Kowdiar Palace image

Kowdiar Palace

Historical landmark Manor house

One of the Top rated Historical landmarks in Thiruvananthapuram


Address

GXF7+H8C, Kowdiar Gardens, Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695003, India

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (552 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: palace (45) Kowdiar (26) Palace (26) family (24) royal (18) Travancore (17) Thirunal (16) Bayi (14) Thiruvananthapuram (14) Sree (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 ശ്രീലക്ഷ്മി 1 year ago on Google
    THEY WON'T LET YOU IN AS A TOURIST/VISITOR!!! Me and my friends got fooled last week following the timings and reviews in Google. I don't know, may be in olden days they might have opened it for visitors. This is not a tourist/ visiting place. It's a private residence of the royal family. Outsiders are not allowed unless they have taken the appointments with the family members. (Never intended to give a single star rating, the reason is I want people to know these facts before actually going there)
    29 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sooraj 4 years ago on Google
    Kowdiar Palace in Trivandrum, Kerala, India was built in 1934 by Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal, on Pallikettu (wedding) of his only sister, Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi with Lt. Col. G. V. Raja. After the Constitutional Amendment of 1971, the properties and estates of the royal family were partitioned and divided equally among the branches of the two Travancore Queens, Sethu Lakshmi Bayiand Sethu Parvathi Bayi. This Palace belongs to the heirs of Sethu Parvathi Bayi as it was built by her son Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal.[1] Kowdiar Palace's architectural work is famous and has over 150 rooms. The entry to this palace is restricted as it is the private residence of the royal family settled in Thiruvananthapuram
    25 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Satyendra S. 1 year ago on Google
    I can’t describe in words how humble, generous and grounded the Royal family is!! Meet the prince Adhitya Varman ji and his beloved Mother and still can’t get over the vibrations I felt by engaging in conversations with them. Their knowledge, sense of responsibility towards the people of the land, dedication towards the Lord Padmanabhanswamy will simply blow away one’s wit’s and idea of royalty. They are Royal for a reason!!
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 VISHNU S. 3 years ago on Google
    Kowdiar Palace is one of the beautiful and grandest palaces in Kerala. Kowdiar Palace located in Thiruvananthapuram was built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal in 1915 and was presented to Sethu Parvati Bayi, who once was the Junior Rani of Attingal under the Senior Rani, Sethu Lekshmi Bayi. It is also the official home of the Travancore Royal Family. The majestic Kowdiar Palace owes it's distinct name in history to the rulers of Travancore who were great patrons of art and architecture. It is the perfect example of Kerala style architecture. Situated in the heart of Trivandrum, this palace has over 150 rooms, 3 stories, wooden lift, and 6 steeples. The Kowdiar palace is restricted for tourists. Kowdiar Palace is the personal residence of the members of the Travancore family. Their family get togethers are conducted here. Public are not allowed here. We can see the beauty of this Royal palace from the gate. Its architectural works are famous. Many belonging to Travancore family are exhibited here. It will give us a visual treat. But entry to this famous palace is restricted. Raj Bhavan, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Napier museum are the main attractions near to it. Kowdiar Palace This palace has great historical importance. It also has a fine place in the Kerala history. Kowdiar Palace was the home of Travancore Maharajas. The last Raja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma is buried in the beautiful garden of this palace. So never ever miss this palace whenever you visit Trivandrum. It's only 14 kms from Thiruvananthapuram International airport and only 6 kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. So it is easy to reach Kowdiar Palace. Just a glance of this palace will be a great attraction to the tourists. So enjoy the beauty of Kowdiar palace at the gateway of the palace. No doubt, it's really a visual treat for us.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 appoos 3. 1 year ago on Google
    It's not open for public. Have to contact security first, then have to take appointment from manager. Then can enter. 2 times visited till gate. Google map is showing all narrow roads always and there is no updation about this palace. Because of this many of people reaching till gate and leaving with very bad experience.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ardra c s. 8 months ago on Google
    As of August 11, 2023, Kowdiar Palace is not open for public visits without prior permission. It's situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, and was built in 1934 by Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. The palace stands as a significant architectural landmark in Thiruvananthapuram and continues to be a favored destination for tourists. Located in the heart of the city, the palace is surrounded by a spacious park. Visitors are welcomed by a grand entrance adorned with intricate carvings. Internally, the palace is divided into sections including the Durbar Hall, the Maharani's Suite reflecting traditional Keralan aesthetics, and the Maharajah's Suite which showcases European influences. While Kowdiar Palace is a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours to the general public, it's important to highlight that specific areas within the palace are designated as the private residence of the royal family, making them inaccessible to visitors.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Suju S. 1 year ago on Google
    The palace building was constructed with the help of Europeans. Now it is the private residence of some descendants of royal family. However the public can visit a few area after obtaining prior permission.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Franco K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience and valued the time spend. Mostly film shooting locations and wealth of cultural items.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nitesh kumar S. 9 months ago on Google
