Kowdiar Palace

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!!

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

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.

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.