Hill Palace in Kochi is the first heritage museum in Kerala which is known for its history and antiquity. It is also said to be the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It was the former residence of the Maharaja of Cochin and also served as the former Imperial Administrative offices. As it is set at the top of a hill, it got its name as the Hill Palace. It was built in the year 1865 and is situated in Thripunithura. Later the Hill Palace was renovated into a museum by the Archaeological Department of Kerala. The Hill Palace sprawls over an area of about 52 acres of terraced land and owns an archaeological museum, deer park, heritage museum, and a well-maintained pre-historic park. This Palace is built in traditional Kerala style architecture and it comprises of 49 buildings. The Palace makes use of 8 different galleries to display a variety of artefacts that belongs to the Kochi royal family along with Chinese and Japanese art and pottery.

Hill Palace is also the Centre for Heritage Studies, which is an autonomous research and training institute. After the renovation work in 1986, the museum was opened to the visitors. There is a 2-meter wide walkway that is built around the palace complex. You can see decorated cast iron pillars on the walkway on which fancy lamps are lit.

The doors of this palace are decorated with integrated wood carvings. The palace complex has 8 different galleries. The cabinet gallery, The Portrait Gallery, Wood Carvings Gallery, Jewellery Gallery, Epigraphy Gallery, Folklore and Folk Arts gallery, Numismatic Gallery, Chariots Gallery, and Sculpture Gallery are the most important among them.

The belongings of the Kochi royal family and royal furniture including the simhasana (throne), Murals, oil-paintings, inscriptions, coins, sculptures in stone and manuscripts are exhibited in the Hill Palace. This palace has Chinese and Japanese art and pottery which are also displayed here. The palace complex houses a variety of plants including various plants that exhibit medicinal properties. This heritage museum is truly the pride of Kerala.

Entry & Exit Timings:

All days of the week. Entry Time : 9:00 AM. Exit Time : 4:30 PM.

Best Time To Visit : Throughout the year, except Mondays.

Nearest Tourist places :

Sree Poornathrayesa Temple :It is situated in Tripunithura at a distance of 2.8 Km from Hill Palace. It is first among the 8 royal temples of the former Kochi Kingdom and is considered to be one of the greatest temples in Kerala.

Kerala Folklore Museum : It is at a distance of 8.2 Km from Hill Palace. It is a cultural hub which is built to promote and preserve the culture & heritage of South India.

Thanneerchal Park : It is in Tripunithura at a distance of 2.3 Km from Hill Palace. This is a newly opened entertainment park in Tripunithura and is developed by the Tripunithura municipality. Boating is the main attraction of this park and there are several other play structures available in this park.

Subash Park : It is at a distance of 12.4 Km from Hill Palace. This is a well-maintained public park that faces the Cochin Harbour and the Vembanad Lake.

Why Special?

• Thripunithura Hill Palace holds the distinction of being Kerala's first heritage museum, a symbol of the region's rich cultural and historical legacy. Built-in 1865, it was once the official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin and now showcases the royal history of Kerala.
• Spanning over 52 acres and housing 49 buildings in traditional Kerala architecture, the Hill Palace in Thripunithura is the largest archaeological museum in the state.
• The Thripunithura Hill Palace complex also houses several rare species of medicinal plants, adding another layer of interest for visitors, especially those intrigued by botany and traditional medicine.

Way to Reach :

 By Air - Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to the Hill Palace Kochi which is situated at a distance of 32 Km.

 By Rail - Ernakulam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Hill Palace Kochi which is situated at a distance of 10.9 Km.

 By Bus - Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Station is the nearest bus station to the Hill Palace Kochi which is situated at a distance of 12 Km.

FAQs about Hill Palace

What is the significance of Thripunithura Hill Palace?

Thripunithura Hill Palace is Kerala’s first heritage museum and the largest archaeological museum in the state. It was once the residence of the Cochin Maharaja and is now a museum showcasing royal artefacts and cultural treasures.

When was the Thripunithura Hill Palace built?

The Thripunithura Hill Palace was constructed in 1865 by the Maharaja of Cochin.

How large is the Thripunithura Hill Palace complex?

The Thripunithura Hill Palace complex covers 52 acres and features 49 buildings designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style.

What activities can be enjoyed at the Hill Palace in Thripunithura?

Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, enjoy the tranquil gardens, observe rare medicinal plants, and take a peaceful walk around the 2-meter-wide walkway surrounding the complex.

When is the Thripunithura Hill Palace Museum open to visitors?

The Thripunithura Hill Palace Museum is generally open on all days except Mondays. However, it’s advisable to check the specific timings before planning a visit.

What is the entry for Hill Palace Museum in Thripunithura?

The entry fee to visit the Hill Palace Museum in Thripunithura is ₹30 per adult and ₹10 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.