Why Kerala’s Sreepadam Palace, Built In European Architectural Style, Is A Must Visit

Sreepadam Palace is one of the historical landmarks and a protected monument in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. According to Local 18, Sreepadam Palace is the first structure in Thiruvananthapuram to be constructed in the European architectural style. The basic construction of the palace started in the 14th century CE. British resident Colonel Munro started the construction of this monument in 1820. This royal mansion has been built in an exotic style with massive pillars and decorations. The height of the Sreepadam Palace is more than normal. A temple of Kalari Ganesha, a symbol of old royal pride, can also be found in this palace. The pond adjacent to the Sreepadam palace is considered sacred. It is because the water of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple flows into this pond inside the Sreepadam palace.

There used to be four huts here to house the queens of the kingdom of Attingal. The palace was later built here at the request of Maharani Ayilyom Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi. Maharani Ayilyom Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi (1791–1815) was the Maharani of the Indian state of Travancore from 1810 to 1813. She was the regent from 1813 till her death in 1815 for her son Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. The Sreepadam palace is situated on the north side of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This palace is a structure with many fascinating features and is also one of the most famous palaces inside the Fort Heritage Zone.

In 2019, a dilapidated portion of Sreepadam Palace was demolished to facilitate the construction of the Heritage Walk project. Kerala Tourism had implemented this project under the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme of the centre. The Kerala State Archaeology Department, which is housed at the Sreepadam Palace, did not object to the demolition of a structure of the palace. The centre had allotted Rs 74.33 crore for various tourism infrastructure facilities at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

As per the reports, the architecture of the Sreepadam palace is a mix of traditional Kerala style and colonial influence. There are many features in this palace such as a central courtyard, spacious verandas, and ornate wooden carvings. This palace served as the residence of the Travancore Royal family.