Information on Kanakakunnu Palace (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Kanakakunnu Palace is the guest house and entertainment center for the Travancore royal princely state. It is the latest and the last Kottaram built by the royal Travancore Kings in the early 20th century. This was the busiest place in Trivandrum before and after the Indian independence for social and cultural activities. This palace is sited on a small hilltop with natural picturesque beauty. It is located near the Vellay Ambalam Road, near P W D Building, Palayam Town, Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala State in southern part of India.

Kanakakunnu Palace Architecture

Kanakakunnu Palace is built in the new British Era model. It has all the necessary modern equipments and amenities inside this palace. This palace is built on a small citadel which is above ground level. It is a single storied building. This is situated in a vast pasture land. Inside this palace there is a beautiful garden with unique landscaping work. This palace is constructed of granite stones, which is quarried from its nearby places. These are mostly used in the foundation works. The upper part of this palace used the laterite stones, these are the in large cut blocks and occupies the major portion of this structure. There are fine wooden works seen here. It has an amazing teak wood ceiling, which is still lasting. The roof tops are totally covered with fine terracotta tiles in the red color, which looks very beautiful. On the inside there are many carving activities on the marbles and woods found. It has one of the best latest furniture of that time made inside this building with highly skilled carpenters. This palace contains many complexes. These were specially built as theaters and auditoriums. A wide open air ground is also found here with a large stage. It do have a modern Tennis ground.

Kanakakunnu Palace History

Kanakakunnu Palace is built by the great Travancore Maha Raja named Thiru Moolam Thirunal Thamburan. It has hosted many colonialists as its guest. This is done so, because these Travancore royal classes don't eat Non vegetarian food in their palace and this gust was the place to dine all kind of food it's including alcohol. Many were outside guest who visited here. There were cultural events taking place on all important occasions. Like the Onam and Vishu festivals are celebrated here for a week. Important social gathering also takes place in its open air ground. This palace will be very color full to look at the times of festivals. Soon after the Indian independence, it came under the tourism department and they do practice the same as it was done in the princely states. It organizes many social and cultural events here. Its auditoriums are used as learning centre for arts and music. It open air ground is used for learning sword fights and the Kerala martial arts called as Kalari. It is also conducting classes for the traditional dance of Kathakali and Mohini Attam. It was a pride for the Keralites to give a stage performance here. The Kerala Tourism department conducts the annual music festival here which lasts for a month here in the Onam seasons. This is visited by many foreign tourists for its publicity and colorful culture. These are performed in the auditorium and the open ground inside the palace complexes.

Kanakakunnu Palace Tourism Importance

Kanakakunnu Palace is a place for social and cultural activities in Kerala State. The best time to take advantage of these colorful events is to visit here on festival days. The rich traditional culture can be seen here. It attracts a lot of international tourist here by its tourism department by conduction various cultural activities here.