Introduction
Kerala, often celebrated for its backwaters, temples, and lush landscapes, is also home to a rich royal and architectural legacy. The palaces of Kerala reflect the grandeur of its erstwhile kingdoms, particularly Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar. Unlike the towering forts of North India, Kerala’s palaces are distinctive for their traditional architecture, sloping tiled roofs, intricate woodwork, mural paintings, and harmonious blending with the tropical environment. Many of these palaces served as royal residences, administrative centers, and cultural hubs. Today, they stand as historical monuments, museums, and heritage sites that preserve Kerala’s regal past.
List of Prominent Palaces of Kerala
- Padmanabhapuram Palace (Thuckalay, Kanyakumari District – erstwhile Travancore capital)
Though geographically in Tamil Nadu today, it was the seat of Travancore kings and is one of the most exquisite examples of Kerala-style wooden architecture. - Kanakakkunnu Palace (Thiruvananthapuram)
Built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal, this palace is known for its ornate design and is now a cultural hub hosting exhibitions and festivals. - Kuthira Malika (Puthenmalika Palace, Thiruvananthapuram)
Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, this palace features 122 horses carved in wood, exquisite ivory and rosewood work, and houses a museum with royal artifacts. - Kowdiar Palace (Thiruvananthapuram)
The official residence of the Travancore royal family, noted for its grand architecture and historical significance. - Hill Palace (Tripunithura, Kochi)
The largest archaeological museum in Kerala, once the administrative office of the Kochi royal family. - Bolgatty Palace (Bolgatty Island, Kochi)
Originally built by the Dutch in 1744 and later occupied by the British, today it is a heritage hotel run by KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation). - Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace, Kochi)
Built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Kochi rulers, it is renowned for its Kerala murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. - Shakthan Thampuran Palace (Thrissur)
Once the seat of the Cochin dynasty, this palace is now an archaeological museum showcasing artifacts, sculptures, and inscriptions. - Krishnapuram Palace (Kayamkulam, Alappuzha)
Built in the 18th century by Marthanda Varma, famous for its mural paintings, including the Gajendra Moksha mural, and its traditional Kerala architecture. - Paliam Palace (Chendamangalam, Ernakulam)
The traditional home of the Paliath Achans, hereditary prime ministers of Kochi, known for its historical importance and elegant architecture. - Arakkal Palace (Kannur)
The residence of the Arakkal family, Kerala’s only Muslim royal dynasty, showcasing a blend of Kerala and Islamic architectural styles. - Koyikkal Palace (Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram)
A 17th-century palace that now houses museums on folklore and numismatics. - Chowara Palace (near Thiruvananthapuram)
Overlooking the sea, this palace was used as a retreat by Travancore royals
Current Uses of Kerala Palaces
Here’s a detailed account of how the prominent palaces of Kerala are being used today, showing their transformation from royal residences into museums, cultural hubs, heritage hotels, or continued royal homes:
Travancore Region
- Padmanabhapuram Palace (Thuckalay, erstwhile Travancore capital)
Today, this palace is preserved as a museum complex, managed jointly by the Kerala government and Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department. It showcases Kerala’s traditional wooden architecture, royal furniture, murals, and weapons, attracting both researchers and tourists. - Kuthira Malika (Puthenmalika Palace, Thiruvananthapuram)
Now functions as the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum, displaying the treasures of the Travancore royal family. It also hosts the annual Swathi Sangeetholsavam, a classical music festival in honor of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. - Kanakakkunnu Palace (Thiruvananthapuram)
Currently a cultural center under Kerala Tourism. Its sprawling lawns and halls host exhibitions, food festivals, Nishagandhi Dance Festival, and art fairs. It is one of the city’s most vibrant event venues. - Kowdiar Palace (Thiruvananthapuram)
Still remains the private residence of the Travancore royal family. It is not open to the public, though its architecture can be admired from outside. - Koyikkal Palace (Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram)
Converted into two museums: one on folklore and the other on numismatics. It houses rare coins, household objects, and traditional implements from Kerala’s past. - Chowara Palace (near Thiruvananthapuram)
Used occasionally by the Travancore royals as a retreat; not regularly open to the public, though its seaside location is admired for heritage tourism interest.
Cochin Region
- Hill Palace (Tripunithura, Kochi)
Converted into the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It displays royal artifacts, manuscripts, ornaments, and even the royal throne of Cochin rulers. Its landscaped gardens also serve as a film shooting location. - Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace, Kochi)
Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage museum. Visitors explore its murals depicting epics, royal portraits, and exhibits on Kochi’s dynastic history. - Bolgatty Palace (Bolgatty Island, Kochi)
Now a heritage hotel run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Guests experience royal-style accommodation, with modern amenities, a golf course, and a marina. - Shakthan Thampuran Palace (Thrissur)
Converted into an archaeological and heritage museum. It exhibits megalithic artifacts, bronze sculptures, inscriptions, and cultural objects from Kerala’s past. - Paliam Palace (Chendamangalam, Ernakulam)
Maintained as a museum under Kerala Council for Historical Research. It highlights the role of the Paliath Achans, prime ministers of Cochin, with exhibits of traditional furnishings and manuscripts.
Malabar Region
- Arakkal Palace (Kannur)
Preserved as the Arakkal Museum, showcasing the heritage of Kerala’s only Muslim royal family. Exhibits include artifacts related to maritime trade, weapons, and household items of the Arakkal rulers. - Krishnapuram Palace (Kayamkulam, Alappuzha)
Now an archaeological museum, managed by Kerala State Archaeology Department. It displays mural paintings, ancient coins, sculptures, and traditional oil lamps, alongside the famous Gajendra Moksha mural.
Summary of Current Uses
- Museums & Archaeological Sites: Padmanabhapuram, Kuthira Malika, Hill Palace, Mattancherry, Shakthan Thampuran, Krishnapuram, Paliam, Arakkal, Koyikkal.
- Cultural Centers: Kanakakkunnu Palace (major venue for festivals & exhibitions).
- Heritage Hotels: Bolgatty Palace.
- Still Royal Residences: Kowdiar Palace, Chowara Palace (occasionally).