Koyikkal Palace

Koyikkal Palace in Nedumangad, situated 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is well acclaimed for its architectural magnificence. The palace houses museums of folklore and numismatics. Situated near Thiruvananthapuram on the route to the pristine hill station of Ponmudi, Koyikkal Palace, the 17th century monument, was the official residence of the Venad Royal family. The Folklore museum at Koyikkal Palace is unique in Kerala. It displays the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The Numismatic museum of Koyikkal Palace displays an elaborate collection of rare ancient coins. The museum also showcase a coin believed to be presented to Jesus Christ. Koyikkal Palace is a magnificent monument standing as living testimony of rich historical legacy of Kerala. The palace also provides ample opportunities for studying and appreciating rich traditional architecture of Kerala.

History
Koyikkal Palace is a magnificent double-storey palace, built in traditional Kerala architectural style, with sloping roofs and a courtyard inside that belongs to the medieval Indian history. The construction of the palace was initiated by Umayamma Rani of Venad Royal Family, in the seventeenth century. This later formed the official residence of ‘Perakatharvazhi’, rulers who hail from the princely state of Travancore. In 1992, the Department of Archaeology established Folklore Museum and then Numismatics Museum at Koyikkal Palace.

Attractions
Koyikkal Palace is located amidst picturesque beauty. Built in traditional Kerala architectural style, Koyikkal Palace arouses a historical feeling in the mind of visitors. Folklore Museum, located on the first floor of Koyikkal Palace, exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The floor preserves musical instruments used in the old times. Occupational implements, household utensils and models of folk arts can also be found here. The exhibits of wooden kitchenware, brass and copperware, Thaliyola - old manuscripts, Chilambu - a kind of anklet, Maravuri - dress material, depicts the lifestyle of the Keralites during different periods. Other preserved materials include Oorakkudukku - a device for intellectual exercise, Gajalekshmi - a lamp depicting Lakshmi, and different models such as the Muthappan Theyyam, Patayani/Padayani Kolam, endow an understanding of the performing arts and the rituals of Kerala.

The Numismatics Museum, located at the ground floor of Koyikkal Palace, is one of its kinds in Kerala. The museum houses an elaborate exhibition of ancient and rare coins of Kerala as well as of other states and countries such as Dutch, Portuguese, British and Arabs, to name a few. They are the evidence of the international trade relation of Kerala in the olden times. The few valuable coins are Amaida - a coin believed to be presented to Jesus Christ, Karsha - 2500-year-old Indian coin, Rasi - the world's smallest coin, Anantharayan Panam - the first modern gold coin of Travancore, and about 374 Roman gold coins.

How to Reach

By Road
The monument is well connected by the network of road and it is the best bet to take a road transport to the monuments.

By Air
The nearest Airport to this place is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. From here it is easy to catch a flight to almost all major destinations.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. The network of railway is wide and reliable. Hence, it is a considerable option to travel to the monuments.