Padmanabhapuram is about 55 Kms. from Trivandrum on the National Highway to Nagercoil. On a weekend, it takes over an hour and a half to reach by car from Trivandrum. This was the former capital of the rulers of Travancore before they shifted it to Thiruvananthapuram.
Though situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, the palace is owned and administered by the Government of Kerala .
The entrance fee is Rs. 25 per adult. Still camera users will have to pay an extra 'Rs. 25. Non-Indian spay a higher entrance fee. Concessions are available for children.
Monday is the weekly holiday. There is also a lunch break between 1 and 2 p.m. We did not see any guides for the palace, but employees in each section explain in Tamil , Malayalam or English. Some may be more friendly and knowledgeable than some others.
The palace is unique because it is one of the largest structures made from wood. The structures are mainly in teak . Part of the ceiling is made of rosewood. The oldest portion of the palace was built in 1550 and more wings were added subsequently.
The floors of the palace are made of a special mix containing coconut shell charcoal, river sand, egg white, jaggery / molasses and myrobalam nuts (കടുക്ക ) (
கடுக்காய்) . The durability and polish of these floors - especially in the dance hall - are to seen to be believed.
Poomukam (പൂമുഖം ) . This is the reception area. There is a tower with a clock - one of the oldest in India (still working)
The 'kuthirakkaran vilakku (കുതിരക്കാരന് വിളക്ക് ) (horse rider lamp) is in the Poomukham . This oil lamp is made of brass. The unique suspension mechanism enables the lamp to be positioned in any angle without it trying to regain its original orientation.
The other exhibits here are the Chinese chair and a
granite bench for a cool royal sitting.
Some had come with their frugal belongings; perhaps new arrivals trying for a place to shack up. Some were in the ice cream parlour while others were busy filling up Money order forms . The reluctance of the local workers to take up jobs at competitive rates and terms has thrown up an opportunity for the migrant labourers from other states. One is not, however, sure about the living and working conditions of these workers.
