The Kanakakunnu Palace

About The Kanakakunnu Palace

Kanakakunnu Palace is loacted in Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.The Kanakakunnu Palace, situated near the Napier Museum, It was constructed during the reign of King Sree Moolam Thirunal. Chithira Tirunal, one of the most popular rulers of Travancore, modified the palace and constructed tennis courts in the premises. Used once as a summer retreat, this piece of architectural excellence was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests.A major renovation project which was taken up by the State Government gave Kanakakunnu Palace a fresh lease of life and much of its lost glory has been restored. The palace and its sprawling grounds, now under the control of the Tourism department, are ideal venues for cultural meets and programmes. The building is really beautiful and the decorations are also awesome. The palace reflects magnificent skill of art and is one of the greatest heritages of the city of Trivandrum. This palace was mainly built for the royal banquet ceremonies. That royal touch and flavor are still there and can be felt still today. Visit this Kanakakunnu Palace at Trivandrum and enjoy the ancient beauty. The palace will give you some peaceful time in the otherwise busy life schedule of the city of Trivandrum.This palace is on a small hill encircled with meadows as well as grooves and is a perfect model for people who have the taste for art.

This stunning piece of architectural excellence was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests in the earlier days. The interiors are decorated with large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.The serene palace grounds are an ideal location for a family to spend an evening very much within the city. For hundreds of city dwellers, the palace grounds also serve as an ideal place for jogging and workouts. The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has documented the palace as a heritage monument. The palace situates on the crest of a small hill surrounded will meadows and grooves. The palace is a perfect example for the artistic quality of the people of Thiruvananthapuram.The Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and the newly constructed Sooryakanthy auditorium in the Palace compound are the usual venues for various cultural events.You will come across with various palaces, museums, temples, parks and many more interesting historical heritages.Leading artists of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Modern Ballet and other folk dances participate in this dance festival. Also, the Sooryakanthi Auditorium is a popular venue for conducting exhibitions, trade fairs and cultural programmes. Apart from that, a week long international food festival is held at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds in which renowned hotels from across Kerala take part.

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

Interesting things to Visit

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.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad

This ancient palace dates back to the 15th century with slanting gabled roofs, museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology. The Folklore museum is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc., which focus on the cultural background of the state. The Numismatics museum houses rare and historically valuable coins denoting the trade relations of the state.

Kowdiar Palace:

Kowdiar Palace was the home of late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Balarama Varma and his family. Now, the descendants of the royal king reside here.Public are not permitted to enter the palace, but can view this grand old building from the gate.

Cliff House:

Cliff House, the official residences of the ministers of the State Government, is situated about a kilometer away from here. This place is an important junction where the road splits towards the four main directions of the city

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum:

This palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma – the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician etc. This traditional style of architecture has exquisite woodcarvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the Royal family.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery:

This art gallery display select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore Schools of art in India.

Nearest Visiting places

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum:

Kuthiramalika Palace or Puthenmalika is situated on the south-eastern side of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Padmanabhaswamy temple :

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is seen reclining on the Anantha serpent. The temple consists of a tower built of seven stories with rising pillars and intricate carvings decorated with mural paintings. Only peoples from the Hindu religion are allowed inside the temple premises places to the eastern side of the old fort ruins.

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.

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
Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Statue General Hospital Road
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Civil supplies Petrol Pump
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Fortune Hotel The South Park
M. G. Road, Trivandrum
Kerala 695034
Tel:0471 2333333.

Comfort Inn Grand Trivandrum
MG Road Trivandrum, 695001
Tel:0471 2573649.

Shirleysbeach Hotels and Tour operators
Behind Coconut Groove restaurant
kovalam Beach, trivandrum
Kerala 695527
Tel:0471 2317303 – 09633200137.

A 1 Taxis and Hotels
TRIVANDRUM, Killipalam
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala 695009
Tel:09287341885 – 09895681202.

