Padmanabhapuram Palace
പത്മനാഭപുരം കൊട്ടാരം
The old capital palace of the Travancore kingdom. It is one of Asia's largest wooden palace complexes, with carved ceilings and gleaming black floors that are truly impressive.
The palace was built between the 16th and 18th centuries, when it was the capital of the Travancore kingdom before the capital moved to Thiruvananthapuram. Although it lies within Tamil Nadu, it is managed by the Kerala state government. It is about 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The complex is built entirely in traditional Kerala wooden architecture. Highlights include the Council Hall's ceiling with 90 carved lotus flowers, black floors polished with egg whites, coconut husks and other materials, mica windows, the four-storey king's bedchamber, and 18th-century murals. Visitors must remove their shoes. A visit takes about 1.5 hours. It is often combined with Kanyakumari in a day trip.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:30 (brief midday closure); closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Poovar Island
- Kanyakumari & Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
- Kovalam Beach
- Vellayani Lake
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
- Beemapally Mosque