Alwaye Palace



Alwaye Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala

Information on Alwaye Palace (Ernakulam, Kerala) - History & Architecture


Alwaye Palace is situated in the city Kochi, Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala. The city is one of the vital places in terms of the tourism sector as large number of visitors turn up every year in this particular region. The Alwaye monument is glorious in its own terms owing to magnificence and rich ancient heritage, but now owing to its importance, it has been renovated, where one can soak in the glorious hospitality enjoying the rich cultural splendor of the era gone by.

Alwaye Palace Architecture

The river that flows parallel to the palace enhance its beauty to a greater extent. There are also gardens inside the palace that depicts the influence of the Hindu architectural style. Again there are circular within the palace from which the beautiful view of the Periyar River is apparent. The architectural composition of the palace also portrays the traditional culture of Kerala in the ancient days. The Artistic design within the interior of the palace further shows the art and cultural richness of the royal family of Travancore. The palace had painting and portraits of the Kings and their durbar of King Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. However, in the modern time noteworthy renovations has been made by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation so that the palace could be served as a guest house.

Alwaye Palace History

Historical reports suggested that the Palace was once used a residence by the royal family of Travancore. The monument also served as a guest house for the people who used to visit the royal family. The monument is positioned on the banks of the beautiful Periyar River and depicts a silent witness of its long historical and eventful past. Notably, the monument ranks among the finest in Kerala and all over India. Though little details are known about the history of the monument, the palace is known to be built in the year around 1900s during the reign of the Chera kings of Travancore. The chief of the royal family sree Padmanabhaswamy was deemed to be the creator of the idea for the palace. The royal family including members such as Kupaka Swaroopam, Thripappur Swaroopam and Venad Swaroopam used the monument for residential purpose and served as the summer residency of the Travancore Royalty. Apart from all, the palace has witnessed profuse battles and successions over the years and now it stands here depicting the glorious past, which keeps the history of the era alive amid the modern generation. After the death of King Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma in 1991, the palace was taken over by the state government of Kerala and is taken care of by the government which now serves as a hospitality centre.

Alwaye Palace Tourism Importance

Moreover, a tour to the royal Alwaye monument sends the visitors in the glorious past of the ancient royalty of the palace. Apart from the palace, the place Aluva is also famous among the tourist for many of the pilgrim center and splendor resorts. Furthermore, 'Aluva Sivarathri Festival' that take place on the banks of Periyar River in Manal Puram, gather the attraction of thousands of visitors from the country and around the world. The best time to visit the place is between the months of 'Mid-January to early March' owing to the suitability of the weather and for the Aluva Sivarathri Festival. Easy access to the place from Cochin International Airport and Aluva railway station also ensures a convenient journey for the visitors.