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Kanakakunnu Palace

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India
Kanakakunnu Palace is a majestic architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the royal heritage and artistic inclinations of the Travancore Kingdom. Built during the reign of Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal in the late 19th century (though its origins are sometimes traced back to Sree Swathi T hirunal for renovations), this red-bricked structure with white stone dressings is a beautiful fusion of traditional Kerala and Anglo-Indian architectural styles. Its name, "Kanakakunnu," translates to "Golden Hill," aptly describing its grandeur and elevated position. Originally serving as a guest house for the Travancore royal family to host lavish banquets, grand balls, and official receptions for their guests, the palace exudes an old-world charm. The interiors are equally impressive, featuring large, airy halls adorned with ornate crystal chandeliers, antique furniture, and splendid paintings that reflect the aristocratic lifestyle of the bygone era. Intricately carved wooden ceilings and ornamental pillars showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the period. The Durbar Hall, where royal court meetings and entertainments took place, is a particular highlight, known for its grand height and gleaming wooden floors. Today, Kanakakunnu Palace is under the administration of the Kerala Government and has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. It regularly hosts a multitude of cultural events, seminars, and programs, making it a living heritage site. The palace grounds include two prominent open-air auditoriums, the Nishagandhi Auditorium and the Sooryakanthi Auditorium. The Nishagandhi Auditorium is especially famous for hosting the annual All India Dance Festival (usually from October to March), attracting renowned classical Indian dance exponents from across the country and visitors from all over the world. The palace also boasts India's first digital garden, where visitors can scan QR codes to learn about various plants. Kanakakunnu Palace, with its blend of architectural beauty and cultural significance, remains a cherished landmark and a pivotal center for arts and culture in Thiruvananthapuram.

General information

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    Entry Fees:
    Free to enter the palace grounds. Fees may apply for specific events or exhibitions held inside the palace or auditoriums. ...
    Free to enter the palace grounds. Fees may apply for specific events or exhibitions held inside the palace or auditoriums.
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    Timing:
    Generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. Event timings vary. ...
    Generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. Event timings vary.

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    How To Reach:
    Kanakakunnu Palace is centrally located and easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus from any part of Thiruvananthapuram city. It's a short walk from the Napier Museum and Zoo. ...

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