Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum
Located adjacent to Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is the rarest specimen of workmanship. Built by Maharaja Swathi Balarama Varma, this palace displays valuable collections of royal family. Beside the rich collection that it displays, this museum is an exemplary example of traditional Travancore-style architecture. Intricate wood carvings and distinctive patterns constitute a masterpiece of its kinds. Overhanging attics, pillar-lined courtyards and sloping roofs contribute to the exclusive look of the museum.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Rejoicing in all its glory, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is located 64 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Thuckalay. This 16th century palace quenches the thirst of art lovers. This fascinating structure has a special air about it. The rosewood carved ceilings and a fine collection of paintings makes it one of the best specimens of Kerala. Serenaded with fine décor, this palace displays coloured mica windows, antique furniture and Chinese carvings. Ceilings are carved with 90 different floral designs and the Durbar Hall has a glossy floor. Pictures of Lord Krishna, brass lanterns, mural paintings and a four poster medicinal bed add grace to the King’s bedroom. Details like the earthen urns, swimming bath, dance hall, fish carvings on ceilings, Belgian mirrors, 17th and 18th century frescoes and Saraswati Temple sum up to a pleasant structure.
Napier Museum
Named after Lord Napier, this art and history museum was established in 1855. An exemplary example of gothic architecture-style, Napier Museum boasts greatly of its natural air conditioning system. It houses an exceptional collection of ornaments, bronze idols, chariots, and ivory carvings. The museum offers insight into the rich and glorious culture and history of Kerala. The great contribution made by Rajput, Mughal, and Tanjore schools of art along with the skillful work by several Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan artists can be found in here. The Japanese leather figures depicting the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana catch the eyes of tourists..
The Kanakakunnu Palace
Neighbor to the famous Napier Museum stands Kanakannu Palace, an embodiment of excellent craftsmanship and architecture. This palace is the proud possession of the state of Kerala. Built by Sree Moolan Thirunal for holding royal ceremonies and banquets retains its image as a place of entertainment for the royal family. At present too, the palace plays host to many cultural programs. It has been named as the heritage monument by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the famous places to visit. This holy shrine is one of the 108 abodes of Lord Vishnu. A large number of devotees throng the temple on multiple occasions. The place of worship has lent its names to the capital city as ‘Thiru’ ‘Anantha’ ‘Puram’, which means Sacred Abode of Lord Anantha Padmanabha. Dravidian style of architecture is prominent in this holy structure.
