Information on Padmanabhapuram palace Kerala Architecture
by Nisha Parmar SEO ExecutiveSet amid lush hills, verdant paddy fields and
perennial rivers, Padmanabhapuram Palace is the finest example of Kerala's
distinctive wooden architecture. Laid out in a sequence of four adjoining
walled compounds, comprising public and private zones, the palace has richly
carved wooden ceilings, sculpted pillars slatted windows, and pagoda-like tiled
roofs. From 1590 to 1790, Padmanabhapuram was the home of the former princely
state of Travancore, which straddled parts of present-day Tamil Nadu as well as
Kerala. By some quirk of fate, this beautifully kept palace now falls in Nadu
but is maintained by the government of Kerala. Also Visit – Kerala tour packages
The Lady's Chamber houses two large swings, a pair of enormous Belgian mirrors and a royal bed.
Prayer Hall
The prayer hall, on the third floor of the King's Palace, has exquisite murals on its walls. A medicinal bed here, carved from 64 different types of wood, was a gift from the Dutch.
The clock tower's chimes could be heard from a distance of 3 km (2 miles).
Entrance Hall
The entrance hall has a profusely carved wooden ceiling with 90 different inverted flowers, a pol-ished granite bed and an ornate Chinese throne.
Main Gate
The main entrance to the palace complex is reached (flier crossing a large courtyard. This gate has a decorated gabled roof:
The Bath House is a small airy room, where the male members of the royal family were given a massage before they descended, down covered steps, to a private tank to bathe.
Mother's Palace
Built in 1550, this is the oldest building in the complex. It contains intricately carved wooden pillars fashioned from the wood of the jackfruit tree. The floor was polished to a red gloss with hibiscus flowers.
The dining hall, laid out over two storeys, could seat 2,000 guests.
Lamp
A horse lamp (the horse is a symbol of valour) in the entrance hall, hangs suspended from a special chain that keeps the lamp perfectly balanced.
The palace museum houses artifacts including furniture, wooden and granite statues, coins, weapons and utensils.
Council Chamber
The king's council chamber has wooden louvres to let in light and air. The gloss on the floor was achieved with a mixture of lime, sand, egg white, coconut water, charcoal and jaggety.
For more information on Padmanabhapuram palace Kerala architecture contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.Sponsor Ads
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