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Krishnapuram Palace,
Kerala
Now a heritage site, set in
tranquile garden, Krishnapuram Palace in Kayamkulam
is imbued with Keralan grace and splendour. The
exterior of the palace displays a perfect combination of neat
lines and subtle angles and is a credit to the entire ensemble.
It is constructed largely of wood, with gabled roofs and rooms
opening out onto internal courtyards. The palace is now converted
into a museum. Kayamkulam was once the centre of its own small
kingdom. After a battle in 1746 it came under the control
of Travancore's king Marathanda Varma. In the 18th
century the area was famous for its spices, particularly pepper
and cinnamon. The Abbe Reynal claimed that the Dutch exported
some two million pounds of pepper every year, one-fifth of
it from Kayamkulam. At this time the kingdom was also known
for the skill of its army, fifteen thousand Nayars (Kerala's
martial caste).
How
to reach there:
Kayamkulam is an exciting excursion trip between Kollam and
Alappuzha.
Road: It can be reached by regular non-express
bus services from both places.
Boat: Boats are
run by the Alleppey Tourism Development Co-op (ATDC) and the
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). Local ferries are
also available.
Accomodations:
In Kollam:
- Government
Guesthouse,
Jaladarshini, KTDC Yatri Nivas,
- Railway
Retiring Rooms
- Sea
Bee.
In
Alappuzhha:
-
Alleppey Prince.
-
Karthika Tourist Home.
- Komala.
What
to see: A display case contains ceremonial
utensils, oil lamps, fine miniature figures and small stone
columns carved with serpent deities. The prize exhibit is
a huge mural of the classical Keralan School measuring over
fourteen square metres, which depicts Gajendra Moksha -the
salvation of Gajendra-king of elephants. As in all Keralan
paintings every inch of the painting is packed with detail
and the outer edges are decorated with floriate border.
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