Padmanabhapuram Palace

About

Padmanabhapuram Palace, a masterpiece of 16th-century wood architecture, stands as a testament to the rich legacy of the Maharajas of Travancore in Kerala. Once the ancient capital of Travancore, Padmanabhapuram witnessed the zenith of royal power from 1555 to the late 18th century. The palace, surrounded by a vast fort at the foothills of Veli, Western Ghats, covers 6.5 acres. Constructed predominantly from wood with minimal use of locally available laterite stone, the palace complex comprises various structures, each serving distinct purposes. From the Poomukam (reception hall) to the Ayuddhapura (armory house) and the entrancing Navarathri Mandapam (dance hall), the palace unfolds a historical narrative etched in exquisite architecture. The complex also houses a Heritage Museum displaying valuable artifacts and inscriptions. Considered Asia's largest wooden palace, Padmanabhapuram mesmerizes visitors with its timeless elegance.