Nalknad Palace

Nalknad Palace is a historic palace located in Nalknad village near Kakkabe in Kodagu district, Karnataka. Built between 1792 and 1794 by Dodda Virarajendra, the last ruler of the Haleri dynasty, it served as his refuge after escaping captivity. Notable for its traditional Kodava architecture with wooden pillars and tiled roof, the two-storey structure houses historic artifacts and offers views of surrounding hills and forests.

Visitors can expect a modest two-storey palace set amid forested hills near Kakkabe, showcasing traditional Kodava and Kerala-style architecture with wooden pillars, carved wooden ceilings, and tiled roofs. Inside, there are historic artifacts, weapons, and a mantapa area. The palace is surrounded by hills and paddy fields, accessible via a short walk, offering a quiet heritage experience with guided explanations of its history.

Nalknad Palace was built between 1792 and 1794 by Dodda Virarajendra, the last ruler of the Haleri dynasty of Kodagu, after he escaped from the captivity of Tipu Sultan. It served as a safe refuge for the king and his family. The palace is associated with the final period of Haleri rule before British annexation of Kodagu in 1834 and reflects the political history of late 18th-century Kodagu.

The palace exemplifies traditional Kodava architecture influenced by Kerala style, featuring wooden construction, sloping tiled roofs, and carved pillars. It represents the cultural heritage of the Kodava community and is maintained as a protected heritage structure showcasing local craftsmanship and royal traditions of Kodagu.