When you visit a city rich in traditions and culture, you will come across many iconic buildings that make the destination special. Thiruvananthapuram has many of these monumental structures that reflect the old-world charm and beauty of traditional Kerala and Dravidian architecture. Standing tall among these is the Kuthiramalika Palace, also known as the Puthenmalika. Located on the eastern side of the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple inside East Fort, Kuthiramalika is a two-storeyed palace which has been converted into a museum.
Built by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, Kuthiramalika Palace gets its name from 122 horses that are carved into the wooden wall brackets that support the southern roof of the building. The palace is a classic example of the Kerala genre of architecture that relies a lot on the skilful use of wood. Kuthiramalika was built using teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite.
The palace is noted for its Navarathri Mandapam – a platform that hosts many music concerts and other events of artistic brilliance. The museum has on display various idols and sculptures made using white marble, Kathakali figures, Belgian mirrors and paintings. A walk around Kuthiramalika takes you back in time to an era of royal times.
