Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, also known as Puthenmalika, is a historic palace built in the 1840s by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore. Located adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, it exemplifies traditional Kerala architecture with teakwood construction and 122 carved wooden horses supporting its roof. The museum displays royal artifacts including paintings, weapons, sculptures, and thrones from the Travancore royal family.

Visitors can explore approximately 19 rooms of the palace showcasing traditional Kerala architecture with intricate wood carvings, sloping roofs, and pillared verandahs. The museum houses collections including wooden Kathakali figures, portraits of Travancore royalties, paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, ancient weapons, ivory and crystal thrones, bronze Chola-style sculptures, marble idols, and Belgian mirrors. Guided tours are provided free of cost to explain the exhibits and history.

Built in the 1840s by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the legendary musician-king of Travancore. The palace was left unoccupied for over a century after the Maharaja's demise in 1847. Sixteen rooms were opened as a museum on April 1, 1995, with three additional rooms added during 2016-17 renovations.

The palace hosts the annual Swathi Sangeethotsavam music festival held every January, commemorating the musical legacy of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. It represents the flourishing spice trade era when Kerala obtained items like Belgian mirrors through international trade. The Navarathri Mandapam continues to host cultural concerts and artistic events.