PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE
Symbol of rich cultural heritage-Padmanabhapuram Palace is a stunning wooden architecture of the 16th century and is one of the prime attractions of Tamil Nadu in South India. It was constructed around 1601 A.D by Iravi Iravi Varma Kulashekara Perumal who ruled the Travancore between 1592 A.D and 1609 A.D. Formerly, it was known as the Kalkulam Palace but later it was Anizham Thirunnal Martanda Varma the maker of modern Travancore who changed its name to its present name.
After reorganization in 1956, the palace and its assets were retained under the government of Kerala but the earnings of this palace now are equally shared by the two South Indian giant states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This palace is one of the top 10 palaces in the entire globe owing to its picturesque appeal, location and great history.
The masterly created architecture and the history behind this palace attracts large number of people from various parts of the world. This palace truly embarks the authentic style of Keralite architecture on the mind of any visitor visiting this palace for the first time. The old aged interior and the complex rosewood carvings along with the superbly sculptured décor speak lots of things about this wonderful palace. 108 rooms each with different artistic mood and appeal, dining hall that can lodge 1000 patrons, undisclosed secretive passages leading to a palace 2 km away in case of an assault etc. are other features of this mammoth palace.
Decorated with a shiny black floor made from an amalgamation of jiggery lime, burnt coconut, river sand, granite tubs; the Durbar Hall seems extremely beautiful and captivating. The palace is further festooned with murals from the 17th and 18th century, mica coloured windows, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, musical bow in Mahogany etc. which has convert it into a global scenario for tourists and archaeologists alike.
The location of the palace at the foot of the Veli Hills which forms a part of the Western Ghats is equally captivating as the palace. The river Valli flows nearby giving it a much scenic and stunning look. Any visitors visiting this palace are captivated and bewitched by the regal beauty of then Travancore.
After reorganization in 1956, the palace and its assets were retained under the government of Kerala but the earnings of this palace now are equally shared by the two South Indian giant states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This palace is one of the top 10 palaces in the entire globe owing to its picturesque appeal, location and great history.
The masterly created architecture and the history behind this palace attracts large number of people from various parts of the world. This palace truly embarks the authentic style of Keralite architecture on the mind of any visitor visiting this palace for the first time. The old aged interior and the complex rosewood carvings along with the superbly sculptured décor speak lots of things about this wonderful palace. 108 rooms each with different artistic mood and appeal, dining hall that can lodge 1000 patrons, undisclosed secretive passages leading to a palace 2 km away in case of an assault etc. are other features of this mammoth palace.
Decorated with a shiny black floor made from an amalgamation of jiggery lime, burnt coconut, river sand, granite tubs; the Durbar Hall seems extremely beautiful and captivating. The palace is further festooned with murals from the 17th and 18th century, mica coloured windows, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, musical bow in Mahogany etc. which has convert it into a global scenario for tourists and archaeologists alike.
The location of the palace at the foot of the Veli Hills which forms a part of the Western Ghats is equally captivating as the palace. The river Valli flows nearby giving it a much scenic and stunning look. Any visitors visiting this palace are captivated and bewitched by the regal beauty of then Travancore.
Quick Facts
Location: Kalkulam near Thuckalay in Tamil Nadu about 55 km South West of Thiruvananthapuram.
Distance: 1 km from Thuckalay on the way on Thuckalay-Kulasekharam/Thripparappu way.
Total area: 6.45 acres
Dressing Restrictions: There is no particular morale for dressing but it is recommended to dress wisely.
Best time to visit: During day time from the month of November to May.
Visit Hours: Morning 9:00 a.m. to evening 4:30 p.m.
Things not allowed: Creating awkward noises, littering,
Open Days: Open on all days except on Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for children, Rs. 25 for adults, Rs. 25 for camera and Rs. 1500 for Video Camera.
Enjoyed by: History buffs, experience seekers
Facilities: Bathroom facilities, camera/video allowed, lockers/storage facility, food available for purchase.
Length of visit: About 2 hours
Nearest Railway station: Iraniel (local) at 6 km and Nagercoil (main station) at 15 km.
Suggestion: Read the rules carefully before venturing inside the premises of this palace.
Note: Wearing of footwear inside the premises is not allowed so as to maintain the polish of the floor.
