Padmanabhampuram Palace is majestic, ancient and mesmerizing. It is located in Padmanabhampuram city, which is officially in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu now. The city was the capital of one-time Hindu kingdom of Travancore between the years 1550 and 1750. The city is around 20 km from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu and around 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Padmanabhampuram Palace symbolizes Kerala architecture. That’s the reason the city is more connected to Kerala history. The architecture dates back to the 17th century. The Palace is one of the oldest monuments of South India.

Presently, the Archaeological Survey of India maintains Padmanabhampuram Palace. The stunning aesthetic beauty, incredibly creative designs, majestic stone sculptures, outstanding murals, and brilliant wooden carvings, which have stood the test of time, attract tourists from across the world.

Legend

An intriguing artifact of Padmanabhampuram Palace is a sword placed in front of the idol of Lord Vishnu in the Palace’s prayer room.

According to historical records, Raja Marthanda Varma in 1750, presented this sword as a symbolic gesture to Lord Padmanabha. By doing this, he dedicated the Travancore kingdom to the Lord. Since that day the Raja obtained the status of “Padmanabhadasa”, which means servant of Lord Padmanabha.

Since then, it is said that Travancore belongs to Vishnu and the Raja works as spiritual-cum-legal custodian.

History

The exact date of the construction of Padmanabhampuram Palace is unknown, though it is believed that it was constructed in 1601 AD. The original Palace was built with mud in the 14th century. It was called Darpakulangara Palace. Later, Marthanda Varma rebuilt the Palace with granite.

Padmanabhampuram Palace is famous for its military architecture and strategic planning. This Palace was the power seat for Travancore kings till 1790. Travancore was a princely state for more than 400 years. Thereafter, Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, famous as Dharma Raja, shifted this Padmanabhampuram city to Thiruvananthapuram.

Architecture

Padmanabhampuram Palace possesses a maze of 108 rooms. Tourists need a guide to stroll in the Palace. The maze leaves visitors stunned thanks to the creative expressions and the sheer luxury of rooms. The delicately carved floral patterns on the ceilings leave visitors mesmerized.

Padmanabhampuram Palace is made of teakwood and granite. This structure exhibiting gentle angles and well-cut lines enchant visitors. The roofs are tiled and sloppy, broken by projecting gables that harbor intricately carved screens.

The dining hall of the Palace, which can seat 2000 people, is popular among tourists. Then, there is the prayer room that houses mind blowing paintings; but this room is kept locked and tourists need permission to enter.

All 108 rooms of the Palace exhibit a distinct style. The entrance hall of Palace is especially enchanting. The ceiling is carved beautifully with 90 distinct lotus flowers made from ornate teak, mahogany, and rosewood. A big brass oil lamp hangs from it.

The Council chamber or Mantrashala is on the first floor just above the entrance hall. It is delightfully illuminated through colored mica panes.

The oldest part of the Palace exhibits fine architecture. It is the Lonely Place or Ekandamandapam, which features vivid floor paintings. Nearby is a trap door, which, it is believed, that once led to a secret passage towards another palace located a few kilometers away. This palace is now destroyed.

Yet another attractive feature of the Palace is the dance hall, which has stone columns with Pandya style. This hall is located in front of the Goddess Saraswati shrine.

Padmanabhampuram Palace is known for its murals. They actually look alive thanks to their vibrant colors, delicate details, creative forms, and religious fervor. Tourists can find these breath taking murals in the walls of the meditation room.

Palace Timings

Padmanabhampuram Palace is open to tourists from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. The Palace stays closed on Mondays.

How to Reach

Padmanabhampuram is located just off NH47. A 2-hour bus ride from Thiruvananthapuram takes tourists to this place.

Tourists can avail themselves of buses that run frequently from Thiruvananthapuram Thampnoor bus stand to Padmanabhampuram.