Sothavilai Beach, also known as Sodavilai Beach, is a popular beach located in the Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu which is at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. Sothavilai Beach is known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings, making it a popular tourist destination.
Image attribution: @t_lifetrails from instagram
Scenic Beauty:
Sothavilai Beach is known for its scenic beauty, with golden sands, clear blue waters, and picturesque views of the Arabian Sea. The beach is relatively less crowded, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Sunset Views:
The beach is famous for its stunning sunset views, and many tourists visit Sothavilai Beach to witness the mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea. It provides a peaceful and tranquil setting to enjoy this natural spectacle.
Fishing Community:
The local fishing community is an integral part of the beach. You can observe fishermen going about their daily routines and traditional fishing practices. It provides visitors with an insight into the coastal way of life. Extending for 4 kilometers, this beach ranks among the longest in Tamil Nadu and stands as one of the most severely impacted locations within the district during the 2004 Tsunami.
Water Activities:
While swimming and sunbathing are popular activities at the beach, you can also explore the possibility of water sports and boat rides, depending on the local availability.
Nearby Attractions:
Sothavilai Beach is located close to Kanyakumari, which is known for its various attractions, including the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. These landmarks are within a short distance from the beach, and visitors often combine their trip to the beach with a visit to these sites.
How to reach Sothavilai Beach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, which is approximately 90 kilometers away from Sothavilai Beach. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach the beach.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is the Kanyakumari Railway Station, which is about 17 kilometers away from Sothavilai Beach. You can reach Kanyakumari by train from various cities in India. From Kanyakumari, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the beach.
By Road:
- If you are traveling by your vehicle or a rented one, you can take the NH44 (National Highway 44) towards Kanyakumari.
- Once you reach Kanyakumari, continue to follow NH44.
- Sothavilai Beach is located approximately 17 kilometers from Kanyakumari. You can use GPS or ask for directions to reach the beach.
The Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Thiruvattar, a town in the Kanyakumari district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Adhikesava Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Image Attribution: agam.shuttershots
Deity of Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The primary deity of the Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple is Lord Adhikesava Perumal. Lord Adhikesava Perumal is a form of Lord Vishnu. In this temple, the deity is depicted in a reclining posture, eyes closed, as if in a dream, envisioning the creation of the universe while resting atop the coiled body of Adiseshan, the Serpent King, symbolizing the dawn of time, similar to Lord Ranganathar in Srirangam. Devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Adhikesava Perumal for their well-being and spiritual growth.
Architecture of Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The temple is constructed around an immense monolithic Mandapam stone, serving as the pedestal for the deity’s idol. The earthly embodiment of Adikesava is meticulously crafted to resemble the human form, with a framework of Karungali wood forming the skeletal structure.
This framework is then covered with a blend of coconut husks, symbolizing the nervous system, while 16,008 strategically sourced Shaligrama stones from Nepal replicate his internal organs and human shape. His skin is adorned with seven layers of meticulously polished Kadusharkara Kalkam.
The southern wall of the Ottakkal Mandapam beautifully portrays the evolution of Lord Adikesava, from his fish incarnation to his manifestation as a horseman. The final two avatars, Buddha and Kalki, are currently undergoing restoration and will soon be reinstated on the northern wall.
Renovations:
In 2002, the Temple administration diligently formulated a comprehensive restoration program, complete with a well-structured plan for repair work and its corresponding budget. This plan was meticulously organized into four phases, comprising 28 individual stages.
However, to the dismay of all involved, the costs of these repairs have since tripled from the initial estimates. The restoration efforts finally commenced in 2014, with generous support from the Kanyakumari Devasom Board.
Notably, new copper tiles were sponsored to replace the roof over the Moolasthanam, and the Udaya Marthanda Mandapam of the Temple received an exquisite cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.
Significance:
A significant aspect of the temple’s lore is the belief that Adikesava Perumal, positioned as the elder brother of Anantha Padmanabha, reclines in such a manner that the two idols appear to face each other, their divine connection stretching from Thiruvattar to Thiruvananthapuram.
Festivals of the Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The Thiruvattar Temple celebrates a range of festivals, including Onam, Vaikunda Ekadeshi, Purattasi Saturdays, and Aippasi Bhramotsavam.
Visting Hours of Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The temple visiting hours would be from morning 5am-12am in mornings and evenings 5:00 Pm to 8:00 pm.
