This majestic Padmanabhapuram Palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Padmanabhapuram Palace situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. The palace is in the Travancore architectural style. Padmanabhapuram Palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. The palace constructed around 1601 A.D by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 A.D. and 1609 A.D. In the late 18th century, the capital of Travancore shifted from here to Thiruvananthapuram, and the place lost its former glory. However, the palace complex continue to be the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hall mark of traditional Kerala style building art. 

About Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages. This temple is also famous for Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors .

Padmanabhapuram Palace also has a secret underground escape route (now blocked). It also contain open air swimming pool, dance hall, massive paintings and idols of Indian Gods and Goddesses. There is also a unique stonewall that held together till date without the use of mortar. Padmanabhapuram Palace though surrounded entirely by the State of Tamil Nadu . The land and Palace belongs to the Government of Kerala. The clock tower in the palace complex has a 300 year old clock, which still keeps time. 

A big hall now bare, which can accommodate around 1000 guests, and where ceremonial feasts held, on auspicious occasions. A secret passage, now blocked, through which the king, his immediate family members, and their entourage could escape to another palace, located several kilometers away in the event of any emergency. Name of this palace is Charottu kottaram. A flight of steps leads to a bathing pond, which has lost its freshness due to neglect and years of disuse.

Padmanabhapuram Palace complex also has a section of curios and several interesting objectsAn entire room filled with old Chinese jars, all gifts by Chinese merchants. A variety of weapons (which actually used in warfare), including swords and daggers. Brass lamps, wood and stone sculpture, a variety of furniture and large mirrors made of polished metal. A gallery of paintings depicting incidents from the history of Travancore. A wooden cot made of up to 64 wooden pieces of a variety of medicinal tree trunks Polished stone cot, meant for cool effect.