Krishnapuram Palace
It is in Kayamakulam 2 km south of the town near Krishnapuram Ramakrishnaswami temple. The last residence of the Kayamakulam royal lineage, it is one of the best surviving princely palaces in Kerala. The palace and its courts cover an area of approximately 1.5 acres. It is a two storied sprawling edifice constructed according to Vastushastra doctrine of 16 kettu (literally sixteen enclosures). This means the palace has four quadrangular structures forming four patios or inner courts (nadumuttam in Malayalam). When it was constructed is unknown although some unverified theories put it to early decades of 18th century. Records of its renovation in 1760's remain. None of the adjacent constructions survive. The palace has 22 rooms. The palace reflects the grandeur of ancient architectural style of Kerala. The sloping angular tile roof, inner court, narrow passages, narrow straight and winding stair caess, low ceiling, projecting balcony windows (similar to oriel windows in the west) etc. constitute an excellent specimen of this architectural style. However, the palace is best known for its mural, Gajendramoksham, which adorns the wall of the bathing house (neerazhikkettu) attached to the palace. The area of the mural is 49 square metre and it is the largest mural in Kerala. Its theme is Lord Vishnu's redemption of an elephant caught by a terrible crocodile. Vishnu who shot his chakra at the crocodile sits on his carriage Garuda in the sky. The elephant just released from the cruel clutch of the crocodile thankfully and devotedly offers lotus flowers to Vishnu and many devas who look down from the sky showers flowers from the sky. The crocodile is in death throes. The unknown artist's masterful strokes continue to delight and marvel viewers.
The palace currently is a protected monument as well as an archaeological museum under the State Archaeological Department. A number antique artefacts and historical specimens from various parts of the country are exhibited here.
Visiting hours : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm except Monday, from Alappuzha 47 km (on the way to Kollam), easily accessible by bus from Kollam or Alappuzha, 2 km to Kayamkulam bus stand, 3 km to Kayamkulam railway station.
Best Season:
Visiting hours : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
Emergency Details:
Gallery Supervisor
Phone: 0479 441133
Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram
Kayamkulam
For more information about ALAPPUZHA: [*00012867click here*]
Transport Terminals:
Kayamkulam
Location:
Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam 39 kms away
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 103 kms away
Tags :Alappuzha
