Even if you haven’t seen ‘Ramanilayam’, doesn’t the feeling of one ancient structure arise even when you hear the name? It is one of the rare few structures that have entered the minds of the people, marking the centuries of history and the ancient style of construction.Ramanilayam has always been in the nostalgic memories of the residents of Trisshivaperur. Ramanilayam is on Townhall Road in the heritage zone in the middle of the city
With sights and memories of antiquity, the Shaktan Tampuran Palace, Vadakkechira, Taluk Office and the erstwhile Collectorate (Diwan Peshkar Office) all surround this royal palace.
If we check the construction period, it can be said that it is the 19th centtury, Built as a King’s guest house and later became the official residence of the Resident during the British rule, after independence, the constitution came into force, the cabinet was formed and the government came, and now it is a government guest house.
There is a long line of VVIPs who have stayed,and departed in this ancient guest house since then. British Resident, JawaharlalNehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, V.V. Giri, Sankardayal Sharma, political and cultural personalities and so on. K. Karunakaran, the senior Congress leader, is one of the persons who have stayed here the longest.
Completely colonial structure and interior fittings are still there. The ‘veeti wood’furniture and fixtures. Four bedrooms, dining and a VVIP lounge. Pillared verandah and pitched roof. As it was very old, many modern facilities were not available.
Architect Vinod Kumar, who led the renovation, has done the renovation by adding contemporary facilities while maintaining what was there in the past. Modern amenities have been provided without any change to the colonial style.
The furniture of that time is still there. The old ones were replaced by new ones with the same wood and finish.Which trees were used in the past, such trees were provided. The walls are made of lime plastering so the old fashioned lime mortar was made and the walls were renewed.
All the lighting and electrical systems have been renewed. All facilities like AC, intercom, Wi-Fi and conference area are provided. The walls are decorated with pictures of the old buildings of Thrissur. (drwing by Architect Ujwal) Necessary changes were made to the old landscape and re-established. Undoubtedly, the govt. has chosen the most suitable architect to carry out the renovation without losing the architectural value of the existing structure
The architect who has led the restoration of heritage conservation especially Vadakkumnath Temple, Vadakkechira and Shaktan Palace in Thrissur, Ram Nilayam has got a new life in his hands who has deep knowledge of the value of the past and how to preserve it.
Project Details
Architect:Vinod Kumar M M
dd Architects, Thrissur
Mob:98951 77532
Client:Public Property, Govt. Guest House,trissur
Photography: Ar. Mithul