Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram

Name: Kanakakkunnu Palace
Address: Thiruvananthapuram, India

#5 among attractions in Thiruvananthapuram

Museum, Top attraction, Palace

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, the Kanakakkunnu Palace stands as a testament to the architectural splendor and cultural heritage of Kerala, India. This regal structure, once the summer retreat for the Travancore Royal Family, is now one of the most enchanting tourist attractions in the city.

Built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924), the palace is renowned for its traditional Kerala architecture with British and Mughal influences. The palace complex is adorned with intricate woodwork, expansive verandas, and sloping red-tiled roofs that highlight the grandeur of bygone eras.

The main attraction of the palace is the Nishagandhi Auditorium, an open-air theatre where the annual Nishagandhi Dance Festival takes place. This cultural event showcases classical dance forms from across India, drawing artists and connoisseurs from around the world. The palace grounds are also home to the All India Dance Festival held by the Department of Tourism.

Kanakakkunnu Palace is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, where visitors can stroll and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. The palace's interiors, though not always open to the public, exhibit classic furniture and decor that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the royal family.

Coordinates: 8°30'39"N, 76°57'29"E

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Thiruvananthapuram India

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Day trips

Kanakakkunnu Palace – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Mahatma Ayyankali Hall.

~1280 ftSW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram
7 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India, the Napier Museum stands as an exemplar of Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Indian, Chinese, and Mughal design elements harmoniously. Established in the late 19th century and named...
~1120 ftW
Oldest zoo in India with over 80 species
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo stands as an oasis of biodiversity amidst the urban sprawl. Established in 1857 by the Maharaja of Travancore, it is among the oldest zoos in India and is a...
0.6 miSW
Church
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Thiruvananthapuram
17 min walk • St. Joseph's Cathedral, a beacon of spiritual solace, stands proudly in the bustling city of Thiruvananthapuram, India. This church, with its distinctive architecture, is a center of worship for the local Christian community and a place of interest for visitors from...
0.8 miSW
City hall
Mahatma Ayyankali Hall, Thiruvananthapuram
21 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, Mahatma Ayyankali Hall stands as a proud testament to the city's vibrant community life and cultural ethos. Named after the revered social reformer and leader Mahatma Ayyankali, this city hall is a...
0.8 miW
Museum, Specialty museum, Science museum
Kerala Science and Technology Museum, Thiruvananthapuram
20 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, the Kerala Science and Technology Museum stands as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. Established with the aim of popularizing science and technology among the general public, especially among...
1 miS
Shopping, Market
Pettah Market, Thiruvananthapuram
26 min walk • Pettah Market, nestled in the bustling city of Thiruvananthapuram, is a vibrant and thriving bazaar that pulsates with the rhythms of daily Indian life. A cornucopia of sights, sounds, and smells, this market offers an authentic slice of local culture and is an...
0.4 miW
Church
Mateer Memorial Church, Thiruvananthapuram
11 min walk • Nestled in the bustling city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Mateer Memorial Church stands as a beacon of spiritual solace and architectural beauty. This historic church, constructed in 1906, is named in memory of the Reverend Samuel Mateer, a significant figure of the...
~910 ftS
Museum, Observatories and planetariums
Trivandrum Observatory, Thiruvananthapuram
5 min walk • The Trivandrum Observatory stands as a beacon of scientific heritage in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, India. Established in 1837 by the Maharajah of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, this astronomical observatory is among the oldest in India.
0.6 miSW
Botanical garden
Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram
17 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute is a verdant oasis that spans across 300 acres of undulating land. Established in 1979, this botanical garden is not only a feast for the eyes with its lush landscapes...
1 miN
Forts and castles, Architecture
Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram
25 min walk • 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...
~1820 ftSW
Museum, History museum
Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage, Thiruvananthapuram
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India, the Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage stands as a beacon of cultural pride and historical significance. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich tapestry of...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Kanakakkunnu Palace?

Nearby attractions include Trivandrum Observatory, Thiruvananthapuram (5 min walk), Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram (6 min walk), Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram (7 min walk), Belhaven Palace, Thiruvananthapuram (9 min walk).

How to get to Kanakakkunnu Palace by public transport?

The nearest stations to Kanakakkunnu Palace:

Bus

Vikasbhavan KSRTC Bus Station (20 min walk)
Vikasbhavan (20 min walk)