Padmanabhapuram

Padmanabhapuram is a small historic town in Kanyakumari district, close to the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border.

For a relatively small place, it carries an unusually important past. Padmanabhapuram was once the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, and that history is still visible in its palace, fort and old temples.

The architecture here also feels different from what one normally sees elsewhere in Tamil Nadu. Sloping tiled roofs, extensive use of timber, carved wooden ceilings and other features associated with traditional Kerala architecture reflect the region's long connection with Travancore.

The magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace naturally gets most of the attention.

But do not stop with the palace.

The historic Ramaswami Temple within the Padmanabhapuram Fort is equally worth exploring, particularly for anyone interested in temple architecture and the Ramayana.

This page brings together the places I have explored in Padmanabhapuram. More will be added as I continue visiting the town and its surroundings.

Places of Worship

Ramaswami Temple, Padmanabhapuram

The Ramaswami Temple is one of the historic temples located within Padmanabhapuram Fort.

Dedicated to Rama, the temple is particularly interesting for its traditional Kerala-style architecture and the series of sculpted wooden panels depicting episodes from the Ramayana.

It is easy for visitors heading directly towards the famous palace to overlook this temple.

That would be a mistake.

Heritage and Architecture

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of Travancore and remains the defining heritage landmark of the town.

The sprawling complex contains courtyards, audience halls, royal chambers, carved wooden interiors, polished floors and beautiful sloping tiled roofs. Different portions of the palace were added and modified over several generations.

One interesting historical oddity survives even today.

The palace stands in Tamil Nadu.

But it is maintained by the Government of Kerala.

Perhaps no other fact captures Padmanabhapuram's shared Tamil Nadu–Travancore heritage quite so neatly.