Padmanabhapuram Palace
A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India. An enticing piece to any lover of art and architecture this old palace of the kings of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. Charles Correa, India architect par excellence selected as one among the top ten architects of the world by the British Institute of architects, says that it is his most favorite building. He has incorporated many ideas from this building, in his architectural style.Padmanabhapuram fort encloses an area of around 200 acres. The strong fort walls rise to a height of 30 ft. the foundation of which is constructed in granite and the superstructure in red stone. The grand palace stands at the centre of the fort. The palace buildings lie sprawled over an area of 6.5 acres.The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals.
One can see: the musical bow in mahogany, windows with coloured mica, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, 'Thaikkottaram' or the Queen Mother's palace with painted ceilings, rose wood and teak carved ceilings with 90 different floral designs.
Durbar Hall with a shiny black floor specially made from a combination of egg white, jaggery lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand, granite tubs to cool curd and buttermilk, secret underground passages, the King's bedroom with a four poster medicinal bed, mural paintings, pictures of Lord Krishna, hanging brass lanterns lit continuously since the 18th century, hanging cage through which eagles tore criminals to death, open air swimming bath, the King's sister's dressing room, granite dance hall, Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge) temple, large earthen urns, room for scribes and accountants, carved figures on columns holding oil lamps, pooja (worship) rooms with jackfruit tree columns, fish carvings on the ceilings, enormous teak beams, Belgian mirrors and an outer cyclopean stone wall fitted together without mortar.
The visitor is often overwhelmed by the royal splendour. Though the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu State, it comes under the purview of the Government of Kerala's administration.
Best Season:
November to May
Timings : 9 Am to 4.30 Pm all days except Mondays and National holidays
Emergency Details:
Research OfficerPadmanabhapuram PalaceThuckalay.P.ONagarcoil , Kanyakumari District
For more information about THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: [*00121035click here *]
Transport Terminals:
Thakkala (Bus Stand)
Location:
Padmanabhapuram lies 55 km south-west of Thiruvananthapuram( a two-and-a-half hour drive)
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Nagercoil (15km) and local station is Iraniel (6km) from the palace
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram city
Tags :Thiruvananthapuram
