Known as the land of backwaters, Kerala is home to some of the nation’s most breathtaking architectural marvels. Amidst these extravagant monuments that amalgamate structural finesse and cultural richness, lies the Krishnapuram Palace, a museum in Kayamkulam which is far from being a conventional palatial extravaganza.

Originally, the palace sprawled over an area of 56 acres, but over the years, as the city grew out of the rule of its monarchs, it was left neglected. A myriad of architectural masterpieces around the main palace complex were demolished during various attacks, which reduced the area to a mere 2.5 acres.

Despite its association with regal dynasties in the past, the architecture of the Krishnapuram Palace is far from how one would imagine a conventional palace to be. From gabled roofs to narrow corridors and dormer windows, each element is characterized by the subtlety and elegance of traditional Keralan architecture. The palace, which now serves as a museum, boasts beautiful wooden carvings that could easily take anyone by wonder.

Invigorating a sense of liveliness, the Krishnapuram Palace Museum entertains just the right combination of fresh air and natural light that circulate within all 22 rooms on the premises and add a sense of comfort to this emblem of regality. Earthy materials like laterite stones, rubble, teak, and rosewood enhance the natural and raw undertones of the architecture.

The Krishnapuram Palace now serves as a museum which is a treasure trove of paintings, murals, and artifacts from the Travancore dynasty. Among the murals is the Gajendra Moksha, which remains intact as one of the major attractions in the complex to date. Legend has it that this particular mural is mentioned in the tales of the Bhagavata Purana, an ancient Hindu text.