Puthen Maliga Palace Museum

The Puthen Malika Palace Museum (also known as Kuthira Malika) invites you to immerse yourself in the former grandeur of South Indian monarchs. Located in the heart of Trivandrum, this architectural masterpiece is a prime example of traditional Travancore style. Built from noble teak, rosewood, marble, and granite, the building impresses with its elegant forms and intricate wood carvings.

Puthen Maliga Palace Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main feature of the palace in India, which gave it its second name — the "Mansion of Horses" — lies in the 122 carved wooden brackets shaped like horses that support its sloping roofs. Inside, an equally impressive sight awaits: a unique collection of royal treasures, including thrones made of elephant tusks and Bohemian crystal, as well as antique weapons and priceless paintings by famous artists.

Today, about 20 out of 80 rooms are open to visitors, where you can see the personal belongings of Maharajas, Kathakali dance figures, and antique furniture. Puthen Malika is more than just a museum; it is a living testament to the high skill of Kerala craftsmen, preserving the spirit of the era of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.

For more details about your visit or to organize a group tour, you can use the museum's official contact information.

Within the walls of the museum, a fascinating journey into the world of Indian aristocracy awaits. The highlight here is a careful study of the interiors and ceiling carvings, where every fragment tells its own story. Be sure to join a guided tour: stories about the rulers' lifestyle and the symbolism of the exhibits make the visit much more meaningful and engaging.

Among the unique exhibits that should not be missed are the crystal throne, gifted to the royal family by Czechoslovakian masters, and the majestic ivory throne. Art lovers will appreciate the art gallery featuring works by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich, while military history enthusiasts can examine a collection of edged weapons, including rhinoceros hide shields.

Please note the strict rules: photography is prohibited indoors, but for a small fee, you can take atmospheric photos of the palace exterior. If your visit coincides with the annual Swathi Sangeethotsavam music festival, you will have a unique chance to hear Carnatic classical music within the same walls where the composer-Maharaja himself once created his masterpieces.

The museum is located in the heart of the historic East Fort district, in close proximity to the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. From the Trivandrum city center, you can reach the site by taxi or auto-rickshaw in just a few minutes, as the distance is only about 2 kilometers.

If you plan to use public transport, choose any bus going to the East Fort or Pazhavangadi stop. From the city's central railway station, a rickshaw ride will take no more than 10 minutes. For those arriving from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, a taxi ride takes about 20–30 minutes (a distance of approximately 8 km).

Since parking directly at the palace complex is limited, visitors are advised to use rickshaw services or arrive on foot if already in the temple area. A walk through the colorful streets of the fort will be a pleasant addition to your excursion.

The history of this architectural masterpiece is inextricably linked with the name of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, a distinguished ruler of Travancore. The palace was built in the 1840s and became the embodiment of the aesthetic views of the monarch, who was not only a talented statesman but also an acclaimed poet and composer. Approximately 5,000 skilled craftsmen worked for four years to complete the palace.

Interestingly, the Maharaja lived in this magnificent building for only one year. Following his death in 1846, the palace remained abandoned for a long time — according to local beliefs and traditions, the royal family did not occupy the building for over a century. It was only on April 1, 1995, that part of the premises was restored and opened to the general public as a museum to preserve the priceless heritage of the dynasty.

The official name of the complex is Puthen Malika, which translates to "New Mansion." However, it is much better known to the public as Kuthira Malika, or the "Mansion of Horses." This name stuck due to the 122 carved wooden brackets in the shape of horses that support the roof eaves and serve as the building's signature feature. Every element of the carving here is the exquisite work of 18th–19th-century masters, preserved in its original form.

To leisurely explore the main halls of the museum and appreciate the skill of the woodcarvers, a typical tourist needs about 1 to 1.5 hours. This is enough time to walk through the 16 rooms open to the public accompanied by a guide and view the collection of artifacts.

If you plan to additionally visit the art gallery or want to walk around the complex to study the external architectural details, we recommend setting aside about 2 hours for your visit. Keep in mind that the museum closes for a lunch break, so it is best to plan your visit for the beginning of the morning or afternoon session.

The Puthen Maliga Palace Museum is open daily except Mondays, with a lunch break in the middle of the day:

• Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 12:45 and 15:00 – 16:45
• Monday: Closed

It is recommended to arrive at the start of the morning or afternoon shift to ensure you have enough time to see the collection before the ticket counter closes, which usually happens 15–20 minutes before the end of the working hours.

A visit to Puthen Malika Palace is just one part of discovering the rich cultural layers of Southern India. The museum's location in the historic center makes it easy to combine your tour with other interesting sights in the city.

The surroundings of East Fort are famous for their old-town atmosphere, where modern shops sit alongside ancient shrines. After immersing yourself in royal history, you can check out local entertainment centers or visit themed aquariums, which are especially popular with travelers with children.