The majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. The palace is built in the Travancore architectural style. This is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand.

Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kalkulam Taluk is the oldest seat of power of the Travancore kings had a number of palaces that were built during a span of around 200 years. The initial structures of the palace complex were dated back to 1590. The palace complex is set within a fort of about 185 acres located strategically at the base of the mountains. Padmanabhapuram (Kalkulam) Palace was completed in 1601 the King Ravi Varma Kulashekhara.

The palace enjoyed its most glorious days during the reign of Marthanda Varma Maharaja and has been considered as the epitome of excellence in the field of traditional architecture of Kerala.

The complex consists of palaces like Thaikottaram, Upparika malika (Kings
Palace), Pilamuttu Kottaram, Veppamuttu Kottaram, Indiravilasam palace, Lakhmi vilasam palace, Thekkemalika and Manimeda along with many ancillary buildings.

Padmanabhapuram complex wins anyones heart through its austere ambience, exquisite floral carvings, extraordinary murals, as t ...more