Hill Palace Museum Thripunithura in Ernakulam

Hill Palace Museum is the largest archeological museum in the state and was the imperial administrative office and official residence of the Cochin Maharaja. Built in 1865, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings spreading across 54 acres (220,000 m2) and built in the traditional architectural style.

The complex has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children's park. The campus section of the museum is home to several rare species of medicinal plants. Presently, the palace has been converted into a museum by The Kerala State Archaeology Department and is open to the public. The palace is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the city centre and is reachable by road and by rail.

The Centre for Heritage Studies (CHS), an autonomous research and training institute set up by the Department of Cultural Affairs, of the Government of Kerala also functions at the site. The CHS is designated as the 'Manuscript Conservation Centre' (MCC) and 'Manuscript Resource Centre' (MRC) by the National Mission for Manuscripts.

The Hill Palace was built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Cochin and is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala.

Museum Exhibits

The museum displays 14 categories of exhibits, including the Crown and ornaments of erst from the Cochin royal family's reign, paintings, sculptures in stone and marble, weapons, inscriptions and coins. The major share of attractions in the museum were contributed by the Cochin royal family, with some exhibits from the Paliam Devaswom and the Department of Archaeology. The museum collection includes a gold crown embedded with precious stones and many valuable coins, ornaments, majestic beds and samples of epigraphy. The Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu was shot here.

Shooting Location of Movies

The Hill Palace has been the location for many films in Malayalam. Manichitrathazhu is the most famous movie shot at this location, but many filmmakers have utilized this place for shooting purposes. Some popular films shot in the palace include Moonnam Mura (1988), Manichitrathazhu (1993), Pingami (1994), Kaliyoonjal (1997), Dreams (2000) and Chotta Mumbai (2007).

Visiting Hours: 9:00 to 12:30 hrs &14:00 to 16:30 hrs on all days except Mondays.

Entrance Fee: Adult - Rs. 30/- Children (5-12) - Rs. 10/-

Children's Park: Open till 6.00 pm

Contact Address:
Hill Palace Rd, Irumpanam, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301

Contact Phone Number: +91 484 2781113

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station (12 km). Thripunithura Railway Station (4 km)

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport is about 33 km away