Historical Monuments in Kerala-Padmanabhapuram Palace

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About:
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in small town in Padmanabhapuram, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.Padmanabhapuram Palace is a magnificent palace that speaks volumes about the ancient architecture of Kerala. Padmanabhapuram palace is a place that should not be missed at any cost. The palace walls are adorned with ancient murals that date back to the 17th century. The ancient relics include royal seats with Chinese engravings, musical bow in mahogany, colored windows, beautifully painted and carved rosewood ceilings etc.This magnificent structure is constructed of wood, brought from nearby forests.The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which form a part of the Western Ghats and has the river Valli flowing past nearby.This town Padmanabhapuram, is surrounded by a fort with an area of 187 acres. The ancient capital of Travancore might be constructed before AD 1601. The palace with an area of seven acres, is situated in the very centre on the Padmanabhapuram Fort, amidst hills, dales and rivers. The palace which is situated in Kanyakumari District is under the control of a Curator of the Archaeological Department of Kerala Government.The palace complex continues to be one of the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hallmark of traditional Kerala style building art. Definitely worth a visit,The interiors of the palace are magnificent and give an idea of the royal life that one must have led in the palace. A big hall called the Durbar hall has shiny black flooring. It may seem like a granite floor at a glance but in reality, the floor is made of a combination of jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. This floor could not be duplicated again in any construction. The palace also has a secret underground escape route (now blocked), open air swimming pool, dance hall, massive paintings and idols of Indian Gods and Goddesses, carved figurines carrying lamps, etc. There is also a unique stonewall that is held together till date without the use of mortar.In Padmanabhapuram Palace, Mantrasala ( King’s Council chamber) is the most stunning place to visit. The oldest construction of this palace is the Thai Kottaram (Mother’s palace). The comparatively new structure of Natakasala (Performance Hall) is also a visual delight. The 4-storeyed building located at the central part of Padmanabhapuram Palace which was used as the worship arena of the royal family is another place of attraction. A lot of visitors also visit Thekke Kottaram (Southern Palace) which acts as a museum for storing antique items. Though located in the district of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, Padmanabhapuram Palace is heavily influenced by Kerala architecture. This monument is under the protection of the Kerala State Archaeology Department.The name Padmanabhapuram also has a mythological significance to it. It stands for an image of the lotus coming from Lord Vishnu’s navel (Padma refers to lotus, nabha means navel and Puram stands for Town).
Location info:
Address: Padmanabhapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
District: Thiruvananthapuram district
Nearest City: Kanyakumari, Madurai, Kochi , Nedumangad, Kollam and Trivendrum.
Best time to visit: August to May.
Climate/Weather:
The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and The temperature normally ranges between summer – Max.36.2, Min.20.6, and winter – Max.35, Min.18
History:
Travancore was formerly known as Thiruvithamcode, Vanchedesam, Velnad, Venad and Vanavanad. The rulers were known as Vanchibhoopathis. The prefix Vanchi indicates that the ancestors of the rulers were Chera Kings whose capital was Thiruvanchikulam.
It is said that Venad was in existence even before the beginning of Malayalam Era. The first Venad ruler was Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal.
The West facing palace dates back to the days of Veera Udaya Marthanda Varma. The Kalkulam fort (udayagiri fort) which encompasses an area of 186 acres was built in 1601 AD. The last to rule Venad from Padmanabhapuram was Marthanda Varma the great. In 1750, he surrendered his Kingdom to Lord Padmanabha (Truppadidanam) and ruled on his behalf. Since then the rulers of Travancore were known as Padmanabha Dasas.In 1750 Marthanda Varma found it necessary to change the capital to Trivandrum. Then his successors used this Palace to spent short periods (holidays). Gradually its historical and cultural significances faded. It was Sree Chithira Tirunal who ascended the throne in 1931, took the initiative to revive art, architecture, sculpture and other fine arts of Travancore. Thus Padmanabhapuram Palace, its congregation of typical Kerala features in architecture, roofing, carved wooden frontages, doors, corridors etc, makes it a complex of artistic eminence.
Interesting things to do:
You can watch the Chinese engravings, musical bow in mahogany, colored windows, beautifully painted and carved rosewood ceilings ,Mantrasala,Natakasala,Thekke Kottaram and mural paintings, Elegantly designed Wooden carvings from a single piece of wood
Interesting things to Visit:
Padmanabha Swamy Temple:The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Trivandrum Kerala.Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: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 Neyya Dam Trivandrum Kerala.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Road Transport:For journey by the road, KTDC buses may be availed of. Tourists may also board buses from Thiruvananthapuram’s Thampanoor bus stand which go towards Padmanabhampuram, on the highway to Kanyakumari.
