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The Palace of Shakthan Thampuran located in the district of Thrissur is a landmark in the annals of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the former ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest on rulers and dynasties. At the Shakthan Thampuran Palace, one can come across and understand several interesting and remarkable aspects of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi.

Situated close to the famous Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur, the Shakthan Thampuran Palace formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam was renovated by Shakthan Thampuran in its present form. According to the territorial expanse of erstwhile Kochi dynasty, the Shakthan Palace was its northern most located one. The palace, built in the Dutch and Kerala style of architecture belongs to the few structures of this kind in Kerala. The main structure of the palace has a two-storeyed building and a traditional Kerala style Naalukettu. High roofs, extra thick walls, spacious rooms and floors paved with finely smoothened Italian marbles are some of the structural specialities of this palace. The interiors of the palace, because of its unique construction offer comfortable and pleasant staying conditions irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions.

The palace also has a very ancient Sarpakaavu or Serpent Grove, which is a place for worshipping the serpents according to Hindu belief, and was once widely practiced in Kerala. Located on the southern side of the Shakthan Palace is the Heritage Garden prepared recently to exhibit and preserve some of the indigenous plants and trees of Kerala. There is also an archaeological garden situated in the north-eastern part of the palace, where one could find collections from the stone age found from the outskirts of Thrissur.

The Shakthan Palace, which was recently renovated by the State Archaeology Department with financial assistance from Kerala Tourism, also houses an elaborate museum. The museum houses some interesting galleries like the Bronze gallery, where one can find bronze statues belonging to the period between the 12th and the 18th centuries; a Sculpture gallery displaying granite statues from the 9th century to the 17th century; and the Epigraphy gallery showcasing the genesis and evolution of ancient writings.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 2 kms away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 58 kms away.

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