Introduction

Located about 800 meters north east of the Napier Museum in the heart of Trivandrum city, Kanakakunnu Palace is one of the last architectural vestiges of the colonial era. Built during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924), the palace served as the main venue for royal banquets. Later Swathi Thirunal, one of Travancore’s popular rulers, refurbished the palace and constructed tennis courts in the premises. He also did use it for a few years as a summer retreat. Boasting a quaint Kerala-style façade, the Travancore royal family used the house to entertain guests. Inside you will see massive crystal chandeliers and an array of exquisite pieces of royal furniture - a testimony to the lavish lifestyle of the Thirunal kings who had a penchant for music and art. Add to it a picturesque setting on the crest of a small hill lush with meadows, grooves and flowering shrubs.

Now under the Kerala government’s wing, the palace complex walls-in the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and Sooryakanthi auditorium. A popular haunt of culture vultures in the city, the auditoriums are the venues for various cultural meets and programs. The prestigious All India Dance Festival aka Nishagandhi festival is hosted annually by the Department of Tourism at the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium. Indian classical dance exponents from across the country come down to participate in the festival.

Special Attributes

The typical Kerala-style façade of the palace amid a verdant garden is a sight to behold.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Private taxi or auto-rickshaw from the city centre.

Enjoyed by

Art and culture buffs

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

After exploring the palace, you can walk straight to the Napier Museum that also houses a zoological park and the famous Sri Chithra Art Gallery.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Keep your tone low and turn your phone to silent mode. Do not pluck flowers from the garden.

Type of site

Palace museum/ Architectural marvel/Auditorium