About Kanakakunnu Palace
Kanakakunnu Palace is a historic red-brick palace located on a hillock in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal in the late 19th century, it served as a royal retreat and venue for grand banquets. Today, it functions as a vibrant cultural center hosting festivals, exhibitions, and performances within its sprawling grounds.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the palace's distinctive Kerala-Gothic Victorian architecture and stroll through well-maintained gardens featuring India's first digital garden. The grounds offer a serene environment with viewpoints of the palace facade, open-air auditoriums, and spaces frequently used for cultural events, art exhibitions, and local gatherings.
Key highlights
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Historic red-brick palace with Kerala-Gothic Victorian architecture
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India's first digital garden with QR-coded plant information
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Nishagandhi open-air auditorium hosting classical dance festivals
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Sooryakanthi Auditorium for cultural programs and events
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Scenic hillock location with panoramic views of the city
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Former official residence of Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer
History of Kanakakunnu Palace
Built during the reign of Travancore King Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924), the palace served as a venue for royal banquets and later as an official residence for Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer, the Diwan of Travancore. It was also used by the royal family to entertain guests and serve non-vegetarian food, as the royal family itself was vegetarian.
Culture & Context
The palace is a major cultural hub in Kerala, hosting the annual Nishagandhi Dance Festival and the Soorya Festival, one of India's oldest cultural festivals. It serves as a venue for classical dance, music, theatre, and arts and crafts exhibitions, preserving and promoting Kerala's artistic heritage.
Route
| By air |
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