Located at a distance of 63 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Kerala. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a superb wooden palace that belongs to the 16th century. Lying on the mainland of Kanyakumari, this palace is an alluring architectural masterpiece that belonged to the erstwhile Travancore Rajas (1550 to 1750 AD).
An amazing sample of original architectural style of Kerala, Padmanabhapuram Palace boasts of well-sculpted doors, intricate rose-wood carvings and traditional interiors. The murals belonging to the 17th and 18th century are the highlights.
Get mesmerized by the grandeur of Padmanabhapuram palace. During your visit to Padmanabhapuram Palace, do not miss out on noticing the striking features of the palace including Mahogany musical bow, fish carvings on the ceilings, regal chairs consisting of carvings in Chinese, colored windows, floral ceilings with over 90 designs and more. Although the palace is in Kanyakumari but it is managed by the Government of Kerala.
The palace consists of the King’s bedroom that has paintings of Lord Krishna, murals, a 4-poster medicinal bed, brass lanters of 18th century, dance hall, open-air pool, a temple of Goddess Saraswati, different rooms for courtesans, pooja rooms, Belgian mirrors, a huge Durbar hall with shining floor in black etc. the palace covers an area of 6.5 acres of land and comprises of a total 108 rooms. Padmanabhapuram palace was commissioned by one of Travancore Rulers, Ravipillai Ravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal, around 1601 AD. The palace is placed within an old granite fortress, lying at the foothills of the Velis of the lofty Western Ghats.
Some of the other structures in the palace complex include of Thekee Kottaram (Southern Palace), Central Building, Nataksala (Hall of Performance), Ekantha Mandapam (Chamber of Solitude),Thai Kottaram (Mother’s Palace), Mantrasala (King’s Council Chamber), a clock tower etc.
Best Time to Visit : November to May
Timings : 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (closed on Mondays and national holidays)
Getting There :
- Nearest Railway Station: Nagarcoil in Tamil Nadu (16 km away)
- Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (52 km away)
