Hill Palace is an ethno-archeological museum in
Tripunithura, about 10 km from
Ernakulam, on the Ernakulam-Chotanikkara route. The erstwhile official residence of Kochi royal family, Hill Palace holds the distinction of being the first heritage museum in
Kerala. It was built in 1865. Spread over 52 acres of beautifully maintained land, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in traditional style of architecture.
On display are oil paintings, murals, sculptures in stone, manuscripts, inscriptions, coins and belongings of Kochi royal family including 'Simhasanam' (throne). Pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, laterite memorials, wooden temple models and plaster cast models of objects from Mohenjedaro and Harappa of Indus Valley Civilization form the unique exhibits.
A deer park is within the museum premises. Besides, facilities are available for horse riding. Visiting hours are from 9:00 hrs to 12:30 hrs and 15:00 hrs to 16:30 hrs, except on Mondays and national holidays.
