Exploring Shakthan Thampuran Palace – A Royal Journey Through Thrissur’s Heritage

 

Located in the heart of Thrissur, Kerala, the Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a stunning testament to the region’s royal past and architectural finesse. Originally known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, the palace was reconstructed in 1795 by Ramavarma Shakthan Thampuran, the most illustrious ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin. Today, it stands as a beautifully maintained heritage site and museum, drawing history buffs, architecture lovers, and curious travelers alike.

As we approached the palace, we were immediately struck by its serene surroundings and spacious layout. The palace complex is surrounded by greenery and shaded walkways, offering a quiet escape from the bustling city outside. The exterior of the palace reflects a unique blend of Kerala and Dutch architectural styles, with sloping tiled roofs, thick laterite walls, and wide verandahs. Unlike many palaces that focus on ornamentation, this one speaks of strength, simplicity, and function.

Stepping inside, we were transported to a different era. The interiors of the palace are modest yet elegant, featuring beautifully polished floors and teak wood ceilings. The rooms are well-ventilated and designed around the traditional Naalukettu style. What’s most fascinating is the archaeological museum housed within the palace today. It showcases a wide range of exhibits — ancient coins, bronze idols, sculptures, old manuscripts, and even megalithic artifacts unearthed from different parts of Kerala.

Among the highlights is the cochin coin collection, which gives insight into the economic history of the region. There are also models of burial urns and weapons used in ancient warfare. Each exhibit is well-labeled, offering plenty of information for visitors who want to learn more about Kerala’s past.

The palace is also closely associated with the famed Thrissur Pooram festival. It was Shakthan Thampuran who unified the local temples and established Thrissur as the cultural capital of Kerala. Standing within these walls, you can feel the echoes of that history still alive today.

Visitor Information:
📍 Location: Near Vadakkechira, Thrissur, Kerala
🕒 Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays & public holidays)
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children, ₹30 for mobile photography
📸 Videography is not permitted inside the museum

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual traveler looking to uncover Kerala’s cultural gems, a visit to Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a must. It offers a perfect mix of historical insight, architectural beauty, and peaceful surroundings.

Exploring Thrissur Zoo & Museum: A Heritage Walk in the Heart of Kerala

If you’re looking for a perfect blend of wildlife, history, and culture in Kerala, the Thrissur Zoo and Museum is a must-visit. Nestled in Chembukkavu, just a couple of kilometres from Thrissur town, this heritage complex takes you back in time while letting you reconnect with nature.

A Peek Into the Past

Established in 1885, the Thrissur Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in India. Spread across around 13.5 acres, it is home to over 50 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. From majestic tigers and lions to deer, sloth bears, and exotic birds, this compact zoo offers a great chance to observe wildlife up close. There’s even a dedicated snake house, where you can spot cobras, kraits, vipers, pythons, and more.

More Than Just a Zoo

What makes this place special is that it’s not just a zoo. Within the same compound, you’ll find the Natural History Museum and an Art Museum. The Natural History Museum is fascinating for both kids and adults — you’ll see preserved specimens, skeletons, and taxidermy displays that bring Kerala’s biodiversity and ecological history to life. Keep an eye out for the massive skeleton of Chengalloor Ranganathan, a famous elephant that once lived here.

The Art Museum complements your visit with exhibits showcasing the region’s social and cultural heritage — from palm-leaf manuscripts and megalithic tools to beautiful murals and sculptures.

Visitor Info

• 📍 Location: Chembukkavu, Thrissur, Kerala

• 🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults (zoo) and ₹10 for the museum

• ⏰ Timings: 9 AM to 5:15 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)

Why You Should Visit

The Thrissur Zoo & Museum is ideal for families, students, or anyone curious about Kerala’s wildlife and heritage. It’s a peaceful escape in the middle of the bustling city and a great way to spend 2–3 hours surrounded by nature, art, and history.

Punnathur Kotta: The Majestic Elephant Fort of Kerala

Nestled just 3 kilometers away from the famous Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district lies Punnathur Kotta, also known as Anakkotta, which literally means “Elephant Fort.” This unique destination beautifully combines Kerala’s royal history with its enduring love for elephants and temple traditions.

Once the palace of the Punnathur Raja, this 11.5-acre fort has now been transformed into an elephant sanctuary that houses temple elephants belonging to the Guruvayur Devaswom. At its peak, Punnathur Kotta cared for over 80 elephants; today, you can still find around 37 majestic elephants here, each donated by devotees as an offering to Lord Guruvayurappa.

What makes Punnathur Kotta special is that it’s not just a sanctuary but a living example of Kerala’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. Here, the elephants are trained for temple rituals and grand festivals like Thrissur Pooram. Visitors can witness daily routines such as bathing and feeding, along with unique rituals like Gajapooja (elephant worship) and Aanayoottu (elephant feeding ceremony).

The property still retains its royal charm with the original naalukettu (traditional quadrangular palace structure) and small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy. Punnathur Kotta is also a training center for mahouts, ensuring that these gentle giants receive proper care from skilled handlers.

July is an especially interesting time to visit, as the elephants are given Ayurvedic treatments to help them stay healthy and fit for the festivals ahead. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a visit, as the elephants are more active and the weather is pleasant.

Visitor Information

• Location: 3 km from Guruvayur Temple, Kottapadi, Thrissur, Kerala

• Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult

• Mobile Camera Fee: ₹30

• Best Time to Visit: October to March; July for Ayurvedic treatment season

• Timings: Generally open from morning till evening

A trip to Guruvayur is incomplete without witnessing the grandeur of Punnathur Kotta. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, history buff, or someone seeking a glimpse into Kerala’s spiritual side, this Elephant Fort is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.