About Poonjar Palace
Poonjar Palace is a historic royal residence located in Poonjar town in Kottayam district, Kerala, near the foothills of the Western Ghats. Built by the Poonjar royal family, descendants of the Madurai Pandya kings, it showcases traditional Kerala architecture with wooden carvings and tiled roofs. The palace houses a museum displaying royal furniture, lamps, sculptures, and a replica of Madurai Meenakshi Temple, reflecting centuries of regional heritage.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a traditional Kerala-style wooden palace complex set in a quiet town surrounded by hills. Inside, a small museum displays royal collections including antique furniture, palanquins, chandeliers, brass lamps, grain measures, sculptures, weapons and palm-leaf manuscripts. A notable exhibit is a wooden replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Visitors can walk through courtyards, verandas and halls showcasing woodwork and tiled roofing while learning about the Poonjar dynasty's heritage.
Key highlights
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Historic palace of the Poonjar royal family with traditional Kerala wooden architecture
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Museum collection of royal artifacts, antique furniture, lamps and sculptures
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Wooden replica of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
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Intricate wood carvings, tiled roofs and traditional courtyard layout
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Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) and ancient Nataraja sculpture on display
History of Poonjar Palace
Poonjar Palace was the residence of the Poonjar dynasty, founded by Manavikrama Kulasekara Perumal who migrated from Madurai following the decline of the Pandya kingdom around the 12th century. The dynasty established a principality in the Meenachil region. The present palace structure reflects traditional Kerala architecture and served as the administrative and residential centre of the Poonjar kings who ruled the area for several centuries.
Culture & Context
The palace represents Kerala's traditional wooden architectural style and the cultural link between Kerala and the Pandya heritage of Tamil Nadu. It preserves royal artifacts, religious sculptures and everyday objects that illustrate the lifestyle, craftsmanship and rituals of the region. The museum is valued as a cultural repository for visitors interested in Kerala's royal history and temple art traditions.