Krishnapuram Palace is a historical palace located in Kayamkulam, a town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It is renowned for its architectural beauty, cultural significance, and historical importance. The palace was constructed during the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore king.
The Krishnapuram Palace is known for its unique architectural style, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and European influences. The palace complex covers an area of about 1.5 acres and includes a central courtyard, numerous rooms, and an exquisite garden.
One of the main attractions of the palace is the mural known as “Gajendra Moksham,” which is considered to be one of the largest murals in Kerala. This mural depicts the mythological story of Lord Vishnu saving an elephant from the clutches of a crocodile.
The palace also houses a museum that showcases various artifacts and antiquities related to the history and culture of Kerala. Visitors can explore the museum and see items such as antique sculptures, paintings, coins, weapons, and historical documents.
The palace is surrounded by well-maintained gardens, adding to its charm and providing a tranquil environment for visitors. The combination of the palace’s architectural grandeur, the stunning mural, and the museum make Krishnapuram Palace a popular tourist destination in Kerala.
Tourists can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the nearby Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala and an important part of the Kerala backwaters. Boat rides and cruises on the lake are available, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the region.
In conclusion, Krishnapuram Palace is a fascinating historical site in Kerala, India, known for its architectural beauty, remarkable mural, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into the royal history of the region and provides a memorable experience for tourists interested in art, history, and architecture.
The most attractive feature of Krishnapuram Palace is its single band large mural painting of 49 square meters – Gajendra Moksham. This is among the largest mural paintings discovered so far in the state. This painting has a mythological theme which is the salvation of an elephant King called Gajendra. It is interesting to watch the elephant greeting Lord Vishnu in the mural painting in devoutness while other gods and saint look on. The painting is placed on the walls of the bathing house attached to the palace. It is believed that Lord Vishnu was the family deity of the rulers of Kayamkulam Kingdom and they could worship the deity after taking bath due to its special position on the walls of the bathing house.
The beautifully landscaped garden is another striking feature of Krishnapuram Palace. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers at the compound of this archaeological museum. You will also appreciate the recently constructed Buddha Mandapam. The statue of Buddha at the mandapam is truly catches the attention of every visitor to the museum. Visitors can also enjoy some rare collections of paintings and bronze antique sculptures at the Krishnapuram Palace Museum.
This elegant palace is a protected monument under the Archaeology Department. Even though the true age of the palace is not known, it is believed that the palace has renovated in the 18th century. The palace has been renovated recently as a part of the protection of heritage buildings in the state as per the scientific techniques.
Krishnapuram Palace is a favorite spot for many people who are interested to know the history of Kerala. Aside exploring the museum, people love to watch the unique architecture of the palace. Visitors are allowed to enter the museum every day except on Mondays from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. The museum does not open for visitors on national holidays.
Located in the Alappuzha district, it is worth visiting the Krishnapuram Palace if you plan a vacation in Kumarakom. Kayamkulam is the nearest railway station which is approximately 8 kilometers from the palace. The nearest Trivandrum International Airport is around 103 kilometers from Krishnapuram Palace.