Hill Palace

Housing a large collection of antique and royal artifacts, the Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in the state of Kerala and was the official residence of the erstwhile Cochin Maharaja.

About the Museum

Visit the grand residence and the royal seat of the erstwhile Cochin rulers since 1855 situated on a hillock, east of Thripunithura, Kochi in Kerala that has now been converted into a historical museum. The palace complex is sprawled over an area of 51.75 acres and comprises 49 buildings that represent the indigenous architectural heritage of Kerala.

The entire magnum opus has several blocks which include Poomukham, Akathalam (internal hall), Homappura (Pooja room), Mandappally (royal kitchen), Oottupura (dining hall), Hanuman Temple, Thevarappura, Kulappura Malika, Vilampupura, Kulappura Malika, Vilampupura, Valiya Oottupura (big dining hall), etc. The oldest building in the complex was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Ravi Verma who rules between 1853 and 1864. The Cabinet Hall was constructed in the later years during the reign of Raja Rama Verma and comprises a lift imported from England, Victorian tiles with floral design, and metallic ornamental ceilings that enhance the breathtaking beauty of the palace. The glazed Italian marble tiles paved the corridors and the ceramic tiles on the Royal bedroom grabbed the attention of the visitors.

The State Department of Archaeology acquired the ownership of the palace complex and the surrounding land from the Palace Administration Board in 1981. The major portion of the palace along with the gardens at that time was in a deteriorated state and renovation activities were taken place to transform the palace into its original glory. The edifice was then converted into an Archaeological Museum in 1984 and was opened to the public in 1986. The museum displays royal exhibits in 15 major galleries most of the exhibits have been bestowed by the royal families of Cochin and Travancore while the others were gathered by the Archaeological Department from different places in Kerala. The comprehensive collection includes ancient artifacts, sculptures, coins, and materials belonging to Cochin Maharaja and his royal family. The galleries in the museum are a reflection of the rich culture and heritage of the place and represent the traditional lifestyle of Keralites.