Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 48

Arakkal Kettu: (3 km from Kannur) This was the residence of the former
Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala.
Archaeological Museum, Thrissur: The one-time summer palace of the Raja
of Kollengode now houses a melange of artefacts.
Art Museum, Thrissur: It displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures, ancient jewellery and some Chinese and Japanese artefacts.
Hill Palace, Tripunithura: The official residence of the erstwhile Maharajas
of Kochi this palace was built in 1865. Spread over to 52 acres of terraced
land, the palace complex houses consists of 49 buildings, a deer park
and facilities for horse riding. Thirteen galleries of oil paintings, 19th
century paintings, murals, sculptures in stones and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscription and coirs belonging to royal family are displayed here.
Kanakakkunnu Palace: This palace is a great museum showing glorious
history and tradition of Kerala. Now, the palace and its premises are also
venues for many cultural meets and programmes.
Kowdiyar Palace: This palace was the residence of the late Maharaja Sree
Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family. The visitors are not
allowed inside the palace.
Koyikkal Palace: (18 km from Thiruvananthapuram) Located on the way to Ponmudi
Hill station this ancient palace dates back to the 15th century. This palace
representates traditional nallukettu, the typical old Kerala architecture.
Krishnapuram Palace: ( 47 km from Alappuzha) This palace in Karthikapally in
Kayamkulam was built by King Marthanda Varma in 18th century. It is famous
for the mural painting of the puranic story of Gajendramoksham which
sized in 14 feet by 11 feet.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (Puthenmalika): The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma who was a versatile genius. The
palace museum displays rich paintings and several priceless collections
of the royal family and is located very near to Sree Padmanabha temple.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and
presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated
in 1669 by the Dutch.
Museum of Kerala History: (8 km from Kochi) It showcases historical episodes
from the neolithic to the modern era through life-size figures. Light and sound
shows are regularly organized with commentaries in English and Malayalam.
Napier Museum: Napier Museum is a reservoir of bronze idols, historical
ornaments and other archeological treasures. Built in the 19th century,
this museum is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic structure.
Nilambur Teak Museum: The world’s first teak museum is situated 4 km
away from Nilambur on the way of Nilambur - Gudallur. It is also the sub
centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute. With a two storeyed building,
the museum offers all informations about teak with various exhibitions.
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PALACES AND MUSEUMS|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS