Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace From Kanyakumari

  • The Royal Mansion – Padmanabhapuram Palace, a stunning example of Kerala architecture, is now on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. This remarkable 16th-century wooden structure is nestled within Padmanabhapuram Fort, near Thuckalay town in Kanyakumari, about 20 km from Nagercoil and 65 km from Trivandrum. Housing traditional timber constructions, the palace is set against the scenic backdrop of the Veli Hills in the Western Ghats.
  • Built around 1601 CE during the reign of Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, the palace underwent significant enhancements around 1750 by Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma, known for modernizing Travancore. King Marthanda Varma dedicated his realm to Sree Padmanabha, Vishnu's incarnation, earning the name 'Padmanabhapuram,' or 'City of Lord Padmanabha.' The palace reached its zenith by 1795 CE, when the capital was moved to Trivandrum, yet it remains an iconic representation of Kerala’s architectural brilliance.
  • Inside, visitors can admire splendid rosewood carvings, vibrant murals from the 17th and 18th centuries, and unique features like the Durbar Hall, with its black floor crafted from an unusual mixture. The palace also showcases the 'Thaikkottaram' or Queen Mother’s palace, notable for its floral woodwork. Managed by the Kerala Government, the palace invites visitors daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Mondays, Wednesday mornings, and national holidays, offering a captivating glimpse into the opulence of Travancore’s royal history.