Padmanabhapuram Palace
South India Region
Padmanabhapuram Palace, also known as Kalkulam Palace, is a historic royal complex located in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, near the Kerala border. Constructed initially around 1601 by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal and extensively rebuilt circa 1750 by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the palace served as the capital of the Travancore kingdom before the capital shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1795. The palace complex is renowned for its exemplary traditional Kerala architecture, featuring wooden structures with intricate carvings and a sprawling granite fortress surrounding it. The four-storeyed central mansion houses the royal treasury, king's bedrooms with an ornamental bed made from 64 medicinal woods gifted by Dutch merchants, resting and study rooms, and a worship chamber adorned with 18th-century murals depicting puranic and social scenes. The Southern Palace (Thekke Kottaram) and Uppirikka Malika are notable parts of the complex, now serving as heritage museums showcasing antique household items and royal artifacts. Maintained by the Kerala Government's Archaeology Department, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural and historical ethos of the Travancore royal household.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the cooler months and early mornings to avoid the tropical heat. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but booking in advance through official channels is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The palace is well-maintained by the Kerala Government, and guided tours are available to enrich the visitor experience. Photography is usually permitted, but checking specific rules on-site is advisable. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the sprawling complex and wooden flooring.
Interesting facts
- •The king's bedstead in the palace is made from 64 types of herbal and medicinal woods, gifted by Dutch merchants.
- •The palace complex lies within a granite fortress approximately four kilometers long.
- •The top floor of the central mansion features exquisite 18th-century murals depicting scenes from Hindu puranas and Travancore's social life.
- •The Southern Palace (Thekke Kottaram) was converted into a heritage museum in 1993, exhibiting antique household articles.
- •The palace was the former capital of the Travancore kingdom before the capital shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1795.
History
The palace was originally constructed around 1601 CE by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, ruler of Venad.
It was rebuilt around 1750 by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, who dedicated the kingdom to the deity Sree Padmanabha and ruled as his servant.
In 1795, the capital was moved to Thiruvananthapuram, leading to a decline in the palace's prominence.
From 1839, traditional festivals ceased, contributing to further decline.
In 1935, the palace was converted into a museum with support from the Travancore royal family.
After state reorganization, the palace remained under Kerala's ownership and is currently maintained by its Archaeology Department.
Place Guide
Central Mansion1750
A four-storeyed building at the heart of the palace complex housing the royal treasury on the ground floor, the king's bedrooms with the famous medicinal wood bed on the first floor, resting and study rooms on the second floor, and the worship chamber with 18th-century murals on the top floor.
Thekke Kottaram (Southern Palace)
A residential complex separated from the main palace by a road, consisting of the core residential building (thai veedu), a private worship place (thekkath), and a bathing ghat (kulappura). Converted into a heritage museum in 1993 showcasing antique household articles and curios reflecting traditional Kerala household culture.
Uppirikka Malika1745
Built in 1745 by King Marthanda Varma, this notable building housed the royal treasury on the ground floor and the king's bedroom above, featuring the famous Sapramancha Kattil bed made from medicinal timbers. It also includes the king's fasting chamber used for devotion.