Koyikkal Palace

The Koyikkal Palace is a palace situated in Nedumangadu, Thiruvananthapuram District, it was built by Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal Family between 1677 and 1684. Today, however, it is famous as a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum. Its unique antique collection provides one with a valuable insight into the past of Kerala and it attracts people from across the State on a regular basis. Built in the typical ‘nalukettu’ architectural style of Kerala, it has an open central courtyard and large rooms built around it. The palace itself is a double storied structure famous for its distinct gabled roofs. .The palace is maintained by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. The Folklore Museum was setup in 1992 and boasts of musical instruments, household utensils and models of folk arts among others. This is the only place in the State where one can see a Chandravalayam, a  small percussion instrument played while reciting the ballad Ramakathappattu (the story of Lord Rama) and 'Nanthuni', a small musical instrument made of wood and string used in Onappattu etc It also contains old manuscripts along with ornaments and decor items used by the erstwhile Royal family.




The Numismatic Museum is another unique centre as one can view its rare coin collection and gain insight into Kerala’s trade relations of the past with many different countries. It has some of the oldest coins of Kerala - Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen and Kaliyugarayan Panam. A rare coin presented to Jesus Christ himself, Amaida, also finds itself placed here. 2500 year old Karsha coins, Rasi coins (the smallest in the world), coins belonging to the Roman Empire and those used by a wide variety of dynasties across India, such as the Nizam of Hyderabad, Gwalior royal family and Tipu Sultan.can be seen here. It is a veritable treasure trove of history.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 8 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 18 km
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