Thevally Palace, Royal residence in Kollam, India
Thevally Palace is a former royal residence in Kollam, Kerala, set on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. It is built from laterite stone with lime plaster finishes and sloping roofs, forming a sizeable complex that sits close to the water.
The palace was built in the early 19th century during the reign of Gowri Parvati Bayi and served as a meeting point between the rulers of Travancore and British officials. This made it a place where two very different powers regularly came face to face.
The building combines Portuguese, Dutch, and British design elements in a way that is rare in Kerala, making it a clear example of how colonial contacts shaped local construction. A small temple dedicated to Lord Sastha also stands on the grounds and is open to visitors.
The grounds now serve as the NCC Group Headquarters for Kollam district, so access for visitors may be limited. It is worth checking in advance whether entry is permitted before making the trip.
A small monument on the grounds marks the memory of a dog that was used in the 19th century to carry messages between a British resident and the palace. It is one of the few memorials of its kind dedicated to an animal in the region.
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