Located at Nedumangad, 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Koyikkal palace is a major tourist attraction. This ancient palace is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style with slanting roofs and a courtyard inside. This palace was built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. This magnificent double storied palace now houses two museums, set up by the Archaeology Department. The Koyikkal palace of Thiruvananthapuram is a beautiful monument that stands as an evidence of the rich historical legacy of Kerala. The two museums in the palace
are the Folklore museum and Numismatics museum.
The Folklore museum was set up in the year 1992 and houses many ancient musical instruments and models of folk arts. One can also find rare articles like an ancient percussion instrument that was used while a ballad like Ramayana. Another small instrument that was a very sweet sounding instrument, made of wood and string is also exhibited over here. This instrument was
used during Onam festival in Kerala in old days. The museum also has a number of household utensils made in brass and copper that was used during ancient times.
The Numismatics museum over here is one of its kind, as it houses a vast collection of coins from different eras. An ancient coin belonging to the Venetian era is also exhibited here and it is believed that this coin was presented to Jesus Christ. Ancient coins belonging to the time when trade first started in Kerala are also exhibited over here. The museum has a huge collection of Roman coins and also has coins belonging to different empires that ruled
India.
