South India is a storehouse of tranquillity, beautiful scenery, blissful nature, and old tales of India’s grandeur. The palaces of South India are as distinctive and varied as those of their famed northern counterparts. Throughout generations, various South Indian empires have flourished and collapsed, each leaving its imprint on the surroundings through finely designed edifices. Some of these timeless monuments still stand tall in the form of palaces and forts to convey the story of India’s rich history. Several must-visit palaces in North India have received a lot of attention. However, how many palaces in the southern region of India are you aware of? That is why we at Top 10s Only are proud to present to you the Top 10 Must-Visit Palaces Of South India that are a complete joy to visit and admire!
Read More About The Magnificent South Indian Palaces
Nearly every city and town in South India has remnants of the past that are popular tourist destinations. The heritage of South India is extensive and rich, spanning major urban centres like Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram to lesser-known towns like Thuckakay and Srirangapatna. The British Colonisation and many battles have left behind monuments that continue to stand proudly and share the events of all time. You will enjoy learning about the glories of forgotten times and won’t be disappointed with these beautiful palaces of South India. Let’s look at the top 10 must-visit palaces in South India right now!
1. Padmanabhapuram Palace – Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu
In the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu lies the palace associated with the Travancore dynasty known as the Padmanabhapuram Palace. This top 10 best places to visit in South India gets its name from the lotus which originates from Lord Vishnu’s navel (Padma meaning Lotus, Nabha meaning Navel and Puram meaning Town). It is a beautiful illustration of outstanding workmanship and artwork. The Padmanabhapuram Palace, one of the must-visit royal palaces in South India, has proven that the adage “Old is Gold”. Director Fazil’s Malayalam movie ‘Manichitrathazhu’ starring Mohanlal, Shobana and Suresh Gopi was filmed in this palace.
Things to do in Padmanabhapuram Palace –
- Admire the exquisite carvings on the wood of the largest wooden palace in the world.
- Observe the ventilation and lighting methods utilised in the palace.
- Explore the oldest wing of the palace complex- Thai Kottaram or Mother Palace.
2. Jaganmohan Palace – Mysore, Karnataka
Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore is one of the 10 best royal palaces to visit in India. The distinctive tastes of the Mysore Wadiyars are outstandingly reflected in the architecture of this palace. The royal family used Jaganmohan Palace as a getaway residence. It is now known as Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery which serves as both an art gallery and a venue for events. The painting ‘Lady with the Lamp’, is a significant piece of art here. It was created by the artist Haldenkar. Also on exhibit are paintings on rice grains that can only be seen in detail with a magnifying glass.
Things to do in Jaganmohan Palace –
- Be amazed by the carvings of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations on the palace’s main door.
- Look at the Wadiyar genealogy which provides an in-depth peek into this fascinating location’s past.
- Witness a magnificent collection of paintings, including works by famous artists Roerich and Raja Ravi Verma.
3. Kuthiramalika Palace – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Kuthiramalika, a term that means palace of horses, is a royal palace of the Travancore Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, located in Thiruvananthapuram in South India. This palace is one of the best manifestations of typical Kerala architecture with its classic sloping roofs, columned verandahs, and covered courtyards. 122 wooden horses embellish this magnificent building’s pillars that support its southern roof. The palace museum is home to valuables like ethnic jewellery previously worn by queens, sculptures and many metal idols. Officially known as Puthen Malika, this is one of the top ten famous South Indian royal palaces.
Things to do in Kuthiramalika Palace –
- Hire a guide to show you the various treasures found throughout the palace.
- Plan your trip to coincide with the ten-day Swathi Sangeethotsavam, also known as the Swathi Music Festival, honouring Maharaja Swathi Thirunal’s musical masterpieces.
- Visit the museum to check out the thrones used by the Travancore rulers.
4. Chettinad Palace – Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu
One of the most famous palaces in South India is the Chettinad Palace or Kanadukathan Palace in Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. This palace reflects the conventional Chettinad style of architecture. High-grade Italian marble, Burmese teak, stained glass, and a combination of colourful and elaborate wrought iron were all used in the palace’s construction. Chettinad Palace is a preferred setting for many filmmakers. Director Rajiv Menon’s ‘Kandukondain Kandukondain’ is the most memorable movie to be shot here, with a strong ensemble that includes Tabu, Aishwarya Rai, Mammooty, and Ajith. This palace has become the village’s landmark. (To enter the Chettinad palace, get permission in advance.)
