Information on Halcyon Castle (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Halcyon Castle also known as Kovalam Palace is located at Kovalam Beach area, Trivandrum District, Kerala State, stationed south of Indian peninsula, adjoining the Arabian Sea. It is the last modern castle built in Kerala by the Princely states of Travancore (presently called as Thiruvananthapuram). This castle is a glory of Travancore and the British-India's last few decades in India. This is a wonderful place to be visited if you are in Trivandrum for its scenic beauty and architectural marvels. It is located in the heart of the city and is an international tourist spot.

Halcyon Castle Architecture

The Halcyon Castle is built in the colonial architectural style, prevailed in that time in Kerala. This is pure granite structure on 65 acres of land area. It is said that the 'Agasthiya Malai' on the Western Ghats region were quarried to bring rock stones to the construction of this castle. Nearly 800 hard laborers were employed and 200 skilled artisans were used to construct this splendid structure within a decade span of time. There are up to three floors constructed for various purposes. This castle is found in all geometric designs. It has circular edged staircase, large rectangular shaped halls, small square rooms, pyramid shaped parapets and domes, cubical small towers. It totally looked like a European castle in Kerala. Its designs are unique and appropriate for the landscape surrounding near to the Kovalam Beach. There are many verandahs, roof top watch towers and large windows designed to see its largest beach front on the western side of this structure. There are many other edifices built on the surroundings of the castle for the Travancore servants for the princely family residing here. It is surrounded by very lovely garden, huge trees and bushes, over all its landscape is a very amazing. On the interior there are wooden and glass works mostly seen. There are large wooden ceilings and steps built here that are made of teak woods brought from the Idukki forest areas.

Halcyon Castle History

Halcyon Castle was a present to the Thamburati 'Sethu Lakshmi Bayi' by the Travancore Thamburan Valiya Koil Rama Verma in the year 1932 AD. She was a renowned cultural dance artist, who displayed her talents in this castle court area. In this castle the Princes delivered her two royal daughters named Chithira Thirunal Verma and Karthika Thirunal Verma. In the time of Vaikom Sathyagragh, 'Mahatma Gandhi' Visited here at her court and discussed about the abolishing of untouchables to enter the temples of Hindus in 1925 AD. In that time she was the Travancore regent. This castle saw the last regent of Travancore and greatly known for the last princess to receive the order of the Crown in the year 1924 AD and held the post up to 1931 AD. In the last decade of independence this place was a major ground for freedom fighters. After Independence of India this castle was betrayed to the State Government of Kerala for tourism development purpose. This castle was in controversy when the tourism development authority leased this castle for a private group to convert in to a luxury hotel. Presently it is a Luxury 5 Star Hotel.

Halcyon Castle Tourism Importance

Halcyon Castle is also known as the Kovalam Palace. It is in the arena of Travancore's largest beach named the Kovalam Beach. This place is an international resort area. This castle is the landmark of this beach. Tourists come here to see its royal arts and crafts in side this castle, its architectural marvel, and to have a glimpse of the glory of past history of Travancore Thamburan's. It is an awesome place to be visited if you are in Trivandrum.