Padmanabhapuram Palace

Posted Date: 17 Jul 2010 Author: Roshan Salim Profile photo

This article is about Padmanabhapuram palace and about its main features like Nalukettu, Thaikottaram, Oottupura, Natakasala etc. The palace is known for its explicit architecture.

About Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace is a beautiful palace located near Thiruvananthapuram, which is the capital of Kerala. The palace is actually not under Kerala state boundaries but it is governed by the archaeological department of Kerala. The palace is very famous for its splendid architecture and is attracted by each and every person who loves art and architecture. It is a fine specimen to depict the world of ancient Kerala. It was the home palace for kings of Travancore. The palace is situated in a place called Thuckalay which is in Tamilnadu and is about 64 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The palace is also in the valleys of Veli Hills and a river named Valli is flowing near by.
Visiting Hours : 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM on all days except Mondays and National Holidays

History of Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the oldest citadel of Kerala. The historical record suggests that the palace was constructed in 1601 AD. It was Eravi Varma Kulashekara Perumal, the ruler of Travancore who built Padmanabhapuram Palace during his reign. But the facilities and designing was not taken place under Kulashekara Perumal. It was Marthanda Varma during his period started the complete development of the palace which suits for the new status of Tranancore and he mainly depend on the architect named Kesavan Vishnuthranan, popularly known as Thykkattu Namboothiri. In its earlier times, the palace was known as Kalkulam palace. Marthanda Varma himself changed its name to Padmanabhapuram palace. The development of the palace continued even after the reign of Marthanda Varma. His successor Karthika Thirunnal Rama Varma constructed ‘Oottupura' and other features.

Features to See in Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram palace is very well known for its splendid architecture and interiors and for its exclusive wood designs. The Mantrasala or King's Council Chamber is an attracting feature. The speciality is that, it is having windows with colored mica which give a protection from heat and dust and is cool inside. The construction of Mantrasala was done during the reign of Marthanda Varma.

The next feature is Thaikottaram (Mother Palace or the first palace). This is a two storey building which is buit according to the concept of traditional architecture of Kerala. Thaikottaram is almost a square shaped building with a courtyard and surrounded by Verandas in its four sides. The entrance of this Thaikottaram is known as Poomukam. The Poomukam is decorated with carved wooden pillars and have a stone base. There is also a room called Ekantha Mandapam which means the chamber of solitude. They are also decorated with good wood works.

Nalukettu ( a four storeyed structure ) is known for its explicit architecture with wood works. In the sides of this Nalukettu, it is decorated with small window openings which is having cooper sheeted roofs and specially designed gables. The forth floor of this Nalukettu is just like a temple but not an exact temple. The floor is dedicated to lord Vishnu and there are many mural paintings painted related lord Vishnu which gives a devotional atmosphere.

Natakasala or the hall of performance is another important feature of Padmanabhapuram Palace. This is the place where the music and dance performances are conducted in the palace. The spot has witnessed many classical performances from many artists. The hall is also famous for its solid granite pillars and shining black floors.

A four storeyed building called Uppirika Malika which is a main worshipping destination, The Oottupura- which is built in traditional Kerala style to welcome the Brahmin guests for meals, Navarathri Mandapam etc are some of the another interesting features in Padmanabhapuram Palace. The visitors will surely be surprised by the splendors of this palace.

How to reach Padmanabhapuram Palace

The palace is situated in a place known as Thuckalay in Kanyakumari district. It is about 50 kms from Trivandrum and about 20 kms from Nagarcoil. S the visitors coming by train should halt at Trivandrum or Nagarcoil according to their comfort. The nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport. KSRTC buses, tourist cars etc are always available from Trivandrum to Padmanabhapuram Palace. Thuckalay is the nearest bus station.