Kuthiramalika Palace
Built in the 1840s by Travancore ruler and composer Swathi Thirunal. Kuthiramalika ("Horse Palace") showcases traditional Kerala woodwork throughout its rosewood pillars. Marble floors and Belgian-glass chandeliers, and its small museum preserves royal portraits. Weapons and musical instruments tied to Swathi Thirunal’s own compositions. Kuthiramalika Palace sits at an elevation of 13 m. Is typically explored in about 1 hour. The most favourable months to visit are July, January, February, and December. Conditions are best suited for sightseeing.
Kuthiramalika Palace at a Glance
Essential information about Kuthiramalika Palace.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Built in the 1840s by Travancore ruler and composer Swathi Thirunal, Kuthiramalika ("Horse Palace") showcases traditional Kerala woodwork throughout its rosewood pillars, marble floors and Belgian-glass chandeliers, and its small museum preserves royal portraits, weapons and musical instruments tied to Swathi Thirunal’s own compositions. Kuthiramalika Palace sits at an elevation of 13 m and is typically explored in about 1 hour. The most favourable months to visit are July, January, February, and December, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Horse Courtyard, King’s Bedchamber, and Crystal Chandelier Gallery. Other notable highlights include count 122 carved teak horses on eaves, view Padmanabhaswamy Temple gopuram from courtyard, and see royal throne with carved peacock motif. It falls within Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvananthapuram district, India.
Highlights
- Count 122 carved teak horses on eaves
- View Padmanabhaswamy Temple gopuram from courtyard
- See royal throne with carved peacock motif
- Spot Belgian crystal chandeliers in durbar hall
- Walk past 56 wooden pillars in inner corridor
- Observe Kerala mural paintings of mythological scenes
Getting There
Things To Do
Walk Through the Courtyard and View the Temple Tank
Stroll the inner courtyard, which features a small pond used for royal rituals, and observe the surrounding low-pitched tiled roofs that keep the palace cool. You can also spot the adjacent Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s gopuram from here, linking the palace to its sacred neighbour.
30 minutes
Marvel at the 122 Carved Wooden Horses on the Palace Facade
Walk along the southern verandah and observe the intricate, life-sized wooden horses carved from single jackfruit tree trunks, each with unique postures and ornamentation that give the palace its name. This is the iconic sight that defines the royal architecture of Travancore.
30 minutes
Admire the Kerala Murals in the Durbar Hall
Step into the grand durbar hall where the Maharaja held court, and study the vivid, natural-pigment murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. The paintings retain their 19th-century colours, offering a rare glimpse into Travancore’s artistic heritage.
45 minutes
Explore the Exotic Rosewood and Ebony Carvings in the Bedroom
Visit the king’s private chamber, furnished with a rosewood bed and chairs carved from a single block of wood, including a famous lotus-shaped ceiling and door panels with mythical creatures. This room showcases the finest woodcraft of the era, with no nails or joints visible.
20 minutes
Photograph the Unique Kerala-Style Architecture from the East Gate
From the eastern entrance, capture the palace’s signature two-storey structure with sloping, terracotta-tiled roofs, wooden lattice windows, and the central courtyard’s carved pillars. This angle is the best for a full view of the building’s 19th-century design, blending traditional Kerala and colonial influences.
15 minutes
Attend the Evening Kathakali Performance (Seasonal)
During the winter tourist season (October to March), the palace hosts traditional Kathakali dance-dramas in its open-air theatre, where performers in elaborate costumes enact stories from Hindu epics. Check the schedule at the ticket counter, as shows are not daily and require separate entry.
1.5 hours
Travel Tips
Wear slip-on shoes with good grip
You must remove footwear before entering the main palace, and the polished wooden floors can be slippery. Slip-ons with rubber soles are easier to manage than laced shoes, and they prevent falls for older travellers.
Keep a small foldable stool or rest bench in your vehicle
The palace tour lasts about 45 minutes with limited seating inside, so carry a lightweight stool or plan to rest on the shaded benches in the courtyard. This is especially helpful for seniors who cannot stand for long stretches.
Visit right after opening to avoid crowds and heat
Arrive by 9:00 AM when the palace opens, as the wooden interiors get stuffy and queues grow long by mid-morning. Early entry also gives your group ample time to appreciate the intricate carvings without feeling hurried.
