Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is situated in Kuthiramalika, Thiruvananthapuram Ditrict, Kerala.he name The name Kuthiramalika means ‘palaceof horses’ and is derived from the frieze of 122 wooden horses on the exterior walls. The roof beams are designed in the shape of horse faces and its unique architectural design truly reflects the meaning of Kuthiramalika, the horse bungalow. Besides the paintings, the exhibits also include jewellery items, metal idols and weapons used by the members of the royal family.The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum displays King Swathi Thirunal’s paintings and collection of musical instruments and an assortment of war arms belonging to the royal family of Travancore. The very first room tourists enter exhibits 14 life-size images portraying stills from the legends of Kerala and the traditional dance form of Kerala, Kathakali. Visitors are fascinated by the exquisitely carved ivory cots and thrones of the rulers.The intricate woodcarvings add to its grandeur. The interiors of the Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace Museum in Trivandrum are adorned with royal paintings of ancient time. The exquisite collections of the Travancore’s imperial family are also preserved within the Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace Museum in Trivandrum.Kuthiramalika Palace was constructed with teak, rosewood, granite and marble. Elaborate carvings within the palace include two thrones – one is made entirely from elephant tusks and the other from Bohemian crystal. Kuthiramalika Palace houses the Maharaja’s music room where visitors have a good view of the temple, which was a source of inspiration for the ruler. Other rooms offered on the tour include other music halls, reading rooms, and a library.The Swathi Sangeethotsavam (a 7-day music festival), conducted in the front courtyard at Kuthiramalika, is regarded as one of the best music festivals in South India. Navratri concerts are also held in the nearby mandapam complex. A private discrete passage is believed to connect the Padmanabhaswamy Temple with this palace. A musical tree that reproduces the seven ‘swaras’ or notes of Carnatic music when tapped is a major draw. The display of both object ‘art and arms of war points to the royals’ inclination of winning over the hearts of men by pacific and cultural means rather than by outright warfare and their immense spiritual maturity. Palace Museum in Trivandrum also include jewellery items, metal idols and weapons used by the members of the royal family. Noted for the Kerala-style architecture, the palace took 5,000 workers over 4 years to complete. The interior of Kuthiramalika features European mirrors and chandeliers, weapons, crystal, Kathakali idols, elephant howdahs and other memorabilia.The central location of the Palace Museum makes it easily accessible from all parts of Thiruvananthapuram city. The visiting hours at the Palace Museum are 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM and from 3.30 PM to 5.30 PM.
Location info:
Address: Kuthiramalika, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
District: Thiruvananthapuram district
Nearest City: Kanyakumari, Madurai, Kochi , Nedumangad and Kollam.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Climate/Weather:
The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and The average maximum temperature can go up to 36.2°C in summer months.
History:
The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma – the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.
Interesting things to do:
You can see 122 wooden horses on the exterior walls, jewellery items, metal idols and weapons, Swathi Thirunal’s paintings and collection of musical instruments and an assortment of war arms. This was onstructed with teak, rosewood, granite and marble, European mirrors and chandeliers, weapons, crystal, Kathakali idols, elephant howdahs.e Maharaja’s music room where visitors have a good view of the temple. Padmanabhaswamy Temple is nearby this museum.
Interesting things to Visit:
Pozhikara Beach:Pozhikara Beach is a nearby haunt beloved by tourists. The Karamana and Parvathy Puthanaar Rivers empty into the Arabian Sea at this spot.Flora and Fauna:Brilliantly colored flowers, striking in variety beauty, the dense green foliage, the natural vegetation, the exotic water birds and others flora and fauna make your tour on the Thiruvallam Backwaters an unending bag of pleasant surprisesVeli tourist Village:The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.Canoe Rides:Tourists enjoy canoe rides and capture breathtaking views of the country life on Thiruvallam backwaters tours.Temples:Tourists can make a visit to the famous temple dedicated to the Sri Parasurma, the mythological creator of Kerala. The temple has gained immense popularity in the last few years and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Legends say that when Parasurma threw his axe northward from Kanyakumari, a land was created where his axe fell and that particular land was named as the ‘Land of Parasurma’.The Akulam Boat Club:Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately . It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.Kanakakunnu Palace:The Kanakakunnu Palace is sited adjacent to the Napier Museum in Trivandrum. The Kanakakunnu Palace was built during the rule of the Travancore King. Royal banquets viewed the palace as the main venue. Later Sree Chithira Tirunal altered the palace and built tennis courts inside the palace premises.Napier museum:The Napier museum is located in the capital city of Kerala at Trivandrum. The architecture of the museum building is amazing. The best time to visit this museum is in the months of October to march.Padmanabhaswamy temple:This is an architectural wonder and a magnificent temple that is sure to amaze you. Situated in the heart of the city, the massive structure has a staggering 100 feet high “Gopuram”, the main temple tower. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the Gods of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The massive idol of the deity measures 18 feet in length and is covered with gold and other precious stones.The idol is viewed through three different doors.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Road Transport:Kerala Road Transport Corporation buses operates ordinary, fast, super fast and Volvo buses from Trivandrum to all cities in Kerala and many cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Private bus operators run deluxe tourist buses from Trivandrum to Bangalore, Chennai and Kozhikode daily.
