Built for Shakthan Thampuran, the palace is now an archaeological museum. Easily accessible from Thrissur town, it is a Kerala-Dutch architectural marvel, with Dutch specialties like thick walls and high doors and windows and the traditional ‘nalukettu’ style of Kerala. Other buildings in the premises include an archaeological museum gallery. Calm and quiet pervades the museum, once the seat of a visionary king. The palace exhibits antiques from the times of ancient foreign trade. Two gateways on both sides, especially the Eastern one, tell the stories of a glorious past.
The palace, the three tombs including that of Shakthan Thampuran’s, the sarpa kaavu or serpent grove, the flagstaff and the gateways are protected as monuments by the state. The palace, a breath of fresh air with its verdant environs and the heritage garden, is a popular tourist attraction. Located in the heart of Thrissur town, the palace is open on all days except Mondays and is highly recommended for those who love history and culture.