Book a wheelchair or walking stick in advance
The palace has uneven stone floors and narrow staircases, so request a complimentary wheelchair or walking stick at the ticket counter before entering. This saves fatigue for seniors and helps the group stay together without rushing.
Arrange a local guide or audio guide for the group
Hire an official guide at the entrance (nominal fee) or use the audio guide to hear stories about the palace’s history, which enriches the visit. For groups, a single guide ensures everyone hears the same details and can ask questions together, making the tour more enjoyable and less tiring.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Kuthiramalika Palace — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- PRS Hospital1.5 km
- Dr Govindans Hospital1.8 km
- Regional Institute of Ophthalmology2 km
- Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, Karamana3 km
- Cosmopolitan Hospital, Pattom3.9 km
Pharmacies
- Medical Shop3.5 km
- Karunya Pharmacy4.8 km
ATMs
- State Bank0.2 km
- Indian Overseas Bank0.9 km
- State Bank of India3 km
- State Bank of India3.5 km
- ICICI Bank3.5 km
Restaurants
- Ariya Nivas1.2 km
- Kepco Restaurant2.3 km
- Indian Coffee House2.7 km
- Amma Restarunt3.5 km
- Buraq3.8 km
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is the morning slot right at 8:30 AM, when it is cooler and less crowded. Afternoons can be very hot and humid, especially between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM when the palace is closed for lunch. Try to finish by 11:00 AM, as tour groups usually arrive later in the morning.
The palace is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry fee is 20 rupees for Indians and 210 rupees for foreign nationals, with an additional 50 rupees for camera use. Senior citizens may request a wheelchair at the ticket counter if needed.
Photography is not allowed inside the main palace building to protect the intricate wood carvings and antique artefacts. You can take photos in the outer courtyard and garden area, but you must pay a camera fee at the entrance. Mobile phone cameras are also restricted inside, so keep your phone in your bag.
A typical visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour, as the palace is compact but rich in detail. The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, but the upper floor, which houses the famous durbar hall, is only reachable by steep wooden stairs, so plan accordingly. There are benches in the courtyard for resting, and the staff are helpful for senior travellers.
There is no strict dress code, but modest clothing is appreciated as it is a royal heritage site. You must remove your shoes before entering the main building, and socks are recommended for comfort on the cool wooden floors. Avoid touching the carved pillars, ceilings, and exhibits, and speak softly to maintain the serene atmosphere.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Kuthiramalika Palace
Day 1
Begin your journey in Thiruvananthapuram with a leisurely morning visit to the Kuthiramalika Palace, also known as the Puthen Malika Palace. Spend time admiring the 122 intricately carved wooden horses on the upper floor, the beautiful rosewood and teak architecture, and the royal artifacts on display. After a relaxed lunch, explore the adjacent Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex (from outside, as non-Hindus may not enter inner sanctum) and stroll along the nearby East Fort area for local crafts.
- Guided walk through Kuthiramalika Palace, focusing on the carved horse brackets, Belgian crystal chandeliers, and royal portraits
- Short visit to the Napier Museum and Zoological Gardens (adjacent, about 1 km away) for a glimpse of Kerala’s history and wildlife
- Evening walk around the Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s outer corridor and the bustling Chalai Bazaar for spices and traditional sarees
Day 2
Spend your second day soaking in the cultural and natural beauty around the palace area. Begin with a morning visit to the nearby Sree Chitra Art Gallery, which houses rare Rajput and Mughal paintings, followed by a peaceful boat ride on the Veli Lake. In the afternoon, head to the pristine Shankumugham Beach, just 5 km from the palace, to watch the sunset and see the giant mermaid sculpture. End the day with a traditional Kerala sadya (feast) at a local restaurant.
- Morning exploration of Sree Chitra Art Gallery and the adjacent Kuthiramalika’s rear courtyard, where the famous Swathi Thirunal music concerts are held (check for schedule)
- Scenic boat ride at Veli Tourist Village, with options to pedal boats or simply enjoy the backwater views
- Sunset visit to Shankumugham Beach, including a walk along the shore and a look at the Jawaharlal Nehru Park’s children’s play area
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