts the story of Gajendra, the elephant king, who was saved by Lord Vishnu from the clutches of a crocodile. The mural covers an area of 49 square meters, and has 18 panels. The mural is a masterpiece of art, and showcases the intricate details and vibrant colours of the Kerala mural tradition.
Another notable attraction of the museum is the Kayamkulam sword, which is a double-edged sword that was used by the Travancore army. The sword has a unique shape, and is believed to have magical powers. The sword was presented to Marthanda Varma by the Kayamkulam king, after he surrendered to him. The sword is also associated with a legend, which says that Marthanda Varma used it to cut off the head of a Nair chieftain, who tried to assassinate him.
The museum also has a rare and valuable exhibit, which is the Bible in Sanskrit. It is a copy of the New Testament, translated into Sanskrit by a German missionary named Johann Ernst Hanxleden, who lived in Kerala in the 18th century. He was also a scholar of Malayalam and Sanskrit, and wrote several works on grammar and poetry. The Bible in Sanskrit is a testimony of the cultural exchange and harmony that existed in Kerala.
Some of the other attractions of the palace are the Buddha Hall, which is a small shrine that contains a statue of Buddha, the pond, which is a beautiful water body that has a lotus-shaped fountain, and the garden, which is a well-maintained green space that has a variety of plants and flowers.
Timings, Entry Fee, and Best Time to Visit
The palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 25 for foreigners. The camera fee is Rs. 25 and the video recording fee is Rs. 1500. The palace also offers guided tours and audio guides for visitors.
The best time to visit the palace is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the peak season for tourism in Kerala, and you can enjoy the various festivals and events that take place in this period. Some of the festivals that you can witness near the palace are the Alappuzha Beach Festival, the Mullackal Chirappu, and the Champakulam Boat Race.
How to Reach and Things to Do Nearby
The palace is located in the Kayamkulam town, which is about 47 km from Alleppey and 106 km from Kochi. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 120 km from the palace.
The nearest railway station is the Kayamkulam Junction, which is about 6 km from the palace. The nearest bus station is the Kayamkulam Bus Stand, which is about 4 km from the palace. You can also hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw to reach the palace from any of these points.
There are many things to do and see near the palace, which will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Some of the activities and attractions that you can explore are:
1. Visit the Krishnaswamy Temple, which is a 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for its mural paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures. The temple also hosts an annual festival called the Thiruvonam, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.
2. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kayamkulam Lake, which is a brackish water lake that connects the Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The lake also has a small island called the Pathiramanal, which is a haven for migratory birds and butterflies.
3. Experience the charm of the Kuttanad Backwaters, which are a network of canals, rivers, and lakes that crisscross the lush green paddy fields of Alleppey. The backwaters are a great place to enjoy a houseboat cruise, a canoe ride, or a village walk. The backwaters also offer a glimpse of the rural life and culture of Kerala.
4. Relax at the Alleppey Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. The beach is known for its golden sand, clear water, and coconut palms. The beach also has a pier, a lighthouse, and a park, which add to its beauty and attraction. The beach is a great place to enjoy the sunset, the breeze, and the waves.
The Krishnapuram Palace is a historical and cultural treasure in Kerala, that will take you back in time and enrich your knowledge and appreciation of Kerala's heritage and art. The palace is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and beauty. The palace also offers a lot of options for fun and entertainment, as it is surrounded by many natural and man-made attractions.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the Krishnapuram Palace today, and experience the magic and splendor of Kerala. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it useful and informative.
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