Thrippunithura
Thrippunithura is the southern suburb of Kochi, and the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. The suburb is famous for various historical palaces, museums and temples, and as a centre of the arts.
Get in
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Map of ThrippunithuraSee
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Cochin Royal Crown
The biggest highlight of Hill Palace, is the display of Royal Crown, crafted in pure gold weighting 1.75 kg with 95 diamonds and 2,000 other precious stones. It was a gift by the Portuguese to Veera Kerala Varma on his coronation day, which was regarded too extravagant for the Kochi Rajas, who were known for their simple lifestyle. This became a famous tradition that no Cochin Maharajas ever wore this crown, only to keep it on his lap as a testimony of his humility and simplicity. Nearly ten golden crowns were given to the Rajas by the various colonial powers of Dutch, English, Chinese, Arabs which were never worn by the Maharajas. |
- 1 Hill Palace Museum, Hill Palace Rd (12 km southeast of Ernakulam), ☏ +91 484 2781113. 10AM-12:30PM; 2-4:30PM (Crown Gallery closes at 4PM) (closed Mondays). The erstwhile Kochi Maharaja's palace, now converted to a large museum with a small zoo. Has paintings and epigraphy from collections of Travancore and Cochin royal families. It is the largest archaeological palace in South India with more than 500 artifacts divided into 16 galleries. The highlight of the Palace is the display of multi-billion worth Cochin Royal Crown and Crown Jewels. The Crown Gallery is a high security zone with elaborate security checks. Photography and bags are prohibited. The Palace complex is huge with several buildings inside. There is a good Deer Park (10AM-4:30PM) which also has peacocks. A small fauna garden was set up in 2003. The palace has more than 100 different species of trees and plants of medical value. The palace has five large gardens and two large resting grounds of late Maharajas. Indians ₹20, foreigners ₹500 (including Deer Park and all attractions).
Churches
[edit]- 2 Nadamel St. Mary's Church (Nadamel Marth Mariam Church).
Temples
[edit]- 3 Chottanikkara Devi Temple. One of the 108 large Devi (Goddess) temples of India. The temple is famous for alternative treatments of various psychic disorders like split personality syndrome as well as for its annual Makam festival (mid Feb-mid March). It is believed to have 3 forms of the Goddess in 3 phases of day. Famous for its Navaratri festival.
- 4 Poornathrayeesa Temple (in the heart of Thripunithura). Devoted to Lord Vishnu was once the royal temple of Kochi Maharajas. This temple is famous for its Panthizhuaari (Milk Dessert made of rice flakes) distributed during afternoons and grand temple festivals twice in a year.
Do
[edit]- 1 JT Pac Cultural Theatre, Choice House, Choice lane, Kumbalam. is one of the most modern and upscale performing arts complexes, which has regular concerts, drama festivals, dance programs and other arts and cultural activities. A 1000-seater theater, it also has a good gallery and latest visual-audio systems. Booking may be necessary to secure seats and the theater has strict dress code regulations.
- 2 Kalikotta, Palace Rd. The official concert palace hall of the Kochi royal family who are patrons of more than a dozen cultural institutions and societies. Most performances are free. The mega Kathakali festival organised prior to Temple festival of Thripunithura Poornathresya Royal temple, is one of the largest Kathakali events here.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Nucleus Mall, Maradu. The latest entrant to the Kochi's mall culture. A spacious suburban mall, ideal for shoppers to shop in hassle free area without worries of traffic and large crowds.
Eat
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[edit]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹750 |
| Mid-range | ₹750–3,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹3,000 |
Splurge
[edit]- 1 Crowne Plaza Kochi.
- 2 Le Méridien Kochi, Maradu Junction (near Maradu Bridge), ☏ +91 484 2705777. One of the most exclusive addresses in the city. It has a host of facilities, including a large convention centre. Near to riverside, it offers good boating facilities and has an indoor shopping complex selling luxury items. ₹6,000-20,000.