Kanakakkunnu Palace – An Enchanting Slice of History
After immersing myself in the wonders of the Napier Museum, I couldn’t resist taking a quick jaunt over to the Kanakakkunnu Palace. This regal gem boasts India’s first-ever digital garden, a masterpiece created by the brilliant minds of Akhilesh S. V. Nair and A. Gangaprasad. Nestled in the heart of Trivandrum city, approximately 800 meters northeast of the Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace stands tall as one of the last remaining architectural relics of the colonial epoch.
The illustrious Sree Moolam Thirunal, the king of Travancore, enlisted the help of Viswabrahmin to construct a palace fit for royalty. This magnificent structure served as the ultimate destination for lavish banquets and extravagant soirées. The story doesn’t end there. The beloved ruler Chithira Thirunal took the reins and gave the palace a facelift, adding tennis courts to the already impressive grounds. He even used it as his personal summer getaway for a few years.
In short, this palace has seen it all – from grandiose feasts to intense tennis matches. It’s no wonder it’s still standing strong today, a testament to the opulence and sophistication of Travancore’s past rulers. Step into the house that once hosted the esteemed Travancore royal family and you’ll be greeted by a stunning Kerala-style frontage. But that’s just the beginning. Once inside, prepare to be dazzled by mammoth crystal chandeliers and a collection of exquisite furniture that would make any commoner feel like royalty. It’s clear that the Thirunal kings who once called this place home had a passion for the finer things in life, particularly the arts and music.
Back in the day, the Travancore royal family used this palace to entertain their guests. Nowadays, the palace is protected by the tourism department and hosts a variety of cultural events and programs. The Kerala government has taken the palace complex walls under its wing, including the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and Sooryakanthi auditorium. These auditoriums are a popular hangout spot for cultural enthusiasts in the city, hosting various cultural meets and programs.
The Department of Tourism hosts the prestigious All India Dance Festival, also known as the Nishagandhi Festival, annually at the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium. Indian classical dance experts from all over the country flock to this festival to showcase their talent. All-India Dance Festival is a spectacular event, that is organized by the Department of Tourism, from October to March and features daily performances of classical Indian dance.
It’s no wonder that tourists from all over the world flock to this festival every year. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has even listed this palace as a heritage monument. So if you are visiting Thiruvananthapuram between October to March – don’t forget to come on down and experience the magic of India’s rich cultural heritage at the all-India Dance Festival.
The location of the Kanakakkunnu Palace, perched atop a small hill surrounded by lush meadows, groves, and flowering shrubs, only adds to its picturesque appeal. Although it was undergoing renovations during my visit, I highly recommend checking it out when you’re in Trivandrum.
