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Kerala

Kanakakkunnu Palace

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map

January

20.2 - 34.6 °C

February

21.1 - 35.3 °C

March

22.2 - 35.8 °C

April

22.9 - 35.6 °C

May

22.8 - 34.9 °C

June

22.2 - 33.2 °C

July

21.9 - 32.5 °C

August

22.2 - 32.7 °C

September

22.3 - 33.3 °C

October

22.2 - 33.2 °C

November

21.8 - 33.4 °C

December

20.5 - 34.1 °C


Major Airports :

Thivandrum International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Railway Station :

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC)

Major Airports :

Thivandrum International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

A royal retreat in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram

In the midst of the busy cityscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Kanakakkunnu Palace majestically stands as a cultural treasure of Kerala, reflecting the wealth of ancient times. This breath-taking palace, with its air of classic beauty and regal splendour, which sits on the hill and is surrounded by green gardens, is an incredibly enchanting and elegant building.

While walking through the green lawns and the beautiful landmarks, you can envision an era of royal opulence and the cultural uniqueness of the past. Kanakakkunnu Palace is not just a landmark with historical significance but also a vibrant cultural centre with frequent cultural events and festivals that offer a unique cultural experience.

Where grand balls and royal dinners were held

The Kanakakkunnu Palace was constructed during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja (1885-1924) and Sree Swathi Thirunnal Rama Varma, the legendary musician king of Travancore, did its renovation. To begin with, the palace was erected as an escape destination for the royal family of the Travancore Kingdom, where they held their elaborate dinners and grand balls. The palace’s name, “Kanakakkunnu” where kanakam means gold and kkunnu means hill, is the epitome of majesty and glory that the palace had and still took a significant place in the history of the state of Kerala.

Over the years, Kanakakkunnu Palace has lived the fast-changing socio-political picture of Kerala State. It remains an important platform for meetings of dignitaries, state events and symbols of the state’s royal ancestry. Now, the palace is governed by the Government of Kerala and has been transformed into a cultural centre, which has successfully preserved its historical value and has been efficient enough to meet modern cultural needs.

A beautiful example of indigenous and Western influences

The Kanakakkunnu Palace shows the fusion of traditional Kerala architecture and colonial construction and is a true example of indigenous and Western influence. The facade of the palace is an incredible sight, detailed with the woodwork, the majestic columns, and the balconies ornated with intricate designs. The backdrop of a red-tiled roof, synonymous with Kerala architecture, forms a visually appealing cornerstone of the architectural concept. The main entrance, located to the side of two picturesque gardens, provides a pleasant and aristocratic look and feel to the building.

The interiors of Kanakakkunnu Palace are incomparable with the bountiful way of life of Travancore's aristocratic royals. The sizeable rooms and halls are dominated by flamboyant chandeliers, old-fashioned bespoke furniture and splendid pictures. The intricate carved wooden ceilings and the ornamental pillars depict man’s creativity as a craftsman of that period. The Durbar Hall is the highlight of the palace, where the royal court meetings took place and the people entertained. It is this majestic hall with its great height, gleaming wooden floors, and huge windows, which creates this atmosphere of splendour and superiority. The concert hall's acoustics are remarkably well-tuned, which makes it one of the most outstanding places for musical performances and cultural events across the region.

On the front of the palace, there are neat gardens, making it look better and providing quietness. Grassy areas, elaborately decorated with colourful flowers and tall trees, become a haven of peace, often devoid of the noise and buzz of urban life. Moreover, the gardens shoulder the hosting responsibilities of many cultural festivals and events, thereby enriching the charm of the palace.


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Timings

Opening time - 10:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

(Except on public holidays)

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Stories of royalty and reverence

Kanakakkunnu Palace is enveloped in myths and legends that add a mystical dimension to its historical grandeur. One of the famous legends claims that the area of the palace where foundations are laid today was blanketed with golden grass due to which it was given the name Kanakakkunnu, which means golden hill. The tale claims that the hill is blessed by gods, thus leading to its reputation as a place of prosperity and abundance. This legend is a clear indication of the historical and spiritual importance of the place, and it only enhances the palace’s attractiveness and beauty.

Yet another marvellous story spins around the palace being bestowed with blessings by Sri Padmanabhaswamy, who is the head deity in the Padmanabhaswamy temple, which is just opposite. Depending on the myth, the gods or goddesses' supernatural presence is believed to defend the palace and its inhabitants, as a consequence of which they are secure and live in prosperity. This story highlights the spiritual attachment that the royal household felt for the temple and the deity, which played a significant role in their lives.

An arena for cultural festivities

Kanakakkunnu Palace is a living cultural centre where you can attend different activities and programs that explore artistic and cultural life through the prism of the state’s great heritage. Visit the Nishagandhi festival during its annual week-long celebration on the palace grounds. The festival features classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Mohiniyattam, as well as musical performances by renowned artists.

Take part in the Soorya festival, which is said to be the oldest and the most well-known cultural festival in India. Cultural programs like dance, music, theatre, and films are the main attractions of the festival, which offers a broad diversity. Participate in arts and crafts exhibitions and workshops at the palace. Among them, there will be painting, typical crafts, and other fairs. During these events, the local artisans and exhibitors are given an opportunity to showcase their art and also connect with the visitors.

Yoga and wellness retreats are held on the palace's tranquil grounds. These retreats are designed to be a comprehensive experience where the person's physical and spiritual healing is combined.

Discover the city’s amazing heritage sites

While making a trip to Kanakakkunnu Palace, the next best thing to do is to take a chance and visit the nearby attractions, which are aimed at showcasing the depth of the historical and cultural heritage of Thiruvananthapuram.

Take a sightseeing tour of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a cultural landmark featuring intricate architecture and spiritual beliefs. Take a walk in the Napier Museum that showcases a wide array of ancient art objects such as bronze idols, ancient ornaments and traditional musical instruments, among others. Go visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, which was constructed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, who was also a music composer and credited with over 400 classical compositions. This museum has items of royal art, pictures and intriguing pieces of horse-shaped wooden carvings.