Built in the 1840s, Kuthiramalika is an example of traditional
Kerala architecture, with its typical sloping roofs, overhanging eaves, pillared verandahs and enclosed courtyards. Intricate carvings adorn the wooden ceilings, with each room having a distinctive pattern. The construction of the palace was completed by 5000
Vishwakarmas in four years. The palace is made from
teakwood,
rosewood,
marble, and
granite. The roof is supported by granite pillars. Floral motifs dot the ceiling of the verandah.
Museum A portion of Kuthiramalika has been converted to a Palace Museum that houses some of the assets owned by the Travancore Royal Family. Although 80 rooms are there in the palace, only 20 are open for visitors. armaments, musical instruments, traditional furniture, greek statues, a musical tree which produces 8 sounds on tapping, and the other of Bohemian crystal with the Tranvancore emblem 'conch' adorning the top of the backrest. The palace has a large collection of idols and sculptures made from white marble. On the first floor are rooms that once served as the audience chamber, the library and an alcove that
Swathi Thirunal used for meditating and for conceiving many of his famous musical compositions. This place offers a direct view of the Padmanabhaswamy temple
gopuram. The small wooden stair there contains carvings of peacock, elephant, and dragon. Ceiling of the rooms contain paintings of parrot, peacock, and elephant. One of the rooms displays an illusion portrait of
Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, painted by
Svetoslav Roerich. The face and the shoes of the king appear facing the onlooker from every corner of the room. ==Swathi Sangeethotsavam==