Padmanabhapuram palace

The unique experience

The Padmanabhapuram Palace is world-famous for its architectural beauty drawing inspiration from Kerala styled architecture. Most travelers are left awestruck when they come face to face with the stunning rosewood carvings on the palace’s ceiling as well as its walls. The palace is ornamented with magnificent stone sculptures that make your jaws drop instantly. Other highlights here are the ceilings that are decorated with beautiful murals. One of the most attractive features of this temple is Thaikottaram, aka the Queen Mother’s Palace that is famed for its ceilings that are magnificently painted all over. 

About Padmanabhapuram Palace

If you are visiting India, then you ought to make a trip down to see Padmanabhapuram Palace, a jewel of Southern India. The palace is crafted entirely out of wood and was constructed way back in the 16th century by the king of Travancore. It was named after Lord Vishnu’s lotus flower that came out of his naval. With several sections dividing the palace, it is a fortress spanning over four kilometers in area. 

Legend

This legendary palace derives its present name from Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore who in the year 1750, committed his kingdom to Sree Padmanabha, the god worshiped by him and his people. The king declared himself as the servant or dasa of Padmanabha and hence named his palace after him. 

More about the place

With teak-wood carvings adorning the interiors of the palace, along with gigantic urns made of clay and windows decorated with mica, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is a treasure trove of unparalleled beauty. It features sculpted columns that hold oil lamps as well as columns sculpted out of jackfruit trees. The Chinese sculptured royal chairs, as well as Belgian mirror work on the palace’s ceilings, are noteworthy attributes to leave you mesmerized. Therefore, it stands as a significant attraction in Kanyakumari tour packages.

Padmanabhapuram Palace secrets

An architectural marvel, the palace must feature in your top places to visit in Kanyakumari bucket list. Do you that this wooden palace has a secret underground tunnel? Yes, this passageway connects it to Vattakottai Fort, a strategic point for defense against the enemy. 

Places near Padmanabhapuram Palace

You are spoilt for choice when you visit this marvelously built wooden palace. A number of spots exist nearby that are perfect for picnics as well as for sightseeing such as Thiruparrapu Falls, Olakaruvi Falls, Olakkay Aruvi waterfalls and Ullakaarvi. 

What else?

It is closed on all national holidays, and visitors need to enter without shoes so as to keep the interiors of the palace well maintained. 

A superb example of craftsmanship and art, this palace is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Kanyakumari

How to reach

Distance in kilometers from -  Nagarcoil railway station-17.45 kilometers, Kanyakumari railway station-34 kilometers and Trivandrum-50 kilometers