Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram

Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India, stands the regal Kowdiar Palace, an architectural marvel that epitomizes the grandeur of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. This majestic castle, steeped in history, has been the residence of the Travancore Royal Family since its completion in 1934.

An epitome of traditional Kerala architecture with a hint of colonial influence, Kowdiar Palace's majestic façade is a sight to behold. The palace was originally built to commemorate the wedding of Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last ruling Maharajah of Travancore, to Sree Padmavathi Thampuran of the Paliam Royal House. The palace's name, 'Kowdiar', is derived from the Malayalam words 'kodu' (umbrella) and 'aar' (river), indicating the presence of a lotus-filled pond in the vicinity that resembled an open umbrella.

While Kowdiar Palace remains a private residence and is not open to the public, its exterior continues to attract tourists and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. The castle's intricate woodwork, sprawling grounds, and the blend of the traditional sloping roofs with dormer windows create a picturesque setting against the backdrop of Kerala's lush greenery.

The palace complex is also historically significant as it was the last seat of power of the Travancore Kingdom before the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. The royal flag of the House of Travancore still flies high on the palace grounds, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Travancore's royal heritage.