The Hill Palace, Kerala's first heritage museum

Hill Palace, Tripunithura – A Royal Legacy Preserved in Time

Hill Palace, located in Tripunithura near Kochi, is a treasure trove of Kerala's regal past and cultural heritage. Originally built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Kochi, this grand structure served as the official residence and administrative office of the royal family. Today, it stands as Kerala’s first heritage museum and the largest archaeological museum in the state, attracting history lovers, scholars, and tourists alike.

Spread across 52 acres of serene, elevated terrain, the palace complex comprises 49 traditional buildings constructed in Kerala’s architectural style. These buildings are surrounded by beautifully terraced gardens, a well-maintained deer park, and even provisions for horse riding—making the site a blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty.

Hill Palace is home to an impressive Ethno-Archaeological Museum, which exhibits a wide array of rare and valuable artifacts. On display are oil paintings, stone and wooden sculptures, mural works, ancient inscriptions, coins, palm leaf manuscripts, and royal furniture, including the ornate royal throne or Simhasana used by the Maharaja of Kochi. Visitors can also see personal belongings of the royal family that reflect their opulent lifestyle and taste in art and culture.

Among the most fascinating displays are over 200 antique pieces of pottery and porcelain imported from Japan and China. The archaeological section showcases Kudakkallu (umbrella stones), Thoppikkallu (hood stones), menhirs, burial monuments, and weapons from the Stone Age. Models of wooden temples and plaster cast replicas from Indus Valley Civilisation sites like Mohenjodaro and Harappa also form part of the rare collection. The contemporary art gallery within the museum provides space for modern artistic expressions, ensuring that tradition and innovation coexist.

The palace complex also supports biodiversity, with a wide variety of flora including rare medicinal plants. The Children’s Park within the premises offers recreation for families and children visiting the site.

Visitor Information:

• Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
  (Closed on Mondays)

• Children’s Park Timings: Open until 6:00 PM

• Entrance Fee: Adults – ₹30 | Children (5–12 years) – ₹10

• Contact: +91 484 2781113

Getting There:

• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam – approx. 10 km

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport – approx. 33 km