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Poonjar Palace in Kottayam

Poonjar Palace is said to have been constructed some 600 years ago and is located in Kottayam district in Kerala. The palace is made out of wood which stands as evidence of richness of the ancient era that includes the traditional architecture as well. The palace also preserves the exquisite collection of furniture that were used during ancient times. Some of the ancient furniture you will find are droni (treatment bed for ayurvedic massages), jewellery boxes, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings and a whole range of lamps. The palace also houses grain measures, statues, weapons and the sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Shiva) and also preserves a unique conch which is used for ritualistic purposes once in a year.

Poonjar Palace in Kottayam

Apart from this, a Sastha Temple and a replica of Madurai Meenakshi Temple is located in the vicinity of the Poonjar Palace. The walls of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple have sculptures that depict the story from the Puranas. The Sastha Temple has the most fascinating Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stone walls and such rock cut lamps are very rare to find in India.

History of Poonjar Palace in Kottayam

Poonjar Palace was the seat of the ancient Poonjar Kingdom and was constructed by the Poonjar Rajas who were also associated with the Travancore Royal family. The dynasty has origins from Pandyan Kings of the Sangam Age and the founder of Poonjar Dynasty was Manavikrama Kulasekara Perumal and his mother was a Chera princess. In 1152 AD, they shifted from Madurai due to the incessant civil wars and Raja carried one of the three idols of the Meenakshi who is their ‘Kula Devatha’ and established it in the Meenakshi Temple on the banks of the Meenachil River.

Today, the Poonjar Palace serves as the Museum that has the collection of all the above mentioned antiques.

How to Reach Poonjar Palace in Kottayam

Nearest Railway Station: From the Kottayam Railway station head in the south-east direction on the Railway Road and pass by the Lions Club of Kottayam Child Welfare Centre situated on the right then turn left towards Main Central Road and at the roundabout take the second exit onto Main central Road and pass the HSS Hospital on the right side then turn right at Ettumanoor Jct continue onto Ettumanoor-Eratuupetta-Poonjar Road and pass the Ettumanoor Town Juma Masjid located on the right side then take sharp right to stay on Ettumanoor-Erattupetta-Poonjar Road go through one roundabout and walk past the Reliance Petrol/Diesel/Gas Pump on the right side then turn left at Central Jct to stay onto Ettumanoor-Erattupetta-Poonjar Road and pass the Ninar Juma Masjid on the left then turn left onto PHC road and take the first right to stay on the PHC Road then continue and take slight left on the PHC Road and at 200 m you will find the palace.

Address: Poonjar Palace, PHC Road, Panachippara, Poonjar, Kerala 686 581

Hotels near Poonjar Palace

Hotel Ambassador
K K Road, Kottayam 686 001
Tel: 91-481-2563293/2563294/2563755
Email: jacob.ambassadorhotel@gmail.com
Website: www.ambassadorhotel.in
Tariff: Rs 4,900/-

Hotel Indraprastha (formerly Hotel Fairmont)
Main Central Road, S H Mount PO
Kottayam 686 006
Tel: 91-481-2569256
Fax No: 91 – 481- 2569256
Email: info@hotelfairmont.in
Website: www.hotelfairmont.in
Tariff: Rs 3,750/-

Hotel Pearl Regency
Main Central Road, T B Junction
Kottayam 686 039
Tel: 91-481-2561124, 2561125
Fax No: 91 – 481- 2561124
Email: pearlregencyktm@sancharnet.in, pearlregencyktm@gmail.com
Website: www.pearlregency.in
Tariff: Rs 2,500/-

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