| As a truly laid back state in India’s vast | | | | black flooring. The enclosed space within the hall |
| landscapes, Kerala is where time truly slows down | | | | also consists of small apertures so as to allow |
| to a palatable pace where everything seems | | | | royal ladies to view the performances in a |
| brighter, lighter and in harmony with its ever | | | | discrete manner. Built under the patronage of |
| friendly populace. Easy going and never in a hurry, | | | | Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the hall is said to have |
| its fervarent hospitality is known worldwide as | | | | hosted many a spirited performance by local |
| some of the warmest in the expanding global | | | | dance troupes. |
| giant that is India. With its infinite waterways, | | | | The 'Chamber of Solitude' is known for its |
| pastoral paddy fields and sandy beaches, Kerala is | | | | exquisite wooden designs and carvings, the finest |
| all that one imagines in a quaint Indian state that | | | | of which depict floral motifs of stunning execution. |
| truly has it all. | | | | The Southern Palace is believed to have been as |
| With its own rich history, Kerala is also the lush | | | | old as the Mother’s Palace and now houses a |
| home of the famed Padmanabhapuram Palace. | | | | makeshift museum where ancient household |
| Pleasantly situated in the fort of | | | | items and antiques are exhibited. |
| Padmanabhapuram within 22km from Nagercoil | | | | The central structure of the palace comprises of |
| and 50km from the state’s capital | | | | four floors where the fourth floor is a royal |
| Trivandrum, the palace once served as the | | | | chamber of worshiped Upparikka Malika. The top |
| resplendent residence of Iravipillai Iravivarma | | | | storey’s floors are also decorated with |
| Kulasekhara Perumal since 1601 A.D. | | | | elaborate murals that go far back as the 18th |
| Located inside a sturdy 4km long granite fortress, | | | | century. The paintings themselves reflect societal |
| the palace is set in the idyllic base of the Veli | | | | practices of the period and choice episodes from |
| Mountains with the Valli River’s tranquil waters | | | | the Puranas. The third floor houses several |
| flowing beside. Believed to be one of finest | | | | chambers as well as the king’s master |
| examples of the Kerala tradition in architecture, | | | | bedroom where the decorative bedstead of the |
| the complex is also considered a conventional | | | | king is also located. Specially made by combining |
| building true to the construction conventions of its | | | | 64 types of medicinal timber the bed is richly |
| birthplace. | | | | ornamented and is believed to have been gifted |
| Consisting of a King's Council Chamber | | | | to the monarch by Dutch traders. Most of the |
| (Mantrasala), a Southern Palace (Thekee | | | | rooms also feature armour and weaponry from |
| Kottaram), Mother's Palace (Thai Kottaram), | | | | the era cased in to the walls of the rooms. |
| Ekantha Mandapam (Solitude Chamber) and a Hall | | | | Other points of interest within the palace complex |
| of Performance (Nataksala), the complex also | | | | include a royal pond and a clock tower which |
| houses a four storied building at the heart of the | | | | dates back three centuries and still counts the |
| property. | | | | hours today. A great hall where gala banquets and |
| The Mantrasala is a must-see venue with its | | | | feasts were held is also part of the landscape in |
| beautifully adorned and multi-hued mica windows | | | | addition to a secret passage which was used by |
| and dark shaded floors constructed out of burnt | | | | the royal family and high ranking officials if their |
| coconut husks and egg whites. The intricate lattice | | | | lives were in imminent danger. Guests should also |
| work is also noteworthy as it encircles the | | | | explore the expansive weapon collection which |
| chamber which was once used to host the | | | | includes swords and daggers as well as the |
| monarch’s meeting with his trusted advisors | | | | Chinese vessels on display. The stone and |
| on matters of state. The Mother’s Palace is | | | | wooden statues in the palace are also magnificent |
| believed to have been built in the 16th century | | | | as are the brass lamps, furnishings and enormous |
| and as such is the oldest quarter of the palace. | | | | mirrors constructed of polished metal. |
| Complete with a central courtyard or | | | | Those in search of hotels in Kovalam would be |
| “nalukettu” flanked by four columns and | | | | more than pleased with the luxury amenities |
| slanted roofs, the Thai Kottaram reflects Kerala | | | | available to them at the The Leela Kempinski |
| architectural splendour in all its ancient glory. The | | | | Kovalam Beach, Kerala. Elegantly designed and |
| Nataksala or Hall of Performance is renowned for | | | | stylishly decorated, this idyllic rest is one of the |
| its sturdy granite columns and shimmering coal | | | | finest Kovalam hotels in Kerala. |