Trivandrum is the capital city of India's Kerala region, resting upon a series of low-lying hills. Although most tourists consider the town a mere springboard to the more renowned pleasures of golden beaches and exotic backwaters, the traveller who takes the time to delve a little deeper past the city's common-place exterior will discover a myriad of fascinating historical footprints that reminds one of the region's extended history and colonial charm.
The Krishnapuram Palace is one of the oft-overlooked historical gems of Trivandrum. Situated in Karthikapally in the Kayakulam area, the palace appears just 47 kilometres away from the beauties of Kerala's famous Allepey.
The palace is believed to have been built during the reign of Maharajah Marthanda Varma, a famous king of the early 18th century who is today hailed as the "maker of modern Travancore".
The architecture of the princely abode showcases classic examples of the traditional Kerala style of building construction, with its sloping, red-tiled gabled roofs, Krishnapuram Palace is a rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture, complete with quaint dormer windows and narrow hallways. Today, this former residence of the Kayakulam Rajas is a protected historical monument falling under the purview of India's Department of Archaeology and has been carefully restored for public viewing using modern restoration techniques developed specifically for preserving heritage buildings.Although any residence of a historic dynasty contains its own fascination, indubitably the centrepiece attraction that draws tourists here from far and wide is the Gajendra mural. Spanning an incredible length of 49 square metres, the Gajendra Moksham is the largest single wall painting that has yet been discovered in the Kerala region. The name of the mural translates literally into "the salvation of the elephant king"; the mural depicts one of Lord Vishnu's most famous exploits that culminated in a majestic elephant prostrating itself before the benevolent god, surrounded by a divine host of lesser deities. It is believed that Lord Vishnu was the god among the Hindu pantheon most beloved of the royal household. The mural is constructed strategically at the entrance to the palace pond, because, it is believed, the Rajas could then worship the god after finishing their ablutions.
Visitors to the premises can also enjoy a tranquil stroll through the beautifully landscaped garden, amid whose sprawling grounds the palace is situated. The grounds are a visual showcase of vibrant flora considered endemic to Kerala. The recently-erected Buddha shrine, housing a recently-unearthed Buddha statue is also of great historic interest as the statue clearly predates the building of the palace. The collections of intricate bronze sculptures and paintings which once graced the halls of the Maharajas are also worthy of close examination and appreciation.
Travellers staying in any of the nearby Kovalam hotelswould be able to explore even more of Trivandrum's hidden treasures with ease. The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala is a highly-recommended Kovalam beach resortthat offers high-quality service and comfortable accommodation.
Krishnapuram Palace Museum