When hearing the word palace, we often associate it with splendorous castles that display an ostentatious show of wealth and riches. However, have you imagined of a palace having modest, yet elegant architecture; structures that emanate the charm of good old times, yet those that fascinate us with not pomp, but simplicity? Kilimanoor Palace in Thiruvananthapuram district clearly fits the description. Renowned as the birthplace of the world-famous artist Raja Ravi Varma, the palace is a lot like his paintings – elegant, lively and classy.
Kilimanoor Palace is spread across an area of 15 acres. Several big and small structures constructed in traditional Kerala architecture greets a visitor. The Raja Ravi Varma studio is the main attraction of the palace. This studio was where he created some of his most renowned paintings. There is a traditional Kerala-style Nalukettu inside the palace.
One of the unique features of the palace is the presence of several small ‘kavus’ or traditional shrines where members of the family worship. The palace is over 300 years old. The lush greenery around the palace gives it a distinctive beauty. There is a paddy field right in front of the palace and on the other side of the field is the temple ‘Ayyappankavu’.
