Padmanabhapuram Palace, also known as Kalkulam Palace, is a Travancore royal palace located in Padmanabhapuram- 52 km away from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Government of Kerala owns, operates, and maintains the palace. This palace dates back further in history than Rambagh Palace in Rajasthan. It might even be the oldest one in India. Veli Hills, part of the Western Ghats, are where the palace is located. Close by, the river Valli flows. A second palace known as Kuttalam Palace in Tenkasi district is also owned by the government of Kerala and can be found in Kuttalam. Several structures make up the Padmanabhapuram Palace complex- which includes
- The King’s Council Chamber; Mantrasala
- Thai Kottaram- Among the most notable parts of the royal complex built in 1745 by the then King Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma is the Thai Kottaram or Uppirikka Malika. Here, the famous sapramancha kattil is located within the king’s bed chambers on the first floor.
- Performance hall Nataksala
- Thekee Kottaram- The complex is centered around a four-storey mansion- Thekee Kottaram; the Southern Palace. This southern palace probably dates back as long as the Thai kottaram (the Mother’s palace), which means it is about 400 years old. Today, the building serves as a museum showcasing antique household objects and curiosities. Collections of items give an insight into the social and cultural ethos of that period.
A three-hour drive brings you to Padmanabhapuram Palace from Trivandrum.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 – 12:30 hrs, 2:00 – 4:30 hrs Monday Holiday
Getting there :
Nearest railway station: Nagarcoil, Tamilnadu (16km)
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 52 km