Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is a beautifully preserved two-storey palace about 47 km south of Alappuzha near Kayamkulam, built in the 18th century by Marthanda Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore who unified much of Kerala under his rule. The palace is a fine example of Kerala's traditional Naalukettu architectural style with sloping tiled roofs, wooden ceilings, narrow corridors, and carved gables. It houses the Krishnapuram Palace Museum which displays royal artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. The most celebrated exhibit is the Gajendra Moksham, a massive 9 by 14 foot mural considered the largest mural painting in Kerala, depicting the mythological story of the elephant king seeking liberation from a crocodile. The surrounding gardens are well maintained.