Information on Krishnapuram Palace (Alappuzha, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Krishnapuram Palace is a 16th century architectural marvel built by the 'Princely Travancore clans' in the Kerala State. It is well known for its murals, underground secret passage and scenically surrounded with natural stunners. It is located near Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam junction, Alappuzha District, Kerala State of South India. This palace is functioning as museum now for catering heritage monument tours in India.

Krishnapuram Palace Architecture

Krishnapuram Palace is covered up by 56 acres of surface area on a hilltop, surrounded by natural scenic places. It followed the Pathinerakettu Architectural pattern followed in ancient years in Kerala State. According to the historians, this structure followed the Dravidian Vasthu Shastra, either the principals of Structure Dynamics. The design and layout of this palace was made by Kerala architect Kamyyan Dalava and it was subsequently supervised with the help of Ayyappan Mathsnada Pillai. This palace also resembles with the Travancore's Padhmanabapuram Palace in Trivandrum. The materials used to build this structure are; rock debris, granite stones, laterite stone, clay bricks, terracotta tiles, Angili wood teak wood and rose woods. The palace walls are up to a 10 feet height. It is an III storied edifice. There are 22 rooms inside the palace. Its remarkable feature is the court yard which is the largest open area in the centre of the palace which is a unique place of this palace. On the interior there is unique craftsmanship of wooden works on doors, windows and pillars are found. It has beautiful spiral steps made out of well polished granite stones to climb its stairs. This palace was built in such a dynamics that lights and winds passes in side this stricter very well. The teak woods are found in the ceilings and used as a supporting beam all over the structure. It has a triangular shaped slanting roof, which are covered with terracotta tiles. This palace is fitted with dormer windows. It has a narrow corridor with small wooden pillars run along with it. Outside the palace it has a large pond, which is also an underground secret passage for a quick evasion of palace residents in times of battles.

Krishnapuram Palace History

Krishnapuram Palace is believed to be built around (1700 AD to 1775 AD) by the Travancore Thamburan named Ravi Varma. It was renovated initially in the 18th century by the Martanda Verma. Recently it was restored in the 1950s by the archeological department of India. This palace was built on an existing palace of the local Kayamkulam Royal Clans. It is said in the histories that, this place come under the Travancore regime in the year (1746 AD) after a local battle with the Kayamkulam clans. This palace is now an archeological museum, exhibits one of the megalithic period's aircrafts. It has the Sward of kayamkulam, which is made of special alloy and is double edged one. This palace has the largest mural of 'Gajendra Moksham' which is an epic in the Indian Veda. It covers an area of 50 square meters on the inside walls, which is the largest murals painted by an unsung artist. It displays the Travancore antiquities inside the palace, including the plaques. The Sanskrit version of the Bible is found here which date back to 1886 AD. The 10th century's Buddha sculptor is found here. There are also many ancient manuscripts and specimen's collection from other parts of India is kept inside the palace.

Krishnapuram Palace Tourism Importance

Krishnapuram Palace is an ancient monument which is presently functioning archeological museum. It is open to public and many tourist and history buffs come here to see the Travancore's glory of art and cultures. It is a remarkable place to view this heritage palace in its scenic surroundings. It is a best place to be visited if you are in Allazhapula District of Kerala State.