Karikkathi Beach House
Cliff Beach Garden, South of Kovalam
North of chowara,, Via Nagar Bhagavathi Temple
Mulloor Thottam, Pulinkudi
Trivandrum, Kerala 696521
Tel:0471 2400956 – 09847069654.

Keys Hotels Trivandrum
Opposite Fire Brigade
Housing Board Junction
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001
Tel: 09820451618.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Nedumangad Police Station
Nedumangad, Kerala.

Kattakada Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram
Neyyardam Road
Kattakkada, Kerala.

Vizhinjam Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Mangalapuram Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Police Station
Parassala Vellarada Road
Parassala, Kerala
Tel: 0471 22020230.

Chirayinkeezhu Police Station
Sarkara, Chirayinkeezhu
Kerala 695304
Tel: 0470 2640380.

Nearest Hospital:

Divya Prabha Eye Hospital
Kumarapuram, Trivandrum
Kerala 695011
Tel:0471 2442050.

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.

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital Varkala
Stavyah Lifecare Services Pvt. Ltd
Near Varkala Court, Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2607766 - 0470 6453636 - 09846146464.

Karthick Clinic
43-1, Jawaharlal Road Street
Shencottah, Tamil Nadu 627809
Tel:04633 233784.

ROY MEDICAL CENTRE
Thycaud Hospital Road
Opp. Amritha Hotel
Trivandrum, Kerala 695014
Tel: 09387809779 – 09995089343.

Link:

http://godsowncapital.blogspot.com/2009/08/mohini-attam-at-nishagandhi-kanakakunnu.html
http://photographicplates.blogspot.com/2008/11/morning-walk-through-kowdiar-rajbhavan.html
http://travel-muse.blogspot.com/2008/10/visit-to-kanakakunnu-palace-in.html
http://nic-place.blogspot.com/2008/06/kanakakunnu-palace.html

Location info

• Address: Vellayambalam,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

• District: Thiruvananthapuram district

• Nearest City: Kanyakumari, Madurai, Kochi , Nedumangad, Kollam and Trivendrum.

• Best time to visit: August to March

Things to do at The Kanakakunnu Palace

You can watch Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and the newly constructed Sooryakanthy auditorium in the Palace compound,Leading artists of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Modern Ballet and other folk dances participate in this dance festival.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit The Kanakakunnu Palace

The best time to visit The Kanakakunnu Palace is from November to February when the weather is pleasant for exploring the site. Early mornings offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Heritage sites in Kerala can be visited year-round.

Timings & opening hours

Historical sites and palaces are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Most are closed on Mondays and national holidays. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Entry fee & tickets

Historical palaces and sites: INR 20–50 for Indian nationals, INR 100–300 for foreign nationals. Camera fees: INR 50–100 for still cameras, INR 200–500 for video cameras. Some heritage properties have combined tickets covering multiple sites.

Duration needed

1–2 hours to explore the site. Heritage palaces with museum collections may require 2–3 hours. Photography enthusiasts may need additional time.

Safety tips

Do not climb on or touch protected structures — they may be fragile. Follow ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) rules where applicable. Watch your step on uneven heritage floors and staircases. Photography rules vary — check at the entrance. Do not remove any artefacts or stones from the site.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, a hat or umbrella for sun protection, a notepad for heritage notes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Some heritage sites have limited shade — plan your visit for cooler hours.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of The Kanakakunnu Palace

The Kanakakunnu Palace represents an important chapter in Kerala’s rich historical heritage. Kerala’s history spans thousands of years — from the ancient Chera dynasty and the spice trade with civilisations across the Arabian Sea, through the colonial era of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence, to the post-independence period. The state’s strategic location on the global spice route made it a crossroads of cultures, resulting in a unique blend of indigenous and foreign influences visible in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the historical significance of this site? — The site’s history is usually explained through information boards, guidebooks, and local guides. Hire a guide for the most detailed historical context. Is the site well-preserved? — Major heritage sites in Kerala are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Kerala State Archaeology Department. Preservation standards are generally good at popular sites. Can I take photographs? — Photography is generally permitted at historical sites. Interior photography may be restricted at some sites. Tripods may require special permission.