Padmanabhapuram Palace in Trivandrum
· Summer: March-June (28°C - 37°C)
· Winter: October-March (20°C - 30°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
November-July
Opening Time: 09:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 04:30 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Monday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 25
Children:
INR 10
Cameras: INR 25
Video Camera: INR 1,500
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 200
Children:
INR 50
Cameras:
INR 25
Video Camera:
INR 1,500
Located inside the Padmanabhapuram Fort and enjoying the beauty of Veli Hills and River Valli, Padmanabhapuram Palace is no less than a treasure for the history lovers. Constructed in 1601 using granite, stone and teak, the palace flaunts the traditional Kerala Architecture with inimitable wood work and intricate carvings.
The overwhelming elegance of the palace is visible from the coloured mica windows, splendid lattice work and remarkable floor finish of the Mantrasala (King’s Council Chamber). Poomukham, the portico, has its ceiling decorated exquisitely with 90 blooming flowers. Oottupura (dinning hall) is huge with capacity of 1,000 guests and Uppirikka Malika, the multi-storey building accommodating royal treasury, bedrooms, restrooms and many beautiful murals are other highlights.
Navarathri Mandapam and Nataksala (used for hosting cultural performances) and Thai Kottaram (Queen Mother’s Palace) are yet other sections with unbeatable charm. The palace also houses an archaeological museum with collections of sculptures, weapons, coins, paintings and many other items. Other exhibits preserved at different sections of the palace include Chinese jars, a medicinal cot (made of wood from more than 65 medicinal plants), brass lamps, swords and daggers, large mirrors and furniture. One needs to take off the footwear before entering the palace.
Connectivites
Road:
Located close to the state border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the palace is accessible from the top destinations like Thiruvananthapuram, Nagercoil and Kanyakumari using ST buses and taxis. NH 47 offers access to this palace.
Railway:
The closest railway stations are at Eraniel (about 6 km. away) and Nagercoil (about 17 km. away). Other convenient rail access points are at Kanyakumari (about 33 km. away) and Thiruvananthapuram (about 53 km. away). Taxis or auto-rickshaws to the palace can be hired from these stations.
Airway:
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 56 km. from the palace. Taxis for direct road trip to the palace can be hired from the airport.