Nearest Visiting places:
Napier Museum:The Napier Museum was established by the ruler of Travancore in 1855 and is named after the then Madras Governor, General John Napier. Chisholm, its British architect, combined Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian styles of architecture in his design.Sree Chitra Art Gallery :Sree Chitra Art Gallery is Established in 1935,The art gallery has a 100 years old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the pioneering Indian patron of art in oil painting, who was born and brought up at Kilimanoor Palace in Kerala. The Artistic grandeur of Bengal school of Arts is best exemplified here.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.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.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.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.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 Parvathi.Veli 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.The Fishing Village:The village near Poovar is largely inhabited by fisher-folk. The fishermen here make a living by fishing in the old-traditional ways. They live a unique water-based lifestyle completely relying on the river and sea for everything from their daily livelihood to transportation.Vizhinjam:Vizhinjam is located close to the Kovalam Beach, has a small sea port. There are a multitude of internationally acclaimed beach resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centers in and around Vizhinjam.Crocodile-watching Expeditions:Embark on an exciting crocodile watching expedition – a popular crowd-puller here. Watching the amphibians at a close range is sure to enthrall spectators. On a bright sunny day one can view crocodiles basking in the sun.Kovalam beach:The natural beauty of this beautiful beach is what attracts people from far and wide to come here. It takes an hour from Trivandrum to reach this scenic beach, which is famous for its beach resorts. The Kovalam beach in Kerala offers the best of facilities to its visitors like sunbathing, swimming, Ayurvedic massages and plenty of other options.Papanasam Beach:Varkala beach is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun sinking into the sea would stimulate your poetic sense.Anjengo Fort, Varkala:Near to varkala is the site of the Dutch East India Company’s main garrison, Anjengo Fort. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fort protected their powerful position in the state.Kappil Lake:At the outskirts of Varkala town, the lake gives way to the scenic world of the Kerala backwaters.Varkala Tunnel:This 924 ft tunnel was built in the19th century and it took nearly 14years to be completed. A prominent tourist attraction in Varkala, the tunnel is a must-visit site on your tour to Varkala.Ananda Valleeswaram Temple:The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple of Kollam attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing.Sivagiri temple:Sivagiri Mutt set in picturesque hill of Sivagiri near Varkala have now become a place of pilgrimage with great fanfare.Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding, rituals all mark the celebrations in Sivagiri hills.Koyikkal Palace:This ancient palace is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style with slanting roofs and a courtyard inside. This palace was built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. The Numismatics Museum is the only one of its kind in the state of Kerala. Located on the ground floor of the Koyikkal Palace, the coins showcased here belong to different parts of the world as well as to different periods of history.Kalakkayam-Kurisadi Falls:These delightful falls can be seen and enjoyed only from the view point provided with all security measures. Approach roads close to the waterfall is dangerous and visitors are not allowed to go near it.View Points:There are spectacular vantage points at Varayadin Mottai and Kalakkayam.Kallar:Kallar is famous for round-shaped boulders and pebble, is situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi. The place gets its name from the River Kallar, which flows through the region., famous for round-shaped boulders and pebble, is situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi. The place gets its name from the River Kallar, which flows through the region.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.Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is established in 1958.It is located 30 kilometers away from Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city. The Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar. The Neyyar river and its tributaries flow along the entire stretch of the preserve. The irrigation dam at Neyyar receives water from the Neyyar river which originates from Agasthyakoodam hill.Agasthyakoodam:Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala at an altitude of 1,890 m. 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.Aruvikkara:Aruvikkara is a village in Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of kerala.It is located on the banks of the Karamana River 15 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The reservoir and garden makes it a tourist spot.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump
Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.Petrol Pump
Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.Petrol Pump
Statue General Hospital Road
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.Karamana Petrol Pump
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.Indian Oil Petrol Pump
NH 47, Karamana
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort
Chowara P.O., Kovalam, 695 501
Tel: 0471 2268101.Mascot Hotel
Mascot Square, Pmg Junction
Palayam, Trivandrum
Kerala 695 033
Tel:0471 2318990.Travancore Heritage Hotel
Chowara Post Office
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kovalam, 695 501
Tel:0471 2267828.Sagara Beach Resort
Light House Road
Vizhinjam P.O
Kovalam, 695523
Tel:0471 2481995.Taj Residency Trivandrum
T.C. No. 24/1968(2)
Trivandrum, 695014
Tel:0471 6612345.Surya Samudra Private Retreats
Kovalam, Pulinkudi, Mullur P.O
Thiruvananthapuram, 695 521
Tel:0471 2267333.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Thuckalay Police Station
Padmanabhapuram
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
Nearest Hospital:Thuckalay Government Hospital
NH 47, Padmanabhapuram
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort
Chowara P.O., Kovalam, 695 501
Tel: 0471 2268101.Travancore Heritage
Chowara Post Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Not Specified, Kovalam, 695 501
Tel: 0471 2267828.ISOLA DI COCCO AYURVEDIC BEACH RESORT
Poovar .PO,Poovar.Trivandrum
Trivandrum, Kerala 695525
Tel: 0471 2210008 – 0471 2210800
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:http://keralajournal.blogspot.com/2006/11/padmanabhapuram-palace.html
http://manihai.blogspot.com/2009/08/padmanabhapuram-palace.html
http://keralamist.blogspot.com/2007/11/padmanabhapuram-palacepotos.html