The Hill Palace, located in the town of Tripunithura near Kochi, Kerala, is a majestic landmark that takes tourists through the luxurious and cultural pages of the past royalty of this region. A former official abode of the Maharajas of Kochi, the Hill Palace today is one of the largest heritage sites in Kerala. It is also home to the Hill Palace Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, paintings, and royal memorabilia. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of art, or someone who simply enjoys exploring historic buildings, Hill Palace has something for everyone.
In this article, we will look at the great history surrounding Hill Palace, its development into a museum, and why it should be on your travel list when in Kochi or Kerala.
What is Hill Palace?
It was originally erected in the year 1865 by the Maharaja of Kochi, Rama Varma as the official residence for the royal family. Situated on the top of a hill, the palace offers great views of the surrounding area nowadays which is an urban part of Kochi. The design of this palace for architecture blends traditional Kerala architectural style with influences from the British colonial period.
The palace complex stretches over 52 acres of land covered with thick greenery. It consists of the main building of the palace, several subsidiary buildings, and beautiful gardens well maintained. Originally, it was the residential place of the Kochi royal family, where kings used to reside and carry out the various activities pertaining to the royalties. Now, this is not only a museum but also an open park and is a happy place to hang around for tourists and locals.
Hill Palace Museum: A Treasure Trove of Artifacts
In 1980, the Hill Palace was turned into a museum by the Kerala State Archaeological Department. Today, Hill Palace Museum Kochi is one of the most important museums in Kerala, holding a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of the Kochi royal family, their lifestyle, and the cultural heritage of the region.
The Hill Palace Museum contains more than 50 exhibits of royal portraits, antique furniture, decorative items, and exquisite artifacts. It is also known for showcasing royal costumes and jewelry, giving an idea about the elaborate fashion of the Kochi royals. Ancient manuscripts, ceramics, and other historical objects reflecting Kerala‘s rich cultural history can be viewed here.
Must See in Hill Palace Museum
Royal Gallery: The Royal Gallery of the museum is a vast collection of portraits and paintings of the Maharajas of Kochi, which will provide the visitors with an idea about the life of the rulers of the region. These paintings reflect the regal lifestyle and the culture of that time.
Antique Furniture and Decor: These rooms are filled with antique furniture and decor from the Kochi Maharajas who once occupied the palace. They include wooden thrones, decorative lamps, chandeliers, carved wooden pillars, and more that present the luxury life of the royal family.
Artifacts of Historical Importance: A gallery of stone sculptures, bronze statues, coins, etc. are on display that trace the historical evolution of the region in particular. This section throws light on the social, political, and cultural history of Kerala.
Royal Jewelry: The collection of jewelry on display at the museum includes ornate crowns, necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces worn by the royals. These pieces are an excellent example of the traditional craftsmanship that was practiced during the Kochi dynasty.
Weapons: There is also an interesting section dedicated to royal weapons. The Kochi kings, like other Indian royalty, used various swords, daggers, and shields, many of which are displayed in the museum.
Royal Attire: Traditional royal costumes worn by the Maharajas and their families are also on display, offering visitors a glimpse into the fashion and culture of the royal court.
Hill Palace Tripunithura: The Historical Significance
Hill Palace is situated in the suburb of Kochi known as Tripunithura. Historically, this palace was very important as the capital of the Kochi Kingdom was situated here. The residence of the Maharajas of Kochi was located here from the construction of the palace in the 19th century until the abolition of the monarchy in the 1940s. The town itself has its own historical and cultural significance, with other great landmarks such as the Vamana Moorthy Temple and the Ramakrishna Ashram.
The primary entry to the palace will be from Hill Palace Road, which is laced with beautiful greenery and surrounding views. Visitors walking along the road will see themselves getting transferred into the serenity of the area, which remains an important cultural center even today.
How to Reach Hill Palace Kochi?
The Hill Palace is accessible from both Kochi city and Cochin International Airport. Here‘s how you can reach Hill Palace Kochi:
By Road:
Hill Palace is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the city center of Cochi. It is situated in Tripunithura, which is a favorite place in Kochi. If you are coming from the city, you can hire a taxi, take an auto-rickshaw, or drive to the palace. The Hill Palace Road is well-maintained, and the journey offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
By Public Transport:
Public buses are also available from Kochi to Tripunithura. Therefore, reaching Hill Palace using public transport is not a hassle for visitors. The nearest bus station to Hill Palace is the Tripunithura Bus Station, which is approximately 2 kilometers from the palace. You can take a taxi or walk from the bus station to the palace.
By Train:
If you are coming from other parts of Kerala or India, you can reach Kochi Railway Station and then take a taxi or local bus to Hill Palace.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Hill Palace is Cochin International Airport, which is about 30 kilometers from the palace. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an Uber to reach Hill Palace, which will take about 45 minutes by car.
Best Time to Visit Hill Palace
The best time to visit Hill Palace is in the winter, around October to February, when weather in Kerala is cool and welcoming. When it comes to monsoons, that run around June and September, it’s expected to be pretty heavy with rains; this might affect your visit, but the greenery around would become highly luscious and beautiful. During summer (March to May), it becomes scorching hot and humid. So, winter can be declared as the most pleasant time to explore the palace and the museum.
What Else Can You Do Near Hill Palace?
Hill Palace is near to other historical monuments in Tripunithura and there are quite a few more things that can be done or seen around that place.
Vamana Moorthy Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vamana, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is located very close to Hill Palace. This spiritual spot is very important for the region.
Ramakrishna Ashram: If you are interested in spirituality, then this Ashram near the location is another peaceful place to visit. The Ashram provides meditation sessions and works as a Spiritual learning center.
Kochi: Because Hill Palace is near Kochi, you can also take some time to explore the city with its cultural uniqueness like backwaters, Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, and historic churches.
Conclusion
Hill Palace presents a rich culture and history all interwoven with royal heritage, enabling the visitor to experience a feeling of going back in time into the glorious and golden days of Kerala‘s yesteryear. Be it visiting the museum inside the Hill Palace or a glimpse of Kochi and its precincts or walking within the grounds of this palace, every visitor mustn’t miss when they are in Kerala.
The Hill Palace Kochi is not just a historical landmark but also a cultural gem that showcases Kerala’s rich heritage. So, if you’re planning a trip to Kerala, make sure to include this royal destination on your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
