The ‘God’s own country’ tag can never become a cliche, not with Kerala. Every scene from this state and every tourism ad leaves you gasping. I’ve visited only once and it’s on my wish list ALL the time to go visit again. Apart from the sun and the sand and the simply beautiful countryside, Kerala’s architecture is worth a pause. It is now a statement. It finds itself replicated in eco resorts, in vacation homes, in the highest of fashionable buildings that are trying to reach back into the past for that something we call ‘roots’. But here’s where it all came from… the architecture of kings.
The Anantha Padmanabha temple is much more popular than the palace of the same name, located about an hour’s drive from Trivandrum. The temple hogs the religious visitors while the palace sees only a few tourists who are keen on seeing the architecture without the clamour of religion.
These pictures are from our visit in 2006. each time I revisit the album, the beauty and majesty sweeps me away, all over again.
It looks innocuous on the outside.. Such a pleasure to walk through the palace, all quiet. Takes you back to another era…
All in wood…
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Door handle detail
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A room with a view..another temple outside the palace
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Entry way detail
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Courtyard seen from the first floor
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Cool corridors with the light streaming in in streaks. Can almost hear the patter of bare feet.
A fleeting glimpse 