Krishnapuram Palace

It is in Kayamakulam 2 km south of the town near Krishnapuram Ramakrishnaswami temple. The last residence of the Kayamakulam royal lineage, it is one of the best surviving princely palaces in Kerala. The palace and its courts cover an area of approximately 1.5 acres. It is a two storied sprawling edifice constructed according to Vastushastra doctrine of 16 kettu (literally sixteen enclosures). This means the palace has four quadrangular structures forming four patios or inner courts (nadumuttam in Malayalam). When it was constructed is unknown although some unverified theories put it to early decades of 18th century. Records of its renovation in 1760's remain. None of the adjacent constructions survive. The palace has 22 rooms. The palace reflects the grandeur of ancient architectural style of Kerala. The sloping angular tile roof, inner court, narrow passages, narrow straight and winding stair caess, low ceiling, projecting balcony windows (similar to oriel windows in the west) etc. constitute an excellent specimen of this architectural style. 

However, the palace is best known for its mural, Gajendramoksham, which adorns the wall of the bathing house (neerazhikkettu) attached to the palace. The area of the mural is 49 square metre and it is the largest mural in Kerala. Its theme is Lord Vishnu's redemption of an elephant caught by a terrible crocodile. Vishnu who shot his chakra at the crocodile sits on his carriage Garuda in the sky. The elephant just released from the cruel clutch of the crocodile thankfully and devotedly offers lotus flowers to Vishnu and many devas who look down from the sky showers flowers from the sky. The crocodile is in death throes. The unknown artist's masterful strokes continue to delight and marvel viewers. 

The palace currently is a protected monument as well as an archaeological museum under the State Archaeological Department. A number antique artefacts and historical specimens from various parts of the country are exhibited here. 

Visiting hours : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm except Monday, from Alappuzha 47 km (on the way to Kollam), easily accessible by bus from Kollam or Alappuzha, 2 km to Kayamkulam bus stand, 3 km to Kayamkulam railway station. 

Kerala is noted for many palaces that were an outcome of princely domains that once ruled different parts of Kerala. The Krishnapuram Palace is one such palace, which could be reached from the National Highway - 47 going via Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is a historically important palace, located close to the Sree Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram. History reckons this double-storeyed palace as the one where the kings of Kayamkulam dynasty last stayed. It is a typical example of a palace design that is akin to that of local rulers in ancient Kerala.
Many ancillary units of Krishnapuram Palace got demolished and only the main palace structure remains intact. There are no authentic records stating the period of the palace's construction. According to old timers, the princess of Kayamkulam ruling family used to stay at a place north of Kayamkulam while the men stayed at the Krishnapuram Palace.
Currently a protected monument under the Department of Archaeology, the palace situated near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram was built during the period of King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD) following the annexation of Kayamkulam to the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.
The palace would easily catch the attention of its visitors, due to its traditional Kerala style of architecture. The architectural highlights of this palace include a courtyard, gabled roofs, thick-framed doors, narrow corridors and stairways, dormer windows and low roofs.
A highlight among the sights for visitors at the Krishnapuram Palace is without doubt the mural found here, depicting the story of Gajendramoksham (salvation of elephant). Dating back to the 18th century, this exquisite piece of art is one of the largest murals in Kerala and is a fantastic blend of colours and expression.
This magnificent palace with sixteen blocks is also famous for its museum that houses antiques, sculptures, paintings, weapons, megalithic remains, stone inscriptions, coins and artifacts in bronze. Among the museum highlights include a Bible in Sanskrit language.
The palace visiting hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Mondays.
Getting there:

By road: Kayamkulam is about 47 km from Alappuzha.
Nearest railway station: Kayamkulam Junction, about 5 km.
Nearest airports: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 103 km; Cochin International Airport, about 132 km.