How to reach Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
By Air: The nearest major airport to Thiruvattar is Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram International Airport) in Kerala, which is approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of local transportation to reach Thiruvattar.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Nagercoil Junction, which is well-connected to various cities in South India. From Nagercoil, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Thiruvattar, which is around 18 kilometers away.
By Road: Thiruvattar is accessible by road, and you can reach the town via private vehicles, buses, or taxis. The town is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It’s also possible to use public transportation like buses from nearby towns and cities.
Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, also known as Suchindram Sthanumalayan Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Suchindram, a small town in the Kanyakumari district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is renowned for its unique architecture, rich history, and religious significance. It is a place of worship and pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
Architectural Marvel:
The temple’s architecture is a fascinating blend of Dravidian and Kerala styles. It boasts a towering gopuram (entrance tower) that rises to a height of about 134 feet and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple’s outer walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings.
Triple Deities:
One of the most distinctive features of this temple is the presence of three principal deities in a single sanctum sanctorum. The three deities are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma, represented by three separate lingams (phallic symbols). This unique triad is commonly referred to as “Sthanumalayan.”
Colossal Hanuman Statue:
The most prominent feature of the temple is the massive Hanuman statue, which stands at a height of approximately 22 feet (6.7 meters). The idol is made of a single granite stone and is painted in a bright orange color. This ranks it among the tallest Lord Hanuman statues in India.
Mythological Significance:
The temple has strong connections to Hindu mythology and legends. It is believed that the three deities came together to resolve a celestial dispute and took their abode at Suchindram, thus making the temple a sacred site.
Impressive Nandi Statue:
In front of the central sanctum, there is a massive and beautifully carved Nandi (the bull mount of Lord Shiva) statue that is made of a single piece of rock. This Nandi statue is believed to be one of the largest in India and is an impressive sight for visitors.
Festivals and Celebrations:
Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple is known for its grand festivals and celebrations. The most significant festival is the annual “Masi Mahotsav,” which is celebrated with great fervor and includes various cultural and religious events.
Visiting Hours and Pooja timings of the Temple:
The temple is open to visitors from 04:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 04:30 PM to 08:30 PM.
The pooja timings are as follows
Nirmalaya pooja- 04:30 AM to 05:00 AM
Mirushtana Pooja-06:00AM to 06:30 AM
Ushakala pooja- 07:00 AM to 07:30 AM
Uchikala pooja- 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM
Sayaratchai pooja-06:30 PM to 07:30 PM
How to reach Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple:
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is approximately 70 kilometers away from Suchindram.
- You have the option to either hire a taxi or utilize public transportation to reach the temple from the airport.
By Train:
- The nearest major railway station is Kanyakumari Railway Station, which is around 12 kilometers from Suchindram. Upon arriving at the railway station, you have the choice to either hire a taxi or take local buses to reach the temple.
- Nagercoil Junction is another nearby railway station you can consider.
By Road:
- Suchindram is well connected by road. You can use buses, taxis, or your own vehicle to reach the temple. If you are traveling from nearby cities like Nagercoil or Kanyakumari, the journey should be relatively short.
The Nagaraja Temple, also known as Nagaraja Kovil, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Nagercoil, a city in the Kanyakumari District, southernmost part of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent deity, and is renowned for its unique architecture, religious significance, and the annual Nagaraja Festival.
Image Attribution: @rajamanickam_ms from instagram
Connection of Nagercoil and Nagaraja Temple:
The name “Nagercoil” itself has a connection to this temple and its deity.
- “Nagaraja” refers to the serpent god, who is the presiding deity of the temple.
- “Koil” in Tamil refers to a temple.
So, “Nagercoil” can be loosely translated to “Temple of Nagaraja.” The city derives its name from the significant presence of the Nagaraja Temple and the importance of serpent worship in the local culture. The temple and the city are closely intertwined in terms of their cultural and religious heritage.
Deity of Nagaraja Temple:
The primary deity of the Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is Nagaraja, the serpent god. Nagaraja is a form of Lord Vishnu, and he is typically depicted with a canopy of five serpent hoods. Serpent worship is a central aspect of the temple’s traditions, and Nagaraja is revered for protection from snake-related issues and afflictions. Ananthakrishnan with Bhama and Rukmani is present in the second shrine. Lord Shiva is present in the third shrine. Other deities are Goddess Durga, Lord Muruga, Nagamani Boothathan and Dharmasastha.
