The District Heritage Museum at Kollengode House, Chembookkavu, Thrissur, run by the Department of Archaeology, imparts to visitors Kerala's unique traditions, art, cultural heritage and the pride of its priceless mural painting traditions. This museum is very helpful for the serious study of Kerala murals and for lovers of antiquity and traditions.
Built in 1904 by Sri Vasudeva Raja, the king of Kollengode, this beautiful palace combines the northern style of Kerala architecture with European architecture.
The palace itself is a visual feast for visitors, full of royal pride from the early 20th century. The kings of Kollengode, known as Vengunadu Nambidi, were the rulers of the lands that included the valley of Thenmala in the eastern regions of Palakkad.
There are many exhibits waiting for visitors, starting from the memorial stones to megalithic remains, including Nannangadis. The sculptures, models of Kerala temple architecture, folk arts and various art forms are welcoming visitors. A glimpse of Kerala's bygone life through the earthen, bamboo, wood and metal household items that were popular then is also here. The personal belongings of Vasudeva Raja of Kollengode, including a turban decorated with Zardosi art and a coat studded with gold buttons, remind the visitors about the feudal past of Kerala. A beautiful heritage sculpture wall depicting Thrissur's rich history, mythology, geography, art and culture in relief images, etc. is worth mentioning.
The main attraction here is the unique re-creations of Kerala's rare murals. Here, visitors are welcomed by copies of rare wall paintings from various places in Kerala, such as Mattancherry Kovilakam, Pundarikapuram Temple, Kanjoor Church, Pudukkad Church, Thrissur Vadakkumnatha Temple, etc. depicting Thadaka Nigraham, Rama-Kumbhakarna battle, Birth of Dasharathi, view of Govardhana Mountain lifted by Lord Krishna, Vishvarupa of Lord Vishnu, battle between Lakshmana and Indrajit, Balivadham, the kings who came from the eastern land after divine birth, Rama with Sita in Panchavadi Parnashala, etc.
Classic paintings, centuries-old sketches of Badrinath, Rameswaram, Varanasi, and Kanyakumari are also on display here. Sri Moolam Chitrashala started in 1938 and the Archaeological Museum started in 1947, was moved here in 1976. The Archaeological Museum was later shifted to Shakthan Thampuran Palace.
Visiting Time: 9.00-5.00
Ticket Time: 9.00-4.30
Holidays: Monday, National Holidays
Ticket rates
Adults-10
Children-5
Foreigners (adult)-50
Foreigners (child)-25
Camera-50
Video camera-250
Documentary/Telefilm-10000
Feature Film-15000
Parking Fee
Four-Wheeler-10
Two-Wheeler-5
Address: District Heritage Museum, Kollengode House, Chembookkavu P.O, Thrissur 680020
Phone: 0487 233311
