Kerala's Kuttikkanam Palace: A Remnant Of A Glorious Legacy
Kuttikkanam, a hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala, is where the beautiful Kuttikkanam Palace is located. A fine example of the region's famous Nalukettu architecture, it once served as a retreat for the consorts of the Travancore dynasty. The palace is a structure of much importance in history and architecture; its classic rectangular structure of four halls surrounding a central courtyard open to the sky is typical of the Nalukettu style. These houses remain surprisingly cool during summers.
The Kuttikkanam Palace, also known as the Ammachi Kottaram locally, was constructed by the Travancore Maharaja Moolam Thirunal in the late 19th century. Legends maintain that Maharaja Thirunal constructed the monument for his wife though not much evidence exists to support it.
The Kingdom of Travancore ruled the area which is the present-day Kerala from 1729 to 1949. The kingdom emerged as a mighty power during the 9th century when the rulers of Venad freed themselves from the Chera dynasty. The Travancore Dynasty followed a matrilineal succession. During the British colonial era, Rani Gouri Parvati Bai played a pivotal role in mediating with the British colonials maintaining the family’s royal status.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, famous as one of the wealthiest temples in the world, enjoyed regular patronage from the Travancore Royals, for whom the temple was a pivotal element in ruling.
A Jewel In The Misty Hills
The palace is situated amidst the foggy hilltops of Kuttikkanam, a hill station between Vagamon and Thekkady. The area boasts a lush green expanse of tea and coffee plantations, pine forests and cardamom orchards. The hill station allows recreational activities like trekking and hiking.
The palace is situated on 14 acres, and a tunnel through it is said to lead to the Peermade Sreekrishna Swami Temple. A sprawling wrap-around veranda characterises it with two grand halls for guests, three rooms and bathrooms, kitchens and dining halls.
Many Malayalam films such as "Carbon" (2018), "Lucifer" (2019) and "Indriyam" (2000) have been shot here.
Places to See Nearby
The Idukki district of Kerala is full of geographical gems which travellers can explore.
Valanjanganam Waterfalls
At 5.1 km from the Kuttikkanam Palace on the Kottayam-Kumily road is the Valanjanganam Waterfalls. As the falls are on the roadside, travellers can easily go up to the falls and enjoy the scenic cascade.
Parunthumpara Hill View
The Parunthumpara Hill View is 13 km from the palace. The vantage point is famous for its 360 degrees view of Peermedu hills, and fortunate travellers can spot the Sabarimala forests and Periyar Tiger Reserve on a clear, sunny day.
Sree Valliyamkavu Devi Temple
At 15.9 km from the Palace is the Sree Valliyamkavu Devi Temple, famous for the historic Durga shrine. People can enjoy the Guruthi (dance performance), which takes place after the last puja of each day.
Parunthumpara Eagle Rock
The Parunthumpara, which translates to "eagle," is situated near Peermedu of Idukki at 12 km from Kuttikkanam. The place is a trekker’s delight which offers a sumptuous bird’s eye view of endless forests.
How to Reach:
Air: The nearest airport to Kuttikkanam is the Kochi Airport at 90 km.
Rail: Tiruvalla Railway Station is the nearest to Kuttikanam at 47 km.
Road: Kuttikkanam could be reach by National Highway 183.
