Manimalakunnu Palace — Local services in Kerala

This palace, built in Pothencode as a summer retreat for Rani Sethu Lakshmi Bai by Rama Varma Valiyakoyil Thampuran, carries a deep connection to the Travancore royal lineage . It sits quietly atop a hill, surrounded by overgrown vegetation, giving it an enchanting, hidden‑away feel.

The architecture is a mix of elegance and rustic charm. Grey laterite stone walls stand firm against time while pillars, wooden stairs, and iron steps hint at an eclectic design. Some parts are two storeys high, and you can imagine how cool the rooms must have felt during hot summers .

Inside, the place is largely abandoned and in need of care. Nature is reclaiming sections of the palace; vines and shrubs grow through cracks in floors and walls. The rusted iron staircases and warped wooden steps show that this place hasn’t been used or maintained for years.

Despite the decay, it has a haunting beauty. A star‑shaped pool in the compound, a broken cottage, and the distant view from the upper floor all spark curiosity and make you wonder about life here decades ago .

There are traces of film crews having used the setting, and you feel it location still carries stories waiting to be told . Visiting takes about forty‑five minutes to an hour, enough time to walk through the echoing hallways, climb up the creaky stairs, and take in each overgrown corner.

It’s a fascinating but fragile piece of heritage. It shows the grandeur of a royal retreat, but also the consequences of neglect. With restoration and proper care, it could be a remarkable heritage site. For now, it stands as a charming, slightly melancholic reminder of...

Manimalakunnu palace is believed to be built by Sri Ramavarma Valiya koi Thampuran, the husband of Rani Sethu Lakshmi Bhai who ruled Travancore as regent for Sri Chithira Thirunal ... Palce is built entirely of wood and stones taken from nearby quarries.. Now it is in private hands and is in dilapidated condition..Entry is restricted.. Have to walk about 2km from main road to reach here.. This place also attracts many anti social elements since it is deserted.. Hence visiting with family is also not...

Wonder full location. Very good site seeing spot. The palace is located at a small hill top. From the top you can have the glimpse of technopark,santhi giri lotus parassala and some other distant places. Development of this place as a proper tourist attraction is still a dormant plan. Authorities have to spot this place. Now this place is a privat property,hence any body want to visit might seek...