Introduction

Built in 1636 by the Nayak ruler whose name it bears, the palace as it stands today was the residence of the King. The original palace was four times bigger than the present structure where dance and music performances were hosted regularly, before it was destroyed by the king’s grandson Chokkanatha Nayak. The days in which the structure flourished, it was segregated into two parts - Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. And these parts together comprised the royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, other living quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak was religious at heart and celebrated festivals such as Navarathri, spectre festival, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival, with great fervor.

About 1.5 kilometers from Meenakshi Temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace stands out for its rich stuccowork on its domes and arches. It was only in the 19th century that Lord Napier, the then Governor of Madras, made efforts to restore the palace. Today what endures of it is a spacious rectangular courtyard ‘Swargavilasa’ and a few adjoining buildings – their scale a silent reminder of the grandeur of a bygone era. Swargavilasa built entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter, is a marvel of Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Its architectural elegance is further enhanced by the frescoes depicting Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes. The massiveness of the stark white pillars and the string of lavish corridors that run along the courtyard, are another striking feature of the palace. About 20-meter-high (67 feet) and 5 feet in diameter, these pillars lead to elaborately adorned arches. Elsewhere, you will find black stone pillars of varying heights. The king’s grandson ravaged the palace and stripped it of its jewels and woodcarvings in order to build his own in Tiruchirapalli, which, unfortunately for him, never came through! You will still find some pieces of furniture and utensils used by the king on display. Explore the Entrance Gate, the Main Hall and the Dance Hall of the present structure. You can also attend a sound and light show that takes place daily (1845 hours in English) for half an hour. The symphony of light and music brings about the virtues of King Thirumalai, his penchant for art, his victories in battle and his fondness for his subjects. So much so the palace has been featured in many popular Indian movies such as Bombay, Iruvar and Guru among others.

Special Attributes

Home of King Thirumalai Nayak, the palace is an architectural marvel.

Nuisance

Touts, beggars, street-hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take a cycle or auto-rickshaw to the site.

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens, Backpackers

Exposure

Afternoons can get very warm, but you will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

You can also attend a sound and light show that takes place daily (1845 hours in English) for half an hour.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Maintain silence. Help preserve this historical treasure.

Type of site

Palace, seat of King Thirumalai Nayak