pic credit:respective owners
Hill Palace is an ancient museum and palace located near Thrippuithura in Cochin, Kerala. It is the largest archaeological museum in the state and also serves as the imperial administrative office and the official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin. The palace complex was built in 1865 and consists of 49 buildings spread over 54 acres (220,000 m²) in traditional architectural style. The complex includes an archaeological museum, heritage museum, deer park, prehistoric park and children's playground. There are many rare plants growing in the museum. The palace has now been converted into a museum by the Kerala State Archaeological Department and is open to the public. The palace is located approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) from the city center and is accessible by road and train. CHS has been designated as a Manuscript Conservation Center (MCC) and Manuscript Resource Center (MRC) by the National Manuscript Mission. In 1980, the palace was handed over to the Kerala government by the Cochin royal family.