Reminder of a forgotten era

During the erstwhile era, Padmanabhapuram Palace was a matter of glory. It was the capital city of Travancore until the status shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1795. It is said that the palace was built around 1601 AD by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, who ruled Venad between 1592 and 1609, and was later rebuilt by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, founder of modern Travancore. He dedicated the kingdom to Sree Padmanabha, the family deity and thus received the name Padmanabhapuram.

Though it has lost its old glory, the palace situated in Thuckalay in Kanyakumari, is still one of the favourites of a history enthusiast. The wooden palace, its murals, floral carvings, and black granite floor would definitely catch the attention of the visitor.

Its murals date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the mahogany musical bow, royal chairs with beautiful carvings and painted ceilings of Thai Kottaram, the Queen Mother’s Palace, are a few interesting sights there.

Inside the palace, there is a Durbar Hall with a black floor made of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. Also, have a look at the secret underground passages, the medicinal bed in the King’s bedroom, pictures of Lord Krishna, carvings and brass lanterns that have been burning since the 18th century.  One can reach the place from Nagercoil Railway Station and Trivandrum International Airport.