Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram

Kanakakkunnu Palace is situated near the Napier museum, in Trivandrum which was an official residence for Sir C.P Ramaswami Iyer. He is an Indian lawyer, administrator and politican and worked as the Advocate General of Madras Presidency. He resided in the palace while during his time as Diwan, along with buildings like Bhakti Vilas and Padma Vilas.

Today the palace and its large grounds are the place for many cultural meetings & programmes. This palace complex includes a Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and Sooryakanthi auditorum which are under the Kerala government's wing. An All India Dance Festival also known as Nishagandhi festival is organized by the tourism department here annually in the Nishagandhi auditorium. During this period Indian classical dance performances are conducted every day.

History

Kanakakunnu Palace is one of the last remaining buildings from the colonial period. It was built during the ruling period of Travancore king, Sree Moolam Thirunal(1885-1924) with the help of Vishwakarmas. Later Chithira Thirunal, one of Travancore's popular rulers, refurbished the palace and constructed tennis courts.

In the past, the Travancore royal family used it to host guests and serve non-vegeterian food, as the King's family are vegeterian. Today, this palace is protected by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and provided it for cultural events  & programs. It is also listed as a heritage site by the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage(INTACH).

The popular Malayalam movies Lucifier and Lucifier 2, directed by Prithiviraj Sukumaran starring Mohanlal were filmed at this palace. 

How To Reach

Trivandrum bus stand is 3.9 KM away from this palace. Vellayambalam bus stop is the nearest stop from this palace at a distance of 800m and can be reached by walk easily. You can take a local bus or auto from the Trivandrum bus stand to reach the palace.