Padmanabhapuram Palace
This Palace is located at Padmanabhapuram near Thuckalay in Kalkulam Taluk of Kanyakumari District. Popularly known as the Kalkulam Palace, this historic structure once served as the ancient capital of the Travancore kingdom. The town lies about 20 kilometres from Nagercoil and nearly 60 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram.
Although Padmanabhapuram falls within Tamil Nadu’s boundaries, the Government of Kerala owns and maintains the palace through its Archaeology Department. Consequently, the palace reflects exceptional care and preservation.
Its royal grandeur and remarkable architecture continue to attract tourists from across the country.
Origin and Historical Significance
The palace traces its origins to 1601 AD, when Iravi Varma Kulashekara Perumal, ruler of the Venad kingdom, initiated its construction. Later, around 1750 AD, King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma rebuilt and expanded the palace extensively. He dedicated his kingdom to his family deity Sree Padmanabha, a form of Lord Vishnu, and ruled as a servant of the deity. As a result, the palace earned the name Padmanabhapuram, meaning the city of Lord Padmanabha.
During the reign of Avittam Tirunal Balarama Varma, British forces occupied the palace fortifications in 1809.
Subsequently, the discovery of a fortified settlement near the Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram reduced Padmanabhapuram’s importance. By the 1850s, the palace gradually declined. However, in 1934, the efforts of Sree Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma, Queen Mother Sethu Parvathi Bayi, and Dewan Sir C. P. Ramaswami Aiyer revived interest in the palace. In 1935, authorities converted it into a protected museum complex.
The Palace and Its Unique Rooms
Spread across nearly 6.5 acres, Padmanabhapuram Palace consists of several distinctive sections, each reflecting royal life and craftsmanship.
The Reception Hall – Poomukha Malika
The Poomukha Malika welcomes visitors with a striking triangular arch that leads to other sections of the palace.
Its wooden ceiling features 90 different floral carvings, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
Mantrasala – The King’s Council Chamber
The Mantrasala served as the venue where the king conducted meetings and made administrative decisions. Fine carvings decorate the ceiling and beams, while a single gable and eleven small windows, known as kilivaadhil, enhance the room’s elegance.
Queen Mother’s Palace – Thai Kottaram
Thai Kottaram stands as one of the oldest structures in the complex, built in the mid-19th century. Designed in the naalukettu style, it features four halls connected around an open central courtyard, all richly engraved.
Natakashala / Navarathri Mandapam – Performance Hall
The rectangular performance hall displays beautifully carved monolithic pillars decorated with floral, geometric, and human figures in classical Natyasastra postures. A temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi adjoins this hall.
Central Mansion
At the heart of the palace stands a four-storeyed mansion built during the reign of King Marthanda Varma. The ground floor housed the royal treasury, while the first floor contained the king’s bedrooms. The second floor served as resting and study rooms, and the top floor, known as Upparikka Malika, functioned as a worship chamber adorned with exquisite murals.
Thekke Kottaram – Southern Palace
Similar in age to the Thai Kottaram, the Thekke Kottaram now houses a heritage museum. Visitors can view antique household items and historical objects here.
The Clock Tower
Located north of the Mantrasala, the Clock Tower was built by a local blacksmith. Remarkably, its chimes were once audible within a three-kilometre radius.
Other Prominent Features
- The palace exemplifies traditional Kerala architecture with wooden structures, murals, black granite flooring, and intricate floral carvings.
- A secret passage, now sealed, reportedly allowed the royal family to escape during emergencies.
- A flight of steps leads directly to a bathing pond within the palace complex.
- The museum displays antiques such as Chinese jars, weapons, furniture, wood and stone sculptures, and historical paintings.
- The royal ornamental cot consists of 64 pieces of medicinal wood, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and knowledge.
Padmanabhapuram Palace Visiting Hours & Fee Details
It is open on all days except for Mondays from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The Palace is closed on National Holidays. Parking fee of Rs 50 is charged. Visitors can also buy a detailed guide book available in Tamil, English and Malayalam languages, at the ticker counter priced at Rs. 100.
The entrance fee is charged as below:
| Adult | Rs. 35/- |
| Adult (Foreign National) | Rs. 300/- |
| Children (5-12 Yrs) | Rs. 10/- |
| Children (Foreign National) | Rs. 100/- |
| Still Camera | Rs. 50/- |
| Video Camera | Rs. 2500/- |
How to reach Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located 2 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari National Highway (NH 66).
The nearest railway station is at Nagercoil (16 kilometres away) that connects the town with major cities in South India.Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport (52 kilometres away).
Epilogue
Padmanabhapuram Palace is a testimony of the traditional style of Kerala architecture. A visit to the place will surely take one to the classic era of the Travancore State.
Padmanabhapuram Palace – FAQ
Where is Padmanabhapuram Palace located?
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Padmanabhapuram town in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, about 35 kilometers from Kanyakumari.
Who built Padmanabhapuram Palace?
The palace was built in the 16th century (around 1601 CE) by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal of the Travancore kingdom.
Why is Padmanabhapuram Palace famous?
The palace is famous for its traditional Kerala-style wooden architecture, intricate carvings, murals, and antique furniture preserved within the complex.
What are the main attractions inside the palace?
Key highlights include the Mantrasala (King’s Council Chamber), Nataksala (Performance Hall), murals, the clock tower, and beautifully carved wooden ceilings.
What is the best time to visit Padmanabhapuram Palace?
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather in Kanyakumari district is pleasant for sightseeing.