Visit the Padmanabhapuram Palacekovalam
Asia's Largest Wooden Palace
Overview
Nestled on the foothills of Western Ghats, Padmanabhapuram Palace is a 16th Century architectural marvel and was the erstwhile capital of the Travancore rulers.
What To Expect?
A magnificent display of indigenous Kerala architecture featuring intricate floral carvings, black lustrous floors made of a unique mix of burnt coconut shells and egg whites, and Belgian mirrors. You will see the King's council chamber, the southern palace (Thekkan Kottaram), and ancient weaponry displays.
Tips
- Visitors must remove their footwear before entering the palace complex to protect the historic floors.
- Mondays are weekly holidays, so plan your trip between Tuesday and Sunday.
- Hire a local guide at the entrance to understand the hidden symbolism and history of the various rooms.
- Wear socks if you find it difficult to walk barefoot on the wooden and stone floors.
- Carry water as the palace complex is quite large and involves walking through multiple levels.
Exploring Visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace
More About Padmanabhapuram Palace
Located at Thuckalay, Padmanabhapuram Palace was the erstwhile capital of the Princely State of Travancore. Though the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, it is maintained and administered by the Government of Kerala. It is a stunning example of the Tachu Shastra (science of carpentry).
The palace complex is divided into several sections, including the Mantrasala (King's Council Chamber), the Poomukham (Entry Hall), and the Thai Kottaram (Mother's Palace), which is the oldest part of the structure. Each room tells a story of the royal lifestyle through ancient furniture, Chinese jars, and spectacular ceiling carvings.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise.
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally.
How to reach Visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace
Located 50 km from Trivandrum/Kovalam. It is best reached by hiring a private taxi for a half-day trip. Local buses from Trivandrum toward Nagercoil also stop at Thuckalay, from where the palace is a short rickshaw ride away.
Tips for Visiting Visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace, kovalam
- Visitors must remove their footwear before entering the palace complex to protect the historic floors.
- Mondays are weekly holidays, so plan your trip between Tuesday and Sunday.
- Hire a local guide at the entrance to understand the hidden symbolism and history of the various rooms.
- Wear socks if you find it difficult to walk barefoot on the wooden and stone floors.
- Carry water as the palace complex is quite large and involves walking through multiple levels.