Nagaraja Temple Architecture:
The entire temple covers an area of 72 cents. The gate on the southern side of the temple is Mahameru. Devotees generally use this gate a lot .Makameru is a Kerala style building. Maha Mandapam is a large hall with 29 pillars. It has Nagarajan’s temple on the north side, Ananthakrishnan temple on the south side and a small sanctum sanctorum of Shiva in the middle. All these three are towards east. All three temples have the above-mentioned prakara around them. This Utprakaram has a raised platform all around. There is a facility to see Nagarajar sanctum sanctorum from Utprakaram.
History of Nagaraja Temple:
In the past, this area was densely overgrown with tall grasses and dense bushes. A woman, tending to her cattle, made a startling discovery one day when she found blood on her knife. To her astonishment, a five-headed Cobra lay where she had been working. Fleeing in fear, she sought refuge in a nearby village, sharing her harrowing experience. A sizable crowd gathered as the snake miraculously transformed into a statue, revered as Nagarajar, the King of Cobras. Villagers used coconut leaves to veil the statue, and the story spread widely, drawing devotees with Naga Dosha from South Tamil Nadu and Kerala. King Udhaya Marthanda Varma, guided by a dream from Nagarajar, built a grand temple, leaving the inner sanctum unprotected by concrete.
Festivals of Nagaraja Temple:
Nagaraja Festival: The annual Nagaraja Festival is a major event at the temple. It typically takes place in the Tamil month of Aavani (August-September). During the festival, a grand procession is held, featuring an idol of Nagaraja adorned with flowers and jewels. Devotees from various places gather to witness and participate in this event.
Thai Bhramotsavam: The Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple festival spans over ten days and culminates with the auspicious arattu ceremony on the Ayilyam nakshatra day in the month of Makaram.
Other major festivals celebrated here are Navaratri and Soorasamharam.
Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja:
The temple is renowned for performing Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja, a special ritual aimed at pacifying and seeking protection from snake-related afflictions. Many people visit the temple to have this pooja performed.
Visiting Hours of Nagaraja Temple:
Nagaraja Temple Nagercoil operating hours are as follows:
- Morning: 5:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
- Evening: 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Speciality of Nagaraja Temple:
The Sanctum Sanctorum of Nagaraja is a unique place, with its floor covered in wet sand, which used to be a paddy field. This wet sand is offered as Prasad to devotees. It is believed that this Prasad can cure all type of skin diseases. What’s truly remarkable is that the sand appears black during the Dakshinayana Punya Kala, which encompasses the southward journey period of the Sun from July to December, and turns white during the Uthrayana Punyakala, the northward journey period of the Sun from January to June.
How to reach Nagercoil Nagaraja temple:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram International Airport), which is approximately 70 kilometers away from Nagercoil. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nagercoil.
By Train: Nagercoil Junction is a well-connected railway station. You can check the train schedule and book tickets to Nagercoil from various parts of India. The temple is within the city, so you can hire a local taxi or use public transportation from the railway station to reach the temple.
By Road: Nagercoil is well-connected by road. You can reach Nagercoil by bus or taxi from nearby cities and towns. National Highway 44 (NH 44) connects Nagercoil to various parts of South India.
Once you arrive in Nagercoil, you can ask for directions to the Nagaraja Temple, as it is a well-known local landmark. Local transportation, such as auto-rickshaws or taxis, can take you to the temple from the railway station or the bus stand.
Thirparappu Waterfalls, nestled in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India, ranks among the region’s top tourist attractions. Flowing from the Kodayar River, this magnificent waterfall is ensconced within verdant surroundings. With an impressive height of around 50 feet, these falls are renowned for their innate beauty and peaceful ambiance.
The Cascading Beauty of Thirparappu Waterfalls:
It’s a multi-tiered cascade, with water descending in stages, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory spectacle. The sheer force and volume of water as it plunges from one level to the next are awe-inspiring, and the natural pool formed at the base of the falls is inviting for those who want to take a refreshing dip.
Significance in Religion and Spirituality:
The region around Thirparappu Waterfalls is home to several temples. Visitors often combine their trip to the falls with visits to these religious sites, which adds a spiritual dimension to the experience. The Mahadevar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one such place that attracts devotees and pilgrims.
