Kuthiramalika

Kuthiramalika or Puthanmalike palace museum is located adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman, built the palace. The palace is built in the traditional Travancore style of architecture and has exquisite woodcarvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The word 'Kuthiramalika' means Horse Bungalow and it takes its name from the roof beams which are carved out to resemble the faces of horses. It has on display ornaments, personal effects and weapons of the former Kings the erstwhile princely State of Travancore. It is a true specimen of Kerala's classical architecture. The palace with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs is itself a piece of heritage. The museum housed in it has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile Travancore royal household. Swathi Thirunal Maharaja was a great musician and composer of eminence and a great contributor to Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and he spent much of his time in this palace composing many of his musical pieces. He spent his last days in this rambling bungalow.

Visiting hours: 8:30 am – 12:30 am and 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Railway: 1 km from Thiruvananthapuram central.

Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 km.