Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Palace — Attraction in Kerala

Very beautiful place and while seeing that architecture I felt nostalgia..!! the architecture and looks driven me into my past..!! perfect and authentic symbol for kerala traditions and cultures..!!

08:30 - 13:00 hrs & 15:00 - 17:30 hrs. Closed on Mondays

122 smiling wooden horses await all who visit ‘Kuthiramalika’, which means “palace of horses”. Formally known as Kuthiramalika Palace Museum or Puthenmalika Palace Museum, it is a pristine two-storied palace near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Built by Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, who was Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore in British India, it takes one back to the 1840s when it was first constructed. It is a great example of the Kerala school of architecture and is made from teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite. The museum houses idols and sculptures made from white marble, Kathakali figures, Belgian mirrors and paintings. The flourishing spice trade between Kerala and the world made it possible to obtain those items. Barefoot walks are extremely famous here as well. It is a trip to another era hidden inside the capital of the State. The local guides give you a detailed idea of the many wonders hidden in the palace which will surely leave you enthralled. A well-formulated code of laws, courts of justice, introduction of English education, construction of an observatory, installation of the first Government printing press, establishment of the first manuscripts library were amongst the many initiatives taken by Svāti Tirunāḷ‍, as a King, to modernise Travancore. 'Efficiency was the key word and corruption a taboo', according to the article The Monarch Musician. n 1829 Svāti Tirunāḷ‍ reached majority at 16 and assumed full powers of ruler and reigned as the Maharajah of Travancore until his death in 1846. He had an elder sister, Gowri Rukmini Bayi, whose children ascended the Travancore musnud consecutively. Her only daughter was the mother of Moolam Thirunal. He had a younger brother, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma, who succeeded him in 1846 and ruled Travancore until his...

The Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Palace, located in Trivandrum, Kerala, is a historically and architecturally significant landmark. Built in the 19th century, the palace was the residence of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, a revered ruler of the Travancore kingdom known for his contributions to art, music, and culture.

The palace is an exquisite example of traditional Kerala architecture combined with European influences. Its design features a blend of Roman, Dutch, and traditional Kerala styles, characterized by sloping tiled roofs, ornate wooden balconies, and expansive courtyards. The palace complex includes beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the Maharaja.

Inside the palace, visitors can explore a range of rooms and halls adorned with historical artifacts, including royal regalia, antique furniture, and paintings. The exhibits offer insights into the opulent lifestyle of the Travancore royalty and the Maharaja’s patronage of arts and music. The palace also houses a collection of the Maharaja's personal belongings and musical compositions, highlighting his role as a patron of classical music and his contributions to Kerala’s cultural heritage.

The Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Palace stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Travancore dynasty. It provides an enriching experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of royal life and the artistic achievements of one of Kerala’s most illustrious monarchs. Today, the palace remains an important cultural landmark, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists interested in the region’s...

This palace feels like stepping into Kerala’s royal past. Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in the early 1840s, it is famously known as Kuthira Malika because of the beautifully carved horses on its wooden pillars. The architecture is a showcase of Nalukettu style and esthetic craftsmanship with intricate carvings, wooden ceilings and floors polished by generations. You can sense the care that went into every beam and panel when you walk inside.

Every room has something special. There are portraits, old royal signatures, copper vessels and even letters that belonged to the royal family. The atmosphere is calm and almost reverent. The palace reflects how royal life was in Travancore once upon a time. The woodwork in the ceiling and walls has fine details, such as peacocks, deities and floral patterns.

One highlight is the corridor lined with carved horses. They look like life sized wooden sculptures and make the palace unique. Walking through it feels like you’re passing through a gallery that brings stories to life.

Guided visits take about forty five minutes, which gives enough time for the guide to share fascinating stories. You learn about the king who was a musician and composer, and how this palace served not only as a home but also a place for cultural gatherings.

The palace feels dignified yet inviting. It is clean and well maintained. Though there is a small entry fee, it truly feels worth it. If you’re in Thiruvananthapuram and interested in history, culture or architecture, this palace gives you a gentle but meaningful look into a royal world from almost two...