Visiting Hours and Entry Fees of Thirparappu Waterfalls:
Thirparappu waterfalls ticket counter opens at 7.00 AM and close at 5.00 PM.
The nominal entry fee for a person is Rs.10 and Rs.50 is charged for the boat ride, and Rs.75 is charged for video camera usage.
The main entry road leads to vehicle entry pass of Rs.50.
Facilities Available at Thirparappu Waterfalls:
Cloak room facilities are available for the storage of your clothes and valuables with a cost of Rs.40. Separate rooms are available for men and women for changing clothes and toilets also. Apart from this, Children Park and Swimming pool are also available.
How to Reach Thirparappu Falls:
By Road:
- Thirparappu is well-connected by road. You can drive or hire a taxi or local transport from nearby cities and towns like Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, and Thiruvananthapuram (in Kerala).
- The falls are about a 15-20 minute drive from Marthandam and a 40-minute drive from Kanyakumari.
By Rail:
- The nearest railway station to Thirparappu is Kuzhithurai Railway Station, which is approximately 17 kilometers away.
- Trains from various parts of India connect to Kuzhithurai, and from there, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach the falls.
By Air:
- The nearest major airport is Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, which is about 55 kilometers away from Thirparappu.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the falls.
Once you arrive in Thirparappu, the falls are easily accessible from the main road, and you can follow the signs or ask locals for directions. There’s a parking area near the falls, and you can then take a short walk to reach the viewing area and the natural pool.
Mathur Aqueduct located in the Kalkulam Taluk of Kanyakumari District is one of the longest and highest aqueducts found in South Asia. Mathur Aqueduct also known as Mathur Hanging Trough is built over Pahrali (Parazhiyar) River.
Mathur Aqueduct was constructed in the year 1966 by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamarajar as a drought relief measure and to provide irrigation facilities in the surrounding area (Vilavancode and Kalkulam Taluks). The bridge has been built at a total cost of around 13 lakhs.
Image Attribution : tshrinivasan
Description of Mathur Aqueduct
The tough bridge gets its name from a nearby village Mathur. The aqueduct carries water of the Pattanamkal canal for irrigation over the Pahrali, from one hill to another. The bridge is one-kilometer long and 115 feet high. The structure is supported by 28 huge pillars.
The trough structure is 7 feet high and 7.5 feet wide. It is partly concreted facilitating people to walk on the bridge and see the water flowing through the trough.
The aqueduct also has a flight of stairs making it easy to climb up to the trough.
Timings and Entry Fee details of Mathur Aqueduct
The aqueduct is open on all days from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The fee charged is as below:
| Entry Fee | Rs. 2/- |
| Parking Fee | Bike (Rs. 3/-), Car (Rs. 25/-), Van (Rs. 40/-), Bus (Rs. 60/-) |
| Camera | Still (Rs. 5/-), Video (Rs. 25/-) |
How to reach Mathur Aqueduct
Mathur Aqueduct has now improved to be a popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari District. It is about 60 kilometres from Kanyakumari and around 70 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. If travelling by bus, one needs to take a bus to Nagercoil from Kanyakumari. From Nagercoil take a bus to Thuckalay and then finally to Mathoor.
Kulithurai Railway Station (15 kilometers away) and Kanyakumari Railway Station (around 53 kilometers away) are the nearest stations. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 70 kilometers away) is the nearest airport.
Vattakottai Fort is located at around 7 kilometres from Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. It is a seaside fort with a picturesque view of the sea on one side and the Western Ghats hills on the other side.
The Fort comes under the supervision of Indian Archaeological Department and has been declared as a protected site.
History of the Vattakottai Fort
Vattakottai Fort was constructed in the 18th century by the Venad Kings of Travancore as a coastal-defense barricade. The fort was modified under the supervision of ex-Dutch naval officer of the Dutch East India Company, Eustachius De Lannoy who became the commander of the Travancore Army. De Lannoy rebuilt the fort during the rule of Travancore King Marthanda Varma.
Architecture of Vattakottai Fort
Vattakottai Fort has been restored and is now a major tourist location in Kanyakumari. The architecture of this impressive fort and its location along the coast of Bay of Bengal makes the place a must-visit.
