Sakthan Thampuran Palace, located at Thrissur/Trichur in Kerala, is famous for its adorable architectural style as well as the museum.
Kerala Tourism : Kerala Monuments : Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Fast Facts
| Location | Thrissur City, Kerala |
| Nearest Airport/Railway Station | Cochin International Airport / Thrissur Railway Station |
| Nearby Attractions | Vadakkumnathan Temple, Athirapally, Vazhachal Waterfalls |
| Best Time to Visit | September to March |
The strikingly beautiful Sakthan Thampuran Palace is located in the district of Thrissur/Trichur, Kerala. The Palace holds landmark importance in the chronicles of Perumpadappu Swaroopam, who were once the ruling dynasty of Kochi (Cochin). Located at the heart of the city of Kochi, the palace appeals to scholars and tourists alike. If one wishes to learn about the glorious past of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty, then visiting the Sakthan Thampuran Palace becomes a mandate. This is because by viewing this palace, one comes across a number of significant aspects of the lifestyle of the Kochi rulers. The palace was formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam. It got its current name after the monument was renovated by King Shakthan Thampuran, the palace never needed renovations after that. The palace also houses a museum, which stores a number of relics and artifacts which tell the story about the legacy of its residents.
History
The Sakthan Thampuran Palace originally belonged to Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty, which was the ruling dynasty of Kochi for a long time. The palace sings the lore of their presence and valor. After the Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty the palace was the seat of power for King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, who too ruled Kochi for a considerable time. During all his reign, he never changed his capital or even his residence, he ruled from 1790 to 1805. His rule is said to be the golden era of Cochin Dynasty, as there were not many major battles during his reign. Moreover, he emerged victorious from all battles he fought during his reign.
Before Sakthan Thampuran renovated the entire structure of the palace, the name of the palace used to be Vadakkechira Kovilakam. It was rechristened to the present Sakthan Thampuran Palace after that. Sakthan Thampuran was the one who gave the palace its current form. There are remnants of a number of major events, which are still found inside the premises of the palace. For instance, it has remnants of the time when Tippu Sultan visited the palace with his vast army and stayed at the palace for some time. An interesting part of the palace is a very old ‘Sarpakavu’, which literally means sacred serpent grove. This grove was used by the kings of the palace for worshipping the Snake God and at times for punishing criminals as well.
Attractions
A museum is situated in Sakthan Thampuran Palace, which displays a number of artifacts and curios. There is a gallery dedicated entirely to the bronze artifacts where you can find an array of old bronze statues which date back to as old as 12th century. The sculpture gallery displays granite statues, which date back to 9th century. The museum is any coin collectors dream, as its Numismatics gallery systematically displays a number of coins from ancient till medieval era. Epigraphy Gallery displays the evolution of ancient scripts, it also stores remains from the great Stone Age.
How to Reach
By Road
The palace is located at the heart of the Cochin city. Therefore, it is easily accessible through public and private transportation. The city of Cochin has well networked road ways.
By Air
Cochin International Airport is the nearest Air Port situated at Nedumbassery which is around 58kms from the Palace. From Cochin Airport you can catch a flight to a number of major domestic and international destinations.
By Rail
The network of railways in India has evolved with time as an efficient body. So it has become easy to commute by train to any of the major cities in India. Thrissur railhead is located a couple of kilometers from the palace.
History
The Sakthan Thampuran Palace originally belonged to Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty, which was the ruling dynasty of Kochi for a long time. The palace sings the lore of their presence and valor. After the Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty the palace was the seat of power for King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, who too ruled Kochi for a considerable time. During all his reign, he never changed his capital or even his residence, he ruled from 1790 to 1805. His rule is said to be the golden era of Cochin Dynasty, as there were not many major battles during his reign. Moreover, he emerged victorious from all battles he fought during his reign.
Before Sakthan Thampuran renovated the entire structure of the palace, the name of the palace used to be Vadakkechira Kovilakam. It was rechristened to the present Sakthan Thampuran Palace after that. Sakthan Thampuran was the one who gave the palace its current form. There are remnants of a number of major events, which are still found inside the premises of the palace. For instance, it has remnants of the time when Tippu Sultan visited the palace with his vast army and stayed at the palace for some time. An interesting part of the palace is a very old ‘Sarpakavu’, which literally means sacred serpent grove. This grove was used by the kings of the palace for worshipping the Snake God and at times for punishing criminals as well.
Attractions
A museum is situated in Sakthan Thampuran Palace, which displays a number of artifacts and curios. There is a gallery dedicated entirely to the bronze artifacts where you can find an array of old bronze statues which date back to as old as 12th century. The sculpture gallery displays granite statues, which date back to 9th century. The museum is any coin collectors dream, as its Numismatics gallery systematically displays a number of coins from ancient till medieval era. Epigraphy Gallery displays the evolution of ancient scripts, it also stores remains from the great Stone Age.
How to Reach
By Road
The palace is located at the heart of the Cochin city. Therefore, it is easily accessible through public and private transportation. The city of Cochin has well networked road ways.
By Air
Cochin International Airport is the nearest Air Port situated at Nedumbassery which is around 58kms from the Palace. From Cochin Airport you can catch a flight to a number of major domestic and international destinations.
By Rail
The network of railways in India has evolved with time as an efficient body. So it has become easy to commute by train to any of the major cities in India. Thrissur railhead is located a couple of kilometers from the palace.
