The Hill Palace Museum in Kerala:

It is Situated in Kerala. In Kerala it is located in Cochin. Edappally, 13 km from Cochin, displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the king’s throne and crown. (Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays and National Holidays.) Also on show are other trappings of royalty like majestic beds, paintings, carvings and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also well known for the nearby Chottanikara Temple and the Tripunithura Temple.

Just 8 km from the heart of Ernakulam, the Museum of kerala History and its Makers, is the best place for a quick trip down the ancient lanes of Kerala’s history. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama, the mythological sage who is said to have created Kerala. Important historical episodes from the neolithic age to the modern era are depicted through life-size figures. A one-hour recorded commentary (in English and Malayalam) fro each scence offers a minor sound-and-light show.

Performances of kathakali and mohiniyattam are held regularly in Ernakulam at these centres: The Theosophical Society Hall, Pallimukku; See India Foundation, Kalathiparambil Lane; Cochin Darbar Hall. The Ernakulam Gymnasium puts on a performance of kalaripayattu.

Several important festivals (‘ulsavom’ in Malayalam) can be witnessed in Cochin. In January/February is the 8-day ulsavom at the Shiva Temple, Ernakulam, featuring a grand elephant procession and performances of folk dance and music. In November/December is an 8-day ulsavom celebration at Tripunithura Temple with a daily procession of 15 elephants and performances of folk dance and music.

In August/September is Onam, the traditional harvest festival, Kerala’s best-known, and one which is celebrated in every home. The state’s Tourism Week occurs then and in some places like Cochin, Kottayam Aranmula and Payipad, the famous snake-boat races are held. In Tripunithura, Onam is celebrated with a grand procession known as Athachamayam.

Not too far from Cochin is Alwaye, which is famous for its annual night-long Shivarathri festival of prayer and festivity held around February on the banks of the river Periyar.