Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram palace is situated 63 km away from Trivandrum in the Kanyakumari route, at Thucklai. This was the palace of Travancore Rajas and once the state capital of Travancore. Padmanabhapuram palace is built in traditional Travancore architectural style. The art and sculpture of this palace is famous.

The palace complex is inside a granite fortress. The palace is situated at the foot of Veli Hills. The river Valli flows nearby. Padmanabhapuram Palace was constructed by Iravi Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, who was the ruler of Travancore between 1592 A.D. and 1609 A.D. In the late 18th century, the capital of Travancore was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram from here.

The King's Council chamber, Mantrasala, is the most beautiful area in this palace. The Thai Kottaram (Mother's palace) is the oldest building in this whole structure. The Natakasala (Performance Hall) is a comparitively new building built by His Highness Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. There is a 4-storeyed building at the centre of the palace complex which served as the worship place of the royal household. Thekke Kottaram (Southern Palace) serves as a museum for the storage of antique articles.

The palace will be closed on Mondays.

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