Krishnapuram Palace Museum, in Alappuzha, Kerala, is a remarkable testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural heritage of the 18th-century Travancore kingdom.

Built by King Marthanda Varma after his conquest in the Odanad–Travancore War, the palace exemplifies the traditional Kerala architectural style known as Pathinarukettu.

This architectural marvel has been meticulously restored and transformed into a museum by the Archaeological Department of Kerala. I had the opportunity to visit Krishnapuram Palace Museum with my family recently.

Let me take you on a journey though what to expect at Krishnapuram Palace Museum. Let’s take a closer look at this repository of ancient paintings, inscriptions, coins, and various artifacts, that say a thousand stories about the bygone era.

Krishnapuram Palace is among the Top Tourist Attractions in Alappuzha

History of Krishnapuram Palace

After conquering and annexing the kingdom of Odanad, King Marthanda Varma of Travancore decided to demolish an existing palace at the site, which had been erected by King Veera Ravi Varma of Odanad, who reigned from 1700 to 1775 CE.

In its place, he commissioned the construction of a new palace, initially a modest single-story structure known locally as Ettukettu, embodying traditional Kerala architectural style.

The initial construction, managed by Prime Minister Ramayyan Dalawa of his kingdom, featured essential components such as an adjacent pond, a temple, and a urappura (granary).

This initial structure was later expanded under the supervision of Prime Minister Ayyappan Marthanada Pillai, who added several buildings to the complex, blending traditional and Western architectural styles.

This expansion resulted in a sprawling complex that showcased the grandeur and cultural sophistication of the Travancore kingdom.

As a protected monument, Krishnapuram Palace now houses an Archaeological Museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the palace’s history and the legacy of the Travancore Maharajas, including Marthanda Varma.

The palace is also renowned for its large pond, a prominent feature within the complex.

According to local lore, an underground escape route from the pond was constructed as a means of evading enemies.

Architecture of Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is a prime example of traditional Keralite architecture known as Pathinarukettu, features gabled roofs, narrow corridors, and dormer windows.

This architectural marvel, often seen as a miniature replica of the Padmanabhapuram Palace, once served as the headquarters of the Travancore Rajas.

Initially, the palace complex spanned 56 acres (23 hectares), but over the years, as monarchic rule ended, it fell into neglect and disrepair.

Many surrounding structures were demolished or destroyed, reducing the complex to a mere 2.55 acres (1.03 hectares), enclosed within a 10-foot (3.0-meter) high compound wall.

In the 1950s, the Archaeological Department of Kerala undertook the task of restoring the dilapidated main palace to its original state, transforming it into a two-storied monument.

The restoration adhered to the original architectural plans, conforming to Vastu Shastra norms.

The palace, now featuring 16 blocks or Kettus with four central courtyards or Nadumuttam, was designed to ensure fresh air circulation and natural lighting throughout its 22 rooms.

These rooms open into shaded internal courtyards and feature ornamental wooden partitions with intricate carvings.

The construction materials used included laterite stones, rubble, teak, rosewood, and Angili wood. The steep, red-tiled gabled roofing, characteristic of Mangalore tiles, adds to the structure’s aesthetic appeal.

A notable feature of the palace’s carpentry that we noticed is the use of wooden hinges and locks for doors and windows, eschewing metallic fittings.

The flooring is a combination of polished wood and black and red oxide-coated concrete, while the steps are made of polished granite blocks. The palace’s beauty is further enhanced by its straight, curved, and spiral staircases and sunshades.

An underground tank or pond, extending to the center of the building, provided a natural air-conditioning effect, moderating the temperature in all interior rooms.

The palace compound also features several Padippuras, particularly at the main entrance, which signify status.

A beautiful garden is now maintained in the palace complex by the Archeological Department of Kerala. We found several people shooting reels and post-wedding shoots at the palace and its grounds.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time

The entry fee for Krishnapuram Palace Museum is Rs. 25 for an Indian adult at Rs. 5 for a child aged between 5 to 12 years.

There is an additional photography fee of Rs. 20 if you are using your mobile phone and Rs. 50 for using a professional camera. If you intent to take video, the charges are Rs. 1550 for a day.

There is no parking inside the palace complex, however there is plenty of space by the roadside for safe and free parking.

Krishnapuram Palace Museum is closed on Mondays. On all other days, it is open from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm in the morning and then again from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the afternoon.

Priced Collections in Krishnapuram Palace Museum

Krishnapuram Palace Museum is a treasure trove of ancient paintings, inscriptions, coins, megalithic remains, and artifacts made of wood, brass, and stone.

Some of the most remarkable and priced collections in the museum that we saw are the mural painting of Gajendra Moksham, Kayamkulam Vaal, Buddha Statue, and a Sanskrit version of the Bible.

Gajendra Moksham

Among its prominent displays is the mural of Gajendra Moksham, which is the largest single piece of mural painting discovered in Kerala.

This mural, standing at 3 meters (9.8 feet) high, depicts the mythological scene of the elephant king Gajendra saluting Lord Vishnu, with minor deities and saints in attendance.

The vibrant colors and intricate details of the mural reflect the traditional Kerala style of painting, making it a significant cultural artifact.

Kayamkulam Vaal

The museum also features the Kayamkulam Vaal, a unique double-edged sword used by the Kayamkulam Rajas in the 18th century.

Unlike typical swords, both sides of the Kayamkulam Vaal are sharpened, making it a formidable weapon of its time.

This artifact highlights the martial heritage of the region and the craftsmanship of ancient weaponry.

Buddha Statue

In the Buddha Mandapam, an elegant statue of Buddha dating back to the 10th century is displayed.

This statue is one of four antique Buddhas found in Alappuzha district, indicating the historical prevalence of Hinayana Buddhism in the region.

The statue, discovered in a pond called Puthenkula, showcases Buddha in a meditative posture, adorned with a skull cap symbolizing his supreme wisdom.

The Buddha Mandapam is set amidst a beautifully landscaped garden, enhancing its serene and contemplative ambiance.

The Bible in Sanskrit

Additionally, we were thrilled to see a rare copy of the Bible in Sanskrit in the palace that was printed in Calcutta in 1886.

Ceremonial utensils, including oil lamps, miniature figures, and small stone columns carved with serpent deities, are some of the other unique items we found on the museum’s display.

Krishnapuram Palace Museum: Wrapping Up

Krishnapuram Palace Museum is not just a historical monument but a vibrant cultural center that encapsulates the essence of Kerala’s regal past.

The meticulous restoration efforts have preserved its architectural integrity, while the diverse collection of artifacts within its walls provides invaluable insights into the region’s history and heritage.

From the majestic mural of Gajendra Moksham to the unique Kayamkulam Vaal and ancient Buddha statues, each exhibit narrates a story of its own.

As a protected monument and museum, Krishnapuram Palace continues to inspire and educate visitors, ensuring that the legacy of the Travancore kingdom remains alive for future generations to appreciate and explore.