The Fort spreads over an area of 3.5 acres and is surrounded by mighty walls of about 25 feet height. The Fort houses watchtowers, weapon rooms, and a secret path (now closed) connecting the Fort to Padmanabhapuram Palace. It is believed that the Palace could once be seen clearly from the Fort. The Fort has been constructed using granite blocks.
A small pond in the centre of the Fort is an added attraction. Tourists can enjoy a mesmerizing view of the sea and the surroundings from the parade ground at the Fort. To spend some time at the beach near the site with gleaming black sand is an enthralling experience.
Timings of Vattakottai Fort
The Fort is open on all days from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry to the Fort is free.
Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam or Memorial was constructed near the sea shore in Kanyakumari, in memory of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (fondly called Gandhiji), the Father of our Nation.
The Memorial is a popular tourist place in Kanyakumari and is situated close to Kanya Kumari Amman Temple. After the terrible assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1948, his remains were cremated and sent to various parts of the country for the public to pay their last respect. A portion of his ashes was put on display in Kanyakumari and later on deposited ritually in the sea on 12th February 1948. The Memorial now stands where his ashes had rested.
The Gandhi Mandapam Memorial
The Memorial is built in the architectural style of Orissa. The construction of the Memorial was completed in the year 1956. The Memorial was under the administrative control of the Public Works Department of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu but later on transferred to the Public (Information and Public Relations) Department.
The Memorial is well maintained with a display of numerous photographs of Gandhiji. It also houses a Library with some rare historical books on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The astounding feature of the Memorial is that it is built in such a way that on the birth anniversary of Gandhiji (i.e. on 2nd October each year), the sunlight coming through the ceiling falls on the exact spot where his ashes were laid.
The Memorial is open on all days from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry to the memorial is free except for Re. 1 charged per footwear that has to be left outside before entering into the Memorial.
How to reach Gandhi Mandapam
Kanyakumari is well connected by road with all major cities in South India and Nagercoil at a distance of about 21 kilometres being the closest town. Kanyakumari Railway Station (1 kilometre away) and Nagercoil Railway Station (about 18 kilometre away) are the nearest rail heads.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 102 kilometres away) is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari Amman Temple or Bhagavathy Amman Temple, located in Kanyakumari is considered to be one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas and is revered as one of the most sacred temples in the world. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by sage Parasurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The temple is located at the confluence of Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal in the southernmost tip of India.
The temple, dating back to more than 3000 years, has both religious and historical significance.
The Temple Structure
The 3000 year old temple, once a part of Travancore Kingdom is constructed in Kerala architectural style. The main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate. The eastern gate is opened only on special occasions. The temple houses many other shrines that include Lord Surya, Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa.
The Presiding Deity
Devi Kanya Kumari Amman is the presiding deity of the temple. She is goddess Parvati in the form of the virgin Goddess. The alluring idol of the deity is made of blue stone and there are many stories attached to her lustrous nose ring.
It is believed that Goddess Kanyakumari bestows peace of mind and a divine experience to her worshippers.
History of the Temple
The temple of Kanyakumari Amman has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and Yujurveda.
There are many legendary stories that relate to the story of Devi Kanya Kumari.
According to one of the legends, the temple is said to have formed where Goddess Sati’s back spine fell when Lord Shiva carried her corpse throughout Aryavatha (parts of land as described in Vedic period) in sorrow.
Another legend states that Goddess Parvati or Sati had incarnated as Goddess Kanyakumari to demolish the demon Banasura.
Temple Festivals
- Chithirai Pournami Festival – Full Moon day in the month of May
- Navarathri Festival – A nine day festival in the months of September-October
- Vaisakha Festival – A ten day festival in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June)
- Kalabham Festival – Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)
Temple Timings
The temple is open on all days from 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
The Pooja Details is as below:
| Pooja Name | Pooja Timing |
| Opening Time | 4:30 AM |
| Abhishekam | 5:00 AM |
| Deeparathanai | 6:00 AM |
| Abhishekam | 10:00 AM |
| Deeparathanai | 11:30 AM |
| Closing Time | 12:30 AM |
| Evening Opening Time | 4:00 PM |
| Sayaratchai Deeparathanai | 6:30 PM |
| Sribali | 8:15 PM |
| Yeganda Deeparathanai | 8:25 PM |
| Closing Time | 8:30 PM |
How to reach
The temple located at a distance of 1 kilometre from Kanyakumari Bus Stop and 21 kilometres from Nagercoil is well connected by road. Kanyakumari Railway Station (1 kilometre away) and Nagercoil Railway Station (about 18 kilometre away) are the nearest rail heads. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 102 kilometres away) is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari.
