Visitor Information
- Famous for: architecture, photography, history, Museum
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
- Visiting Time: 10AM to 4PM
- Visit Duration: 3 to 4 hours
The Shaktan Tampuran Palace now situated in the district of Thrissur was once under the royal patronage of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the then ruling elite of the Cochin region. A unique blend of Kerala’s ancient architectural style comprising of the Naalukettu model and combined with the contemporary style of Dutch architectural elements, the Shaktan Tampuran Palace is reminiscent of a bygone era. The temple is named after Raja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran who turned the place into his central administrative and political throne of power.
Traveller Tips
- Make sure you have a camera with you, trust me you will find a lot to capture.
- You should dress accordingly and pack comfortable clothes fit for the season.
- Keep in mind the fact that it is your responsibility to keep the place clean, so don’t litter the place.
- This is strictly a plastic free zone and you must not carry litter with you.
- You must carry a first aid kit with you so that you can be safe rather than sorry.
- Pack handy medicines especially if you have children or elderly people with you.
Things to Do
- The Shaktan Thampuran Palace is a store house of knowledge. This architectural wonder now harbours a museum within its premises which is quite an effective tool which has helped in the reconstruction of the Perumppadappu Swaroopam– a major portion of the history of the ruling elite in Cochin has been restructured with the help of it.
- With prior permission, you can plan a picnic in the beautiful lawns with the picturesque Palace in the background.
- You can also pay a visit to the nearest attractions like the Guruvayurappan Temple, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Zoo, Nehru Park and plenty more.
Availability of Guides
The Kerala Tourism Department is highly efficient and you can easily avail guides from the official tourism department either at Cochin or at Thrissur. It is always advisable to hire a tour guide from the official tourism department, so that you will be in safe hands.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kerala is undoubtedly in the winters and in the summers. Just avoid the monsoons because it can be quite wet and it is not ideal for exploration. But the summer and the winters in Kerala is ideal for exploration. The place invites in an extraordinary tinge of colour during this period. The landscapes are picturesque and the flowers blossom into unparalleled beauty. This is definitely the best time for some exploration, when the climate is warm with a tinge of humidity.
How to Reach
Situated at the heart of Thrissur, the Shakthan Thampuran Palace is in a well accessible location. The nearest airport to Shaktan Thampuran Palace is in Cochin. This international airport is well routed by flights from all over the world. The nearest railway station to Shaktan Thampuran Palace is hardly 3kms away. It is at a walking distance from the Palace. You can avail local transportation facilities or hire a private cab.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Shaktan Thampuran Palace
- It houses a Museum within its walls which is famous for its Bronze Gallery harbouring relics dating to 12th century AD. It also has Bronze Gallery, Numismatics Gallery, Epigraphic Gallery and Megalithic Gallery.
- The Palace also has a separate section which showcases the ancient household items which were generally made out of copper and bronze.
- The Palace is a haven of ancient rituals and customs which are still followed to this day. The festival organized by the royal descendants in the sacred Sarppa Kaavu (an abode of serpent worship) is quite famous.
- The Palace is also known by various names- Perumpadappu Palace, Vadakkechira Kovilakam, and the Cochin Palace of Perumppadappu Swaroopam.
Nearby Attractions
- Guruvayurappan Temple
- Vadakkunathan Temple
- Thrissur Zoo
- Thiruvambadi Temple
- Paramekkavu Temple
- Basillica of Our Lady of Dolours
- Viyyur Jail Park
- Kollengode Palace
- Our Lady of Lourdes
- Nehru Park
- Mural Art Museum
Nearby Restaurants
- Ayush Veg Restaurant
- China Gate
- Hotel Palace
- Mint Malabar
- Parippuvada
- Raindrops Restaurant
- Syamantak Restaurant
- The Jaya Palace
With its head held high, the Shaktan Tampuran Palace just like the name of its ruler is itself mighty and proud. The Palace has witnessed a lot of historical events and to this day it has withstood the test of time. Bow down to the mighty rulers of the Perumppadappu Swaroopam as you walk through the castle passageways amidst the walls echoing the stories of an ancient past.