Hill Palace Archaeological Museum

Hill Palace in Trippunithura, a suburb of Kochi is an archaeological Museum. It used to be the administrative complex of Rajas of Kochi; area of 54 acres housing 49 buildings, built during later 19th century.

The Palace was taken over by the Department of Archaeology in 1980. It comprises an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, and parks for deer, and pre-historic objects. Rare species of medicinal plants are grown in the campus.

Palace of the Cochin Royal Family displays the crown and ornaments, the special seats, the beautifully carved beds and other artefacts. There are old paintings, sculptures in stone and marble, coins of the day, weapons the men used.
All these depicting the manner of life then. The gold crown encrusted with precious stones, and the ornaments worn by the women of the palace, hold our attention. The large pond which was used only by the royal family.

Center for Heritage Studies (CHS) set up by department of Cultural affairs is located in the Heritage Museum. The significant work here is the conservation of manuscripts.

Visiting hours are 9 am to 5 pm with a break of one hour 1pm and 2 pm. On Mondays and other national holidays, the museum remains closed.