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Padmanabhapuram near Thuckalay, Kalkulam Taluk of Kanyakumari District. It is also known as Kalkulam Palace.
Padmanabhapuram was the ancient capital of erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. The town is located at a distance of 20 kilometres from Nagercoil and 60 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram.
Padmanabhapuram comes under the State premises of Tamil Nadu but is owned by the Government of Kerala. The Palace is maintained by the Govt. of Kerala Archaeology Department.
The opulence of the royal palace and its astounding architecture makes this place a massive tourist attraction.
Origin and Historical Significance of the Palace
The construction of the palace dates back to 1601 AD under the ruler of Venad (a medieval kingdom) Iravi Varma Kulashekara Perumal. The palace was rebuilt in around 1750 AD by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. The King dedicated the kingdom to his family deity Sree Padmanabha (a form of Lord Vishnu) and ruler the kingdom as a dasa/servant of Lord Padmanabha. And henceforth the palace came to be known as Padmanabhapuram or the city of Lord Padmanabha.
During the reign of Avittam Tirunal Balarama Varma (successor of Marthanda Varma), the fortifications of the palace were captured and utilized by British soldiers in 1809. With the disclosure of a fortified settlement around the Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthpuram, Padmanabhapuram lost its prominence. The 1850’s marked an accelerated decline of the Palace.
In 1934, with the combined efforts of Sree Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma (the last Maharaja of Travancore), the Queen Mother Sethu Parvathi Bayi and Dewan Sir. C.P. Ramaswami Aiyer, the palace was bought to the notice of the Archaeology Department. In 1935, the palace was converted into a museum complex.
The Palace & Its Unique Rooms
The Padmanabhapuram Palace, spread around an area of 6.5 acres, consists of many divisions that include:
The Reception Hall – The Poomukha Malika
The Poomukha Malika has a triangular arch that leads to other portions of the complex. The engraved wooden ceiling of the arch has 90 different flower carvings.
Mantrasala – The King’s Council Chamber
The Mantrasala is where the King conducted meetings and took administrative decisions. There are fine carvings on the ceiling and beams of the room. The room also has a single gable and eleven small windows (kilivaadhil).
Queen Mother’s Palace – The Thai Kottaram
The Thai Kottaram is the oldest structure in the complex built in the mid of 19th century. The naalukettu style structure (four halls joined together with a central courtyard open to the sky) is finely engraved.
Natakashala/Navarathri Mandapam – The Performance Hall
The rectangular Performance Hall has ornately carved monolith pillars adorned with bands of floral and geometric patterns and human figures in various Natyasastra postures. The hall is adjoined with a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi.
Central Mansion
At the center of the palace complex is the four-storeyed building that was constructed during the reign of King Mardhanda Varma. Most of the walls in the palace complex have built-in recesses for storage of weapons.
The ground floor of the mansion houses the royal treasury and first floor houses the king’s bedrooms. The second floor has the king’s resting and study rooms. The top floor also called the Upparikka Malika was used as the worship chamber and has exquisite murals decorated on the walls.
Thekke Kottaram – Southern Palace
The Thekke Kottaram is also an old structure like the Thai Kottaram. This complex houses a heritage museum with exhibits of antique household articles and objects.
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is situated to the north of the Mantrasala. It was built by a local blacksmith with the sound covering a 3 kilometre radius.
Other Prominent Features of the Palace
- The Palace is a masterpiece of Kerala architecture. The wooden palace with its murals, black granite flooring, intricate floral carvings and sculpted indoors transports the visitors to the ancient past.
- The palace is said to have a secret passage (now blocked) for usage by the kings and his family in case of any emergencies.
- A flight of steps that lead to a bathing pond.
- Visitors can also marvel at the antiques including old Chinese jars, a variety of weapons, furniture, wood and stone sculptures and paintings depicting the history of Travancore.
- The ornamental cot used by the King is said to have been made of about 64 wooden pieces of a variety of medicinal tree trunks.
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.
