Padmanabhapuram Fort

Padmanabhapuram Fort, located in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, is a historical complex surrounding the famous Padmanabhapuram Palace, which was the former capital of the Travancore kingdom. Built originally around 1601 CE and later expanded in the 18th century by King Marthanda Varma, the fort features strong granite walls with four bastions and encloses an area of about 186 acres.

The fort's walls are three feet thick and built using granite and laterite stones, with traditional Dravidian and Malabar architectural styles visible in the two famous temples dedicated to Shiva and Rama inside the fort. The palace within the fort is one of Asia's largest wooden palaces, renowned for its intricate woodwork, carvings, and murals, reflecting the rich craftsmanship of the era. Padmanabhapuram Palace served as a royal residence and administrative center until the mid-19th century and now stands preserved as a museum depicting the grandeur and cultural heritage of the Travancore rulers.

Despite being located in Tamil Nadu after the state's reorganization, the palace is maintained by the Kerala government.