Padmanabhapuram, town in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India
Padmanabhapuram is a town in Kanyakumari district in southern India, known for its historical buildings and traditional architecture centered on a palace complex. The site consists of wood and stone structures with detailed carvings and decorations spread across about 6.5 acres with more than 15 buildings.
The town was founded in the 16th century as a royal seat of the Venad Kingdom, featuring fortified walls and military garrisons. King Marthanda Varma extensively renovated the palace in the 18th century and dedicated it to the god Sree Padmanabha Swamy, from which the present name derives.
Padmanabhapuram takes its name from the deity Sree Padmanabha Swamy, to whom the town is dedicated, reflecting a spiritual connection that remains visible today. Local festivals celebrate with music, dance, and traditional food, keeping the community rooted in its customs and past.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the palace has many steps and uneven floors, and guides are available on site to share stories about the architecture and history. The best time to visit is in the cooler months when the weather is mild and the grounds can be explored comfortably.
The palace lost importance in the 19th century and was avoided by many due to stories of ghostly phenomena and strange noises that gave it a mysterious reputation. In the 1930s it was restored and converted into a museum, finally dispelling such legends and making it accessible to the public.
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