Known for its Nalukettu-style architecture and colonial charm, it reflects the regal legacy of Kerala’s matrilineal queens.
Ammachi Kottaram (meaning Queen Mother’s Palace) is a 19th-century royal retreat built by Travancore Maharaja Moolam Thirunal.
Set amidst the misty tea and coffee estates of Kuttikanam in Kerala's Idukki district, the palace served as a summer getaway for the Maharaja’s consort. In Travancore tradition, royal succession was matrilineal, so titles passed to sisters and their children, not wives.
As a result, the Maharaja’s wife held the title of consort, and this palace was believed to be her serene retreat. Sprawling across 25 acres on a fog-covered hilltop, Ammachi Kottaram is a modest yet elegant structure that reflects both traditional and colonial influences.
It features a wrap-around veranda, three living rooms, two large guest halls, a kitchen, bathrooms, and dining areas. Two secret passageways, including an underground escape tunnel, add to its historical intrigue.
Though time and neglect have left the palace weathered, its quiet grandeur and mysterious charm remain. Surrounded by lush greenery and the scent of plantations, it transports visitors to a forgotten royal era.
The palace has also caught the eye of filmmakers-featured in Malayalam films like Carbon (2018) and Lucifer (2019), adding cinematic legacy to its royal past. Today, Ammachi Kottaram stands not just as a decaying relic but as a captivating destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking hidden gems in the hills of Kerala.
Address: Ammachi Kottaram, Near Kuttikanam Junction, Peermade, Idukki District, Kerala – 685531
How To Reach
By Road: Kottayam (72 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (71 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 118 km away
