System for Museums & Archives for Research and Access to Knowledge
| Place | Ernaculum |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1865 |
| Museum Type | Archaeological / Heritage / Royal Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Hill Palace Rd, Irumpanam, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301 |
| Visiting Time | 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 02:00 PM – 04:30 PM (Tuesday–Sunday) Closed on Mondays. |
| Entry Fee | ₹30 (Adults) ₹10 (Children/Students). Note: There are additional fees for the Deer Park and specialized galleries. |
The Hill Palace, located in Tripunithura, Kochi, is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865, it served as the administrative headquarters and official residence of the Kochi Royal Family (Maharajas of Kochi). The massive complex consists of 49 buildings designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style and is spread across 54 acres of terraced land.
The museum houses a vast collection of the Kochi Royal Family's personal wealth, including gold and silver ornaments, weapons, and chariots. It also features a significant archaeological wing with stone and plaster cast sculptures, ancient coins, and murals. The complex includes an ethno-archaeological museum, a deer park, and a pre-historic park.
Royal Crown: The most famous exhibit is the gold crown of the Cochin Maharaja, encrusted with 95 precious diamonds and emeralds. Simhasana (Throne): The ornate royal throne used during ceremonial occasions. Ezhara Ponnana Replicas: Models of the seven and a half golden elephants traditionally gifted to the temple. Kudakkallu: Rare prehistoric megalithic umbrella stones found in the region.
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The palace grounds are known for their rare medicinal plants and landscaped gardens. It was the first heritage site in Kerala to be converted into a museum (1984). Visitors should note that the museum has a specific afternoon break time. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum galleries. |
| Artifacts | Diamond-studded royal crown; Ornate gold-plated palanquins; Ancient megalithic jars and burial urns; Oil paintings of the Maharajas; 14th-century stone inscriptions; Extensive collection of traditional Kerala mural art. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 484 278 1113 |
| Email ID | info@hillpalacemuseum.org |
