Information on Padmanabhapuram Palace (Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu) - History & Architecture

Padmanabhapuram Palace is a five hundred years old unique fort palace of the Travancore Kingdom (1550 AD-1750 AD). It was built by the Maharaja Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, who was the initial ruler of southern most part of Kerala. It is located at Padhmanaba Puram, Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu, which is at the southernmost tip of Indian sub continent.

Padmanabhapuram Palace Architecture

Padmanabhapuram Palace is a pure typical Kerala architecture, built in a traditional out looks. The palace is situated in a scenic area of Velli River with back drop of end parts of the Western Ghats. It is built inside an ancient fort area, which is around four square kilometer on the foot of Velli Hills. This is a four storied building, which is built out of granite stones, latrite stones, lime stones, woods and Belgium glasses. The main palace is of Kings central court yard, which is in the innermost middle part of the palace with natural cooling effect. The fourth story is the royal worship place, having a statue of Lord Padhanaba, which is their family ditty. It consists of Thai Kottaram, a place for royal queen and mother of the King's accommodate here. There is an indoor theatre to perform dance and music, named as the Natya Shala. There is a large hall, which can accommodate 1000 peoples and used for conducting various ceremonies of the royal families. There are two beautiful ponds, built here for bathing purpose; these are separately built for gents and ladies. There are deep wells dig here to cater the needs of water necessities. It has many smaller shelters for its clerical staffs, servants and a garrison area. A secret underground passage is built in the centre of the palace to get escape of its family members, in case of emergency situations. The craftsmanship is really appreciable. The palace can be seen with 50% of wooden works. All of its supports are built out of Teak woods, which are carved according to Hindu designs. Its doors and pillars are mostly carved in floral designs. Its walls are painted with Vedic scenes and social culture of the prevailing time of Kerala. It has fine polished floors, which are made of special mix of shells, sand, charcoal and lime stones. Its tops are covered with terracotta tiles; these are designed in small pyramid type design, which extends out as parapets on the main entrance doors.

Padmanabhapuram Palace History

Padmanabhapuram Palace was built in the year 1601 AD as the main palace and was in various transformation of its structure, adding more facilities around the main building, until in the year 1750 AD by its rulers. In the year 1795 AD, Thamburan Marathanda Verma shifted its capital to Trivanathpuram and thereafter became the permanent capital of Travancore kingdom. This old palace was of great significance in the earlier days, which saw the invasion of European colonialist, who came here for spice trading. It got the name Padmanabhapuram, for their belief in the Hindu God Vishnu. In Malayalam language this God was called Lord Padhanaba, hence the land of lord Padhnaba became as 'Padhnammbapuram'. After the Independence of India, the dissolutions of princely states were taken by the central government. In the year 1956, the Kanyakumari district came under the Tamil Nadu constituency, and became a permanent district of Tamil Nadu administration. Previously it was under the Travancore province of the Princely states, named as Cheramandalam. Now this palace is under the heritage monument, which is listed under the Archeological department of India and maintained by them till now. It also lost its importance when the Royal families leaving here totally shifted to its new capital at Trivandrum.

Padmanabhapuram Palace Tourism Importance

Padmanabhapuram Palace was the beginning place for the Travancore kingdom. It is the standing glory of the past history of Kerala. The uniqueness of the Kerala architecture can be seen here which is really fascinating to see. It is truly a not to miss attraction while in this state capital of Kerala. Its colossal beauty and the unique architectural beauty make it the top notch tourist attraction of Kerala, which is visited by huge number of tourists and history buffs from nook and corner of the world. Thus while in Trivandrum, don't miss to witness the beauty of Padmanabhapuram Palace, which is simply outstanding and worth experiencing.