The Kilimanoor Palace is that blessed place in Kerala where the great artist Raja Ravi Varma’s eternal life story abounds. Situated near Attingal village in Thiruvananthapuram, this palace is a huge mansion that consists of Kerala’s own traditional ‘naalukett’ structure combined with ponds, wells, and sacred graves- each separated by blocks of buildings. About this palace’s significance, this is the place where Raja Ravi Varma started learning the basics of painting since his childhood, by painting on the large canvas which was nothing but the walls of this massive house.
One entering this palace first encounters the main entrance that leads one to the breathtaking ambiance of the great artist’s studio- where once the masterpieces used to come alive. Near the studio is a small exhibition hall where reproduced paintings of Raja Ravi Varma’s famous artworks are on display.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, via Main Central Rd, about 41 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 42 km