Kowdiar Palace

Travancore, once the most influential kingdom in Kerala, is remembered not only for its power but also for the measured elegance of its rulers. Unlike many Indian dynasties that flaunted opulent lifestyles, the Maharajas of Travancore favoured restraint, letting craftsmanship and proportion speak in place of ostentation. Their palaces, therefore, reveal a graceful simplicity that contrasts sharply with the flamboyant residences of other princely states.

Kowdiar Palace, completed in 1934 by the last reigning monarch, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, embodies this ethos. Built to mark his sister’s wedding, the residence blends traditional Kerala vernacular with grand Dravidian elements, spreading 150 well proportioned rooms around courtyards, verandas, and sloping tiled roofs. Intricate woodwork, colonnaded porticos, and airy corridors create an interior that is both dignified and welcoming, illustrating how royal architecture can remain stately without excess.

Still the official home of Travancore’s descendants, the palace stands amid thick greenery in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, its lawns and mature trees insulating it from urban bustle. Though entry is restricted, its graceful silhouette visible from the road—and its enduring association with Kerala’s royal legacy make Kowdiar Palace an architectural landmark admired by residents and visitors alike.

🚗 How to Reach

By Road: Kowdiar Palace , just about 4 km from the city center of Thiruvananthapuram.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 5 km away.

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is approximately 8 km from Kowdiar Palace.

🎟️ Entry Details

Public Access: Not open for general public entry

View from Outside: Free

Photography: Not permitted inside premises

Special Visits: Allowed only with prior official permission

🏰 What to Expect

→ Royal Heritage: Built in 1934 by Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the palace stands as a majestic symbol of the Travancore royal family's legacy.

→ Architectural Elegance: Marvel at the striking colonial and Kerala architectural blend with intricate wooden detailing and grand corridors.

→ Historical Significance: Final resting place of the last king of Travancore, the palace holds cultural and political importance.

→ Nearby Attractions: Visit Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, and Trivandrum Zoo—all within a short drive.

📞 Contact Information

Address:Kowdiar Palace, Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695003

Phone : +91‑471‑2434744