This is also another very priced and protected
monument of the state of Kerala. A former palace of Travancore kings, it was
built in the 18th century at Krishnapuram in Kayamkulam.This monument is often
referred to as a miniature model of Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Location : Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha.
Visiting hours : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Mondays
The Krishnapuram Palace is a rare specimen of the Kerala
style
of architecture - complete with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows.
Residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom, the age of the palace is unknown.
Renovated some time in the 18th century, the palace is today a protected monument
under the Archaeology department. Recently it has been again renovated according
to the scientific techniques prescribed for the protection of heritage buildings.
Today the palace is an archaeological museum, and the most fascinating exhibit
here is the 49 sq.m - Gajendra Moksham - the largest single band of mural painting
so far discovered in Kerala. Literally, the salvation ( Moksha) of the elephant
king ( Gajendra), the theme of the mural is mythological and depicts an elephant
saluting Lord Vishnu in devotion while the other gods, goddesses and saints
look on. It is said that Lord Vishnu was the family deity of the Kayamkulam
rajas. This mural was placed at the entrance to the palace from the pond to
enable the rajas to worship the deity after their bath.
Other attractions here are the beautifully landscaped garden in the palace compound
where you have a variety of flora typical of Kerala, and a newly erected Buddha
mandapam, where a recently recovered statue of the Buddha is housed. Other collections
at the museum include rare antique bronze sculptures and paintings.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Kollam about 39 km.
Nearest airports : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 103 km;
Cochin International Airport, about 132 km.
Krishnapuram Palace
Kerala Monuments Reservation Form
