Krishnapuram Palace Museum

Around 48km south of Alappuzha (Alleppey), the restored Krishnapuram Palace Museum (archaeology.kerala.gov.in; adult/child ₹350/100) ranks among Kerala's most impressive royal buildings. It dates mostly from the mid-18th century and was once a home for the Travancore royal family. Wandering around its interconnected courtyards reveals a feast of gabled roofing, antique crafts, intricate woodwork and outward-curving balconies. But the undisputed highlight is a vibrantly painted 3m-tall mural of the Gajendra Moksha (the liberation of Gajendra, chief of the elephants), a legend from the Bhagavata Puraṇa, painted in earthy blues, oranges and reds using natural dyes. Climb upstairs to weave through wooden galleries including the former dance room. Note that the palace is closed on Monday and from 1pm to 2pm on other days.