    Kowdiar Palace is a royal palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It was built in 1934 by Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, on the occasion of the wedding of his sister, Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi, to Lt. Col. G. V. Raja. The palace is a three-story building with over 150 rooms, and is decorated in a blend of European and Keralan styles. It is one of the most important architectural landmarks in Thiruvananthapuram, and is a popular tourist destination. The palace is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, and is surrounded by a large park. The main entrance to the palace is through a grand archway, which is decorated with intricate carvings. The interior of the palace is divided into several sections, including the Durbar Hall, the Maharani's Suite, and the Maharajah's Suite. The Durbar Hall is the largest room in the palace, and was used for official functions and ceremonies. The Maharani's Suite is located on the first floor, and is decorated in a traditional Keralan style. The Maharajah's Suite is located on the second floor, and is decorated in a more European style. The palace also houses a number of other important artifacts, including a collection of royal portraits, a library, and a museum. The museum exhibits a variety of artifacts from the history of the Travancore royal family, including weapons, jewelry, and clothing. Kowdiar Palace is a popular tourist destination, and is open to the public for guided tours. However, the palace is also the private residence of the royal family, and some areas of the palace are not accessible to the public. The palace is a beautiful and impressive building, and is a testament to the wealth and power of the Travancore royal family. It is a popular tourist destination, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Kerala. Here are some additional facts about Kowdiar Palace: The palace is built in the Indo-Saracenic style, which is a blend of European and Indian architectural styles. The palace has six towers, which are topped with golden domes. The palace has a large garden, which is home to a variety of plants and trees. The palace has a museum, which exhibits a variety of artifacts from the history of the Travancore royal family. The palace is a popular tourist destination, and is open to the public for guided tours. I hope this helps!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ROHITH M. 1 year ago on Google
    Kowdiar Palace This palace has great historical importance. It also has a fine place in Kerala history. Kowdiar Palace was the home of Travancore Maharajas. The last Raja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma is buried in the beautiful garden of this palace. So, never ever miss this palace whenever you visit Trivandrum. It's only 14 km from Thiruvananthapuram International airport and only 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. So, it is easy to reach Kowdiar Palace. Kowdiar Palace is the personal residence of the members of the Travancore family. Their family get togethers are conducted here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Prince M V. 1 year ago on Google
    Actually the palace exists but the entry is restricted since the kings descendants still live there, it a permanent residence
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 IPROMAX A. 1 year ago on Google
    An architectural marvel where the nobles from Travancore kingship dwell. Acres of green garden all around the palace makes it the green lungs of Trivandrum. In this age old historical monument with high ceilings, large rooms and courtyard they live in peace reading.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jerlin S. 4 months ago on Google
    There are numerous palaces and royal homes scattered all over Kerala, with Trivandrum having its fair share too. This city is irrevocably intertwined with the princely state of Travancore, having been its capital during the last few centuries of its ruling. Kowdiar Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India was built in 1934 by Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, on wedding of his only sister, Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi with G. V. Raja. After the Constitutional Amendment of 1971, the properties and estates of the royal family were partitioned and divided equally among the branches of the two Travancore Queens, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi and Sethu Parvathi Bayi. This Palace belongs to the heirs of Sethu Parvathi Bayi as it was built by her son Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal Kowdiar Palace's architectural work is famous and has over 150 rooms. The palace has been the residence of the royal family since and is still home to the current erstwhile Maharajas family. For this reason, its not accessible to the public at all times. A number of personal items and memorabilia belonging to the earlier members of the royal family are kept on display here for future posterity. The palace is set amidst a beautiful green garden with the last Raja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma being buried in its vast spaces. This part of the city is also known as Kowdiar and is one of the cleanest and costliest. Its where you will find the residences of the elite members of society as well as many upscale eateries, posh shopping centres as well as lots of greenery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JOHN C. 8 months ago on Google
    It is an ancient palace of travancore dynasty.The rare paintings of Raja ravi varma decorates the walls
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sonal A. 11 months ago on Google
    I visited the palace when I was riding from Delhi to Kanyakumari but I didn't get a chance to go inside. They don't allow visitors anymore and also the residents were out of town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anjaly A. 10 months ago on Google
    Confused to give rating. Didnot see it as visitors are not allowed inside. If that is a private property, we understand there would be privacy issues for the family and it has to be removed from the tourist spot list.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Happy World M. 1 year ago on Google
    Kowdiar Palace in Trivandrum, Kerala, India was built in 1934 by Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal, on Pallikettu (wedding) of his only sister, Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi with Lt. Col. G. V. Raja. After the Constitutional Amendment of 1971, the properties and estates of the royal family were partitioned and divided equally among the branches of the two Travancore Queens, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi and Sethu Parvathi Bayi. This Palace belongs to the heirs of Sethu Parvathi Bayi as it was built by her son Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal. Kowdiar Palace's architectural work is famous and has over 150 rooms. The entry to this palace is restricted as it is the private residence of the royal family settled in Thiruvananthapuram .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 N N. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is actually called kavadiar kottaram in local language ie malayalam kindly correct google s new feature 'hear about this place' in the introduction the voice over says this is the kudiyar palace In English it's called Kowdiar pronounced as kow (as in cow) , di, yaar.

  • 5/5 Jomy J. 10 months ago on Google
    An unforgettable day in my life. I got a chance to meet and interact with them at the palace where the Travancore royal family lives. The modesty of Padmanabha dasas is worth mentioning

  • 5/5 Nitheesh B. 9 months ago on Google
    The Palace is situated in the heart of Trivandrum city, surrounded by lush greenery and commanding views of the surrounding city. Its strategic position adds to the palace's allure, providing a serene escape from the bustle of modern life.

  • 4/5 Mohan K G. 1 year ago on Google
    A place for a quick relaxing, pleasant experience full of beautiful greenery around. Maintaining & managing the environment is commendable.

  • 5/5 randheep r. 1 year ago on Google
    Was fortunate enough to visit the palace and had some quality time spend with .

  • 5/5 Anand A. 1 year ago on Google
    The Main Palace of Travancore Royal Family. It's a Residential Palace surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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