Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padamanabhapuram Palace was constructed in the year 1601 AD by the ruler of Travancore. Padamanabhapuram Palace is situated in the village of Padamanabhapuram at the foot of the Veli Hills. It is around 65 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, situated at Kerala, South India. The palace is designed inside an old fortress which is made of granite and stretches up to four kilometers

The Padamanabhapuram Palace complex comprises the structures of:

  -   Mantrasala or king's council chamber: Most important part to visit in the palace is the beautifully designed chamber. It comprises of windows which feature colored mica maintaining a cool dark environment.. The floor adds glory to the attire of the council chamber. It is made in a dark color and has a mixture of varied substances which include traditional burnt coconut shell egg white. The texture and the finish is the unique style and no other construction can duplicate it.

  -   Thai Kottaram or the Mother's palace: is constructed as the oldest among all the constructions in the palace complex. It comprises of an inner courtyard It is ordered with sloping roofs which narrow down from all four sides and is supported by pillars. The south west corner has a small room called the chamber of solitude. A single wood pillar with very intricate floral designs attracts the tourists.

  -   Nataksala, or the Hall of performance is new building made up of solid granite pillars and has a shiny black floor. This place has a wooden enclosure used by the women of the royal family to watch the performances

  -   A four-story building at the centre of the palace complex is situated at the centre of the palace complex. One can peep at the top floor which is called upparikka malika and used as the chamber for worship of the royal family. It has wall paintings of the 18th century having scenes from puranas and social life of Travancore. Tourists also have the option of viewing most of the rooms which store weapons of the royal community.

  -   Thekee kottaram or the southern palace.
This portion contains the artistic household items which are in for display. The architectural style followed in building the Padamanabhapuram Palace is the traditional Kerala art and it is a unique example of the Kerala art form.