Nearest Visiting places:
The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.Agasthyakoodam:Lying at an altitude of 1,890 m, Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals. Trekking to the top takes two days and is only permitted between December and April.Neyyar Dam:It is a wonderful dam located near the ranges of Western Ghats, and is a well-liked tourist spot. This dam is also an ideal spot for the picnic and for spending some quality moments with friends and family. Your tour to Trivandrum will become one of the most memorable events in your life as you will come across some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring places that you hardly would have witnessed before.Paripally Gajamela:Paripally, 48 km north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival in the month of February-March.Ponmudi:An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.Kanyakumari:This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess ParvathiSree Chithra Art Gallery:Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Raiput, Mughal andTanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Ball.Chacha Nehru Children`s Museum:Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird`s eye view of the city from here.Anivikkara Dam (16km – 1/2 hour):This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full offish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.Santa Cruz Basilica Church :This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur Bolghatty Island : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea. Willington Island :Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge, Willington Island is named after the former Viceroy of India, Lord Willington. It is a manmade Island created from the materials dredged while deepening Cochin Port. Willington Island sites some of the district’s best hotels, Trading and industrial offices. Besides the airport, ship building yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the customs house and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the government of IndiaChinese Fishing Nets :A legacy of the trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin’s waterfront. These are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still to be in use by the local fisher folk of Fort Cochin.Vyppin light house :The biggest Island, situated between the sea and the backwaters of Cochin. It is 24 km long and 2 1/2 km wide. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu which is open to tourists from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Island can be reached only by water transport provided by boat services and Junkar. There are bus services on the Island.Pallippuram Fort :Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vyppin Island at Pallippuram. The catholic church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.The Akulam Boat Club:Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately. It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.Vellayani:Vellayani or Vellayani kayal as known in local language is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala, the other two being Sasthamcotta lake in Kollam and Pookkode lake in Wayanad. This lake is abourt 50 hectare huge freshwater lake. The most unique feature is that a road passes through the lake.Peppara dam:The dam is erected across the Karamana River.Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas.Poovar beach:Poovar beach is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land and it is located in poovar near kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India.Poovar Beach separates the Neyyar River from the sea. Essentially a fishing village, it is a beautiful and unexplored beach resort. This stunning location has been successful in attracting many tourists over the years.Mankayam Waterfall:Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls.From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River.Parasurama temple:The Parasurama temple located on the banks of the river Karamana, is the only one temple dedicated to Sri Parasurama.Many Pilgrims visit this temple for ‘Balitharpanam’. People make offerings to their ancestors, after taking a dip in the holy river. There is wide belief that the great monk Adi Shakara made the Bali for his mother at this place.Very famous for Pithru Karyiam (Oblations for the departed souls) where three rivers joins and flowing to Sea.Fort Anjengo:It was here that the firstanchuthengu light house settlement of the English East India Company was established in 1864 A.D. Historically, the limits of area where five coconut palms stood was given on lease to the Company by the King of Travancore for trade purposes. The remains of the old English Fort, which had withstood many a siege, can be seen here even today.Shanghumugham beach:Shanghumugham beach is one of the most pictorial beaches located in Kerala. Kerala, God’s own country, in south India has some of the best beaches in the world. Shanghumugham beach is one of them. A travel tour to Shanghumugham beach would help you to gather knowledge about the nearby places.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Vazhuthacaud Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.Petrol Pump Statue General Hospital Road Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Petrol Pump Chalai Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Thampanoor Petrol Pump Thycaud Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.Indian Oil Petrol Pump Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.IOC Petrol Pump Thirumala Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Classic Avenue Hotel Manjalikulam Rd, Trivandrum Kerala 695001 Tel: 0471 2333555.Keralagreenery Tutors Ln, Palayam Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695001 Tel: 0471 2573011.Keys Hotels Trivandrum Opposite Fire Brigade Housing Board Junction Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001 Tel: 09820451618.Fortune Hotel The South Park M. G. Road, Trivandrum Kerala 695034 Tel: 0471 2333333.SP GRAND DAYS Hotel Railway Station Rd,Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695014 Tel: 0471 2333344.Shirleysbeach Hotels and Tour operators Behind Coconut Groove restaurant kovalam Beach, trivandrum Kerala 695527 Tel: 0471 2317303.Pankaj Hotel Opposite Old Secretariat M.G.Road, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala Tel: 0471 2464645.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Pothencode Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaVizhinjam Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Nedumangad Police Station Nedumangad Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Mangalapuram Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Nearest Hospital:AJU’S DENTAL CARE CENTRE Trivandrum Bypass Rd Trivandrum, Kerala 695024 Tel: 0471 2476304 – 09447221435.P.R.Dental speciality centre Opp:Rajan Textiles Thirumala, Trivandrum Kerala 695006 Tel: 09249434490 – 0471 6544490.ROY MEDICAL CENTRE Thycaud Hospital Road Opp. Amritha Hotel Trivandrum, Kerala 695014 Tel: 09387809779 – 09995089343.KIMS Hospital Trivandrum, Kerala Tel: 0471 2447575.Chaithanya Eye Hospital Kesavadasapuram, Trivandrum Kerala 695004 Tel: 0471 2447183.Sree Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Tel: 0471 2722125.Medical College Hospital TrivandrumKerala- Tel: 0471 2444270.
