Sakthan Thampuram Palace, also called Vadakkechira Palace, was built in 1795 by Ramavarma Thampuram, of the erstwhile princely state of Cochin. The palace built in traditional Kerala and Dutch architectural style is a fusion with a new dimension.
The palace was used by King Sakthan when he ruled over Cochin, a time which was a golden era for the district giving rise to many visionary projects and strategic alliances formed under his guidance.
The palace has been a witness to many memorable moments and has now been converted to a museum which houses many priceless artifacts classified under categories like Bronze gallery, sculpture gallery, historical galley, numismatic gallery etc. The palace complex has an ancient sacred serpent grove where Hindu devotees can offer prayer to the snake God.
One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran (an erstwhile ruler hailed from Kochin Kingdom) in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the tourists having special interest on history.
This famous palace is located very close to Vadakkumnatha Temple and was formerly known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam. It was Shakthan Thampuran who renovated it in its present form. The palace is very attractive. It was constructed in the Kerala and Dutch architectural style.
The prime structure of the palace is in Kerala style with high roofs and Nalukettu. The floors are laid with fine Italian marbles and the rooms are spacious with many attractive decorations.