Now the largest archaelogical museum in Kerala, the Hill Palace was the official residence of the Kochi Royal family. The 20,000 sq ft palace was built in 1865 in the traditional architectural style of of the state, and includes beautifully landscaped gardens, a deer park and facilities for horse riding.

The royal family donated the palace to the Kerala Government of Kerala in 1980, and the Department of Archaeology converted it into a museum shortly thereafter.