Paliam Palace

Paliam Palace, also known as Paliam Kovilakam, is a major heritage museum at Chendamangalam in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The palace is associated with the Paliath Achans, hereditary leaders who served the rulers of Cochin as prime ministers and military chiefs. Kerala Tourism’s Muziris Heritage Project records that the Dutch built the structure in appreciation of support received from a Paliath Achan during periods of conflict with competing European powers.

The building later served as an official residence and administrative centre where important political decisions were made. Architecturally, the three-storeyed palace combines Kerala building traditions with Dutch influence, including thick walls, carved wooden staircases and carefully planned interior circulation. Today the museum uses records, letters, panels and audiovisual material to explain the Paliam family, the evolution of the Cochin kingdom and the region’s political history.

It is one of the essential stops in the Chendamangalam-Muziris heritage circuit.