Shakthan Thampuran Palace

Shakthan Thampuran Palace was known as Vadakkechira Kovilakom. It was briefly called Perumpaddu Palace. The beautiful monument is in the heart of the city and has a fascinating history. 

King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran  (CE 1790-1805) renovated the palace in 1795. Sakthan Thampuran is credited with transforming Thrissur. The king was popular and was a patron of art and culture. His reign was known as the golden age of Kochi. 

The palace architecture shows the influence of Dutch and Kerala Styles. Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a two-storied structure with a courtyard or naalukettu, common in traditional homes in Kerala. The large rooms and high ceilings keep the temperature during summer. 

In 2005, the government converted the palace into a museum.  The museum contains bronze artefacts, numismatics, and epigraphy. A visit to the museum will give an insight into the history of Thrissur.

A remarkable feature of the palace is the shrine for the God of the serpent. There is the serpent groove or Sarpa Kaavu is called the lungs of Thrissur. The heritage garden has ancient indigenous trees. You will feel rejuvenated after spending some time there.