Padmanabhapuram Palace: A Timeless Gem of Kerala Architecture
The town of Padmanabhapuram, situated approximately 65 km from Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, hosts Padmanabhapuram Palace as one of the outstanding examples of the state’s traditional Kerala architecture and historical places. Originally a place for administration by the Travancore Kingdom, it now is an exceptionally celebrated tourist place. Its historic pieces and wooden artifacts have captured visitors’ imaginations and peaceful environment are popular.
Geographically based in Tamil Nadu, the palace is in the possession of the Kerala State Archaeology Department since it goes along with some history attached to the throne of Travancore kings.
History of Padmanabhapuram Palace
The Padmanabhapuram Palace was constructed in the 16th century by the king of Travancore, Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal, when he made Padmanabhapuram the capital of his kingdom. It was in the 18th century that another prominent king of Travancore, Marthanda Varma, enlarged and renovated the palace and consecrated it to Lord Padmanabha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and named it Padmanabhapuram, which means “The City of Lord Padmanabha.” In 1795, the capital of Travancore was moved to Thiruvananthapuram, which made the political significance of Padmanabhapuram relatively low. Nevertheless, the palace is a reminder of the Travancore dynasty’s architectural brilliance and cultural heritage.