Hill Palace Museum: History, Timings, Entry Fees and More

Hello folks, today we take you into the lushy green district of Ernakulum. The Hill Palace Museum is often referred to as the Kanakakkuna Palace , one of the oldest Heritage museum of Kerala showcasing the glorious history of the Keralites. It gives you a complete insight of how Kerala developed over the past few centuries. The royal families who were supposed to take care of the public were not very keen or proud about their own ancestry and traditions.

So get ready for another adventurous read, as we discuss about Hill Museum, its history, timings, entry fees and nearby attractions so that you can plan your trip accordingly to this magnificent museum.

History of Hill Palace Museum

History is often quite perplexing and this museum surely doesn’t shy away from it. The Hill Palace Museum is located in the heart of Kochi known as Thrippunithura. In the year of 1865, the Maharaja of Cochin and one of the wealthiest Maharaja of his time used his wealth to build this beautiful Palace for benefit of making his childhood place his permanent royal office. The Hill Palace Museum spread across a very large area as much as 54 acres, we wonder what amount of wealth did the Maharaja have at time to create such a majestic palace. The Hill Palace was is one of the main complexes among the 49 buildings that are located within the premises.

Although the Palace had many buildings within its boundary which was home to Cochin rulers since the early 1855. In a survey done by Department of Archelogy, they found evidences which shed light on the fact that the oldest building in this palace complex was built by Ravi Verma the youngest brother of Raja Vera Kerala Varma who had ruled from the period 1853 to 1864.

The Hill Palace complex being the most significant one was under the supervision of the Palace Administration who took care of it from after the early death of Raja Rama Varma Pareekshith Thampuran in 1964 who was also the first son of Manku Thampuran and Ottur Raman Namboodiri. In the year of 1972, the palace administration decided to handover the palace to the University Of Cochin on a lease for the purpose of study, research and historical evaluation.

In the year of 1981, the Palace complex as well as the surrounding land was then acquired by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. In 1984, it was converted into an archaeological museum due to its immense historical significance and was later opened to public in the year 1986, allowing visitors from near and far to come and witness the great history this Hill Palace Museum has to show.

Architecture of Hill Palace

The architecture of the palace follows a unique fusion of traditional Kerala style along with hint of Dutch style. The Hill Palace Museum includes about 49 colonial buildings. The palace complex included an internal hall, pooja room, royal kitchen, Dining Hall, Hanuman Temple, Big Dining Hall and more which added to the elegance, charm and sophistication.

Although the cabinet Hall and the other structures joining the main block was constructed by raja Rama Varma who ruled the palace from 1895 to 1914. He had imported a unique lift back then from England which was installed at the main hall. The flooring is just magnificent with Victorian tiles with artistic floral designs on them. The most attention grabbing is the Italian marble which is fitted in the corridors pathway and the classy ceramic tiles on the Royal Bedroom which shows the high standards and elegant choices of the Maharaja.

Timings of the Palace

Note: There is a lunch break from 1PM to 2PM. The museum remain closed on all national holidays.

Entry Fees of Hill Palace Museum

Amenities at the Museum

The Museum is big and you can easily enjoy it with your family as guided tours are available for large groups or families which can last anywhere from 2 hours to 3 hours, here are few of the amenities that are available for the visitors there.

1. Canteen for having food and drinks
2. A children play area is available where the children can play and enjoy their time
3. The Museum is both couple friendly as well as baby friendly
4. Drinking water is available near the lounges
5. Restroom are also available through the complex
6. Car Parking is Available

Note: You have to deposit your footwear before entering the Palace, so keep in mind before bring senior citizens of children during the summer

Only tea, coffee and snacks are provided in the small canteen , if you want a proper lunch it is better to head outside.

How to Reach

By Taxi: The most convenient way to reach the museum is by booking a taxi or private cab to make your to and from journey comfortable and hassle-free.

By Train: The nearest train station to Thripunithura is the Ernakulam Train station which is about 12 Kilometers away, The trains usually stop at Ernakulam South and Ernakulam Junction from there you can take an autorickshaw or hail a cab.