Padmanabhapuram Palace
It recognized by the ‘Guinness Books of World Records’ as World's largest Wooden Palace, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated at a village named Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District. Entirely built in teakwood and rosewood, this 16th century palace served as the headquarters of the royal family of Travancore Kingdom.
The pompous Darbar Hall built in rosewood and glass ads to the amplitude of the palace. The 600 years old spice bed, sandal pillars, the clock tower; one of the oldest cock towers in South Asia, granite dance halls, beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, mica windows, wide range of Murals, Belgian mirror, etc are some of the distinct features of the Padmanabhapuram Palace.
The flooring of the palace was built in glossy granite and some rare Ayurvedic herbs were mixed with it so as to keep the floor cool in summer and warm in winter and monsoon. Apart from this, it also contained a unique composite of egg white, lime, jaggery, burnt coconut, river sand and charcoal. This wonderful and extraordinary floor was built by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal, the king of Travancore in 1601 AD. The chambers like Mantrasala, Natakasala, Thai Kottaram, Thekee Kottaram, etc are highlights of the architectural opulence of Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Though this Palace belongs to Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, the Government of Kerala is responsible for the maintenance of the palace. The royal sword of the kings of Travancore is preserved in this palace. The Padmanabhapuram Palace, a melting pot of history, architecture and heritage leaves the beholders dumb founded with its architectural magnitude and splendid engineering ingenuity. The palace remains closed on Mondays.
Other interesting features
ü The Padamnabhapuram Palace complex has several other interesting features:
ü The Palace though surrounded entirely by the State of Tamil Nadu is still part of Kerala and the land and Palace belongs to the Government of Kerala.
ü The clock tower in the palace complex has a 300 year old clock, which still keeps time.
ü A big hall now bare, which can accommodate around 1000 guests, and where ceremonial feasts were held, on auspicious occasions.
ü A secret passage, now blocked, through which the king, his immediate family members, and their entourage could escape to another palace, located several kilometers away in the event of any emergency. Name of this palace is Charottu kottaram.
ü A flight of steps leads to a bathing pond, which has lost its freshness due to neglect and years of disuse.
ü The Palace complex also has a section of curios and several interesting objects:
ü An entire room filled with old Chinese jars, all gifts by Chinese merchants.
ü A variety of weapons (which were actually used in warfare), including swords and daggers.
Contact Details
Veerapagupathy,
Chothavilai beach,
Thengamputhoor,
Kanyakumari District
Contact No: 04652 221337
8220099080
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