Where grand balls and royal dinners were held
The Kanakakkunnu Palace was constructed during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja (1885-1924) and Sree Swathi Thirunnal Rama Varma, the legendary musician king of Travancore, did its renovation. To begin with, the palace was erected as an escape destination for the royal family of the Travancore Kingdom, where they held their elaborate dinners and grand balls. The palace’s name, “Kanakakkunnu” where kanakam means gold and kkunnu means hill, is the epitome of majesty and glory that the palace had and still took a significant place in the history of the state of Kerala.
Over the years, Kanakakkunnu Palace has lived the fast-changing socio-political picture of Kerala State. It remains an important platform for meetings of dignitaries, state events and symbols of the state’s royal ancestry. Now, the palace is governed by the Government of Kerala and has been transformed into a cultural centre, which has successfully preserved its historical value and has been efficient enough to meet modern cultural needs.
A beautiful example of indigenous and Western influences
The Kanakakkunnu Palace shows the fusion of traditional Kerala architecture and colonial construction and is a true example of indigenous and Western influence. The facade of the palace is an incredible sight, detailed with the woodwork, the majestic columns, and the balconies ornated with intricate designs. The backdrop of a red-tiled roof, synonymous with Kerala architecture, forms a visually appealing cornerstone of the architectural concept. The main entrance, located to the side of two picturesque gardens, provides a pleasant and aristocratic look and feel to the building.
The interiors of Kanakakkunnu Palace are incomparable with the bountiful way of life of Travancore's aristocratic royals. The sizeable rooms and halls are dominated by flamboyant chandeliers, old-fashioned bespoke furniture and splendid pictures. The intricate carved wooden ceilings and the ornamental pillars depict man’s creativity as a craftsman of that period. The Durbar Hall is the highlight of the palace, where the royal court meetings took place and the people entertained. It is this majestic hall with its great height, gleaming wooden floors, and huge windows, which creates this atmosphere of splendour and superiority. The concert hall's acoustics are remarkably well-tuned, which makes it one of the most outstanding places for musical performances and cultural events across the region.
On the front of the palace, there are neat gardens, making it look better and providing quietness. Grassy areas, elaborately decorated with colourful flowers and tall trees, become a haven of peace, often devoid of the noise and buzz of urban life. Moreover, the gardens shoulder the hosting responsibilities of many cultural festivals and events, thereby enriching the charm of the palace.
