A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses
Home city guide hill palace museum

Hill Palace Museum

The Hill Palace Museum is one of the noted archeological museums which has displays of the royal collection of Kochi Maharajas. It is located near Tripunithura, Kochi and is one of the largest heritage museum to be found in Kerala.

Hill Palace Museum Location

History of Hill Palace Museum

The Palace was built by the Kochi Maharajas in 1865. After Independence this palace was handed over to the Government of Kerala. In 1980 the Archeological department took over this palace and transformed it into a gallery with numerous valuable arteficats. In 1986 this place was opened and people could come here to see the exhibits.

Architecture of Hill Palace Museum

The Hill Palace Museum is spread over 54 acre property which has around 49 buildings built in traditional architectural style.You can spot a single storied ‘nalukettu’ built in 1850 which is the oldest among the lot. Apart from the archeological and heritage museum it also features a deer park, children’s park and a pre-historic park. In the campus area you can also spot a pond, temple and some rare species of plants which have medicinal value.

Artifacts at Hill Palace Museum

The museum has over 14 categories on exhibits which include paintings, weapons, sculptures , manuscripts and many more. The major contributors to this museum is the Cochin Royal family and you also have exhibits belonging to the Travancore Royal House, Paliam Devaswom and the Department of Archeology.

In the antique section you have an exhibit of 200 items which include pottery and ceramic vases that were made from China and Japan, weapons from Stone Age civilization, tombstones and even models of temples made of wood. You can also spot the plaster models belonging to the Mohenjodaro and Harappa of Indus Valley Civilization.

Weapons dating between 10th to 18th centuries are also shown here. Bronze and silver objects and over 160 porcelain items including pots, dishes can also be seen among the exhibits. Coins exhibited numismatic gallery include punched marked coins, roman coins and even coins used during the British reign. There is an exhibit of chariots driven by horses which were once transportation modes of the Travancore Maharajas.

Again in the Paliam gallery you can find various artifacts which were donated by the Paliyath Achath, the Prime Ministers of Kochi Maharaja. You have oil portraits of the Kings of Kochi and even paintings in the Thanjavur tradition. The highlight of this museum is the Royal Crown and the gold ornaments that is exhibited here. The royal furniture including the Simhasana which is the throne of the King can also be seen.

How to Reach Hill Palace Museum

Rail: Ernakulum railway station is at a distance of 10 km.
Air: The Cochin International Airport is at a distance of 33 km

Timings

The Hill Palace Museum is open everyday except Mondays and national holidays.
Timing: 10am to 12.30 noon and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Photography is not allowed inside the museum premises.

Explore more about Kochi Tourism

Major Cities You Must Know

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

+ LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE