The Koyikkal Palace, which was the royal headquarters of the Perakam dynasty, is set to get a major facelift utilisng funds provided by the Union and State governments.
The Archaeology Department, the custodian of the palace, will start work early August to improve ist structural stability and renovate the Folklore and Numismatic museums inside the palace.
Director of Archaeology Department G. Prem Kumar said the Chief Minister had given his consent to inaugurate the work in the first week of August.
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The work will be completed by the end of the year, he added.
The palace, which was constructed over three centuries ago, is an important stop-over destination for tourists visiting Ponmudi and an itinerary of guided tours.
The museum has an impressive collection of household utensils, including wooden kitchenware made in brass and copper representing the lifestyle of the people and coins of different ages.
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The artefacts and coins, which are kept in assorted manner now, would be re-arranged and put on display in separate galleries. Better lighting, repair of roof, setting up of kiosks and an open theatre form part of the renovation work.
A modern security system would be installed to prevent theft and fire, he said.
Apart from funds to the tune of Rs. 3.5 crore allotted by the Centre, a sum of Rs. 70 lakh set aside by the State government would be utilised for the modernisation. The Keralam Museum of History and Heritage, which has prepared a detailed project report, would carry out the renovation of the naalu-kettu shaped palace and the museums, he added.