Poonjar Palace

Poonjar Palace (celebrated across India as the 600 year-old royal ancestral seat of the Poonjar Royal Dynasty who trace their lineage directly back to the illustrious imperial Pandya Kings of Madurai), situated along the Meenachil river valley near Erattupetta just 40 km east of Kottayam town in Kerala, is one of Kerala's most majestic, opulent, and historically fascinating royal timber palaces.

Established in the 14th century AD (circa 1350 1400 AD) by King Manavikrama Kulasekhara Perumal of the Madurai Pandya dynasty after migrating to the High Ranges of Kerala following civil upheavals in Tamil Nadu, the Poonjar kingdom acquired extensive territories spanning the High Ranges (including modern Munnar, Sabarimala, and Peermade) from the Thekkumkur rajas and erected this monumental Nalukettu palace complex using rare woods and granite masonry.

It's the home of an astonishing royal antiquities museum housing a monumental Ayurvedic massage bed (Droni) carved from a single colossal piece of medicinal wood, the historic Madurai Meenakshi Temple replica built with granite stone walls decorated with classical Chithira (mural) carvings, antique royal palanquins (Manchal), teakwood rock cradles, jewel boxes, bronze lamps, medieval armory and swords, precious crystal chandeliers, and centuries old royal grain storage vaults (Pathayam).

It represents a rich architectural and dynastic sanctuary where 14th century Madurai Pandya royal ancestry, indigenous Kerala timber carpentry, rare Ayurvedic wellness artifacts, and peaceful Western Ghats foothills charm unite in Meenachil taluk.

Located in Poonjar village just 5 km from Erattupetta and 18 km from Pala, it sits 40 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 42 km from Ettumanoor, and 78 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by KSRTC buses, private town services, and tourist cabs.

The 14th Century Madurai Pandya Royal Dynasty

Migrating across the Western Ghats passes carrying the sacred deity of Madurai Meenakshi, the Pandya royal family purchased the Poonjar highlands, ruling over prime cardamom and pepper hills.

The palace showcases an intriguing synthesis of Tamil Dravidian granite stone art and classical Kerala timber joinery, creating a distinctive architectural style.

Truth is, walking through the cool polished timber chambers where royal swords and crystal oil lamps hang from beamed ceilings brings alive centuries of forgotten princely grandeur.

The Monolithic Droni & Royal Antiquities Collection

The Single Piece Wood Droni: A centerpiece of the museum is a massive Ayurvedic treatment bed hollowed from a single gigantic trunk of medicinal wood (Varikkaplavu).

Royal Artifacts & Armory: The museum preserves ivory carvings, brass betel nut cutters, royal palm leaf manuscripts, antique firearms, and gem encrusted royal crowns.

The Meenakshi Temple Replica & Chithira Murals

Meenakshi Amman Shrine: Adjacent to the palace stands a granite shrine modeled after Madurai's Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, built by the migrating Pandya kings.

Granite Murals: The outer temple walls showcase rare stone carvings depicting episodes from the Ramayana, accompanied by unique Chithira oil lamps.

After touring the royal chambers at Poonjar Palace, explore the scenic hills of Ilaveezhapoonchira, visit the ancient 2,000 year-old Subrahmonia Temple in Kidangoor, or cruise the backwaters of Kumarakom.