Introduction

Poonjar Palace: Location: Poonjar Palace at Poonjar on the Pala-Erattupetta route, Kottayam district, Central Kerala.

Attractions: Royal collection of antiques, rock-cut lamps, sculptures etc. The Poonjar Palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture including a palanquin, a droni (treatment bed) carved out of a single piece of wood for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes

Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple bear sculptures that narrate stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India). However, the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stone walls of the Sastha Temple nearby. Such rock-cut lamps are rare in India.

How to Reach

Nearest major railway station: Kottayam, about 30 km from Pala.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam town.

Thangasseri Fort

Location: (5 km from Kollam) Thangasseri or 'Dutch Quilon' as it was called was once a British enclave. Meaning 'gold village' in local parlance, this was the hub of a flourishing trade that used gold as currency. This seaside village of historic importance shelters the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built during the 18th century. The famed lighthouse of Thangasseri which is 144 ft high, constructed in 1519 by the British is open to visitors from 1530 - 1730 hrs

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