Things to do in Chettinad Palace –
- Take in the tranquilly and scenic splendour of the location.
- Observe the finest raw materials worldwide, including Athangudi tiles, Murano glass, and Belgian chandeliers.
- Stretch your neck and gaze up at the Italian tiled palace ceiling.
5. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal – Madurai, Tamil Nadu
The Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is a historic place in Madurai. Thirumalai Nayak built this palace in 1636. It is one of the top ten most spectacular royal palaces in India. Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa are the two portions of the main palace. These two portions contain different elements of the royal palace. The Darbar hall has a throne that the Nayak kings once utilised. Many people have chosen to film their songs and films here because of the palace’s stunning grandeur. Popular tunes from Mani Ratnam’s ‘Bombay’ and ‘Guru’ were filmed here.
Things to do in Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal –
- Watch the spectacular light and sound performance that tells the tale of the palace’s history and culture.
- Observe the magnificent work on the palace’s arches and domes.
- Visit the Natakasala with a beautiful collection of artwork, kitchenware, pictures of the palace in all its splendour, and various sculptures.
6. New Palace – Kolhapur, Maharashtra
One of the top ten most beautiful palaces in India is the New Palace in Kolhapur. The descendants of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj continue to use it as their residence. The first level of this palace is home to the present Maharaja of Kolhapur. The palace’s ground floor has been transformed into the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum. The museum features numerous artworks, images, sculptures, and beautiful furniture items of the Kolhapur kings. The palace has a distinctive architectural style and is constructed of black polished stone. There is a tower in the centre of this eight-angled structure. Stained glass murals of scenes from Chhatrapati Shivaji’s life cover the arches of the Durbar Hall.
Things to do in New Palace –
- Get an understanding of Maratha’s history and its imperial grandeur.
- Awe at the Aurangazeb’s sword, which is maintained on display in the museum.
- Visit the palace’s on-site zoo, habitat for some migratory birds and herbivorous species.
7. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – Srirangapatna, Karnataka
The Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Srirangapatna was used by the former king of Mysuru, Tipu Sultan, as his summer residence. Popularly known as Dariya Daulat Bagh, it is one of the royal palaces in South India. Construction of the palace was started in 1778 by Hyder Ali and finished in 1784 by his son Tipu Sultan. One of the top 10 best palaces to visit in South India, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is built on an elevated platform with teakwood pillars and has two stories. The palace museum displays a number of artefacts related to Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali. One of the most eye-catching exhibits in this museum is the oil painting “ Storming of Seringapatanam” by Sir Robert Ker Porter.
Things to do in Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace –
- Stroll across the palace’s surrounding, colossal green garden.
- Appreciate the palace’s interior paintings depicting historical conflicts and occurrences.
- Check out the gigantic Gumbaz which has the tombs of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
8. Purani Haveli – Hyderabad, Telangana
Built by the Nizams of Hyderabad, Purani Haveli is one of the must-visit Southern royal palaces of India. Other names for it include Masarrat Mahal and Haveli Khadeem. It has a typical courtyard design and a European-style facade. There is a manually operated lift inside, and the hallways are oozing with antiquity. According to historical evidence, this palace was built for Sikandar Jah. He did, however, reside here for a while before moving to Chowmahalla Palace later. The Purani Haveli got its name because it remained vacant for a considerable time.
Things to do in Purani Haveli –
- Witness the two-story walk-in closet that is the longest in the world.
- Explore the magnificent possessions of the Nizams on display in the palace museum.
- Admiration for the collection of vintage cars, which includes a 1930 Rolls-Royce, a Packard, and a Jaguar Mark V.
9. Thanjavur Nayak Palace – Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The magnificent Thanjavur Nayak Palace is a historical landmark in the town of Thanjavur. It is one of the top 10 royal palaces in India. The palace, often referred to as the Aranmanai or the Maratha Palace, was initially constructed by the Thanjavur Nayaks but was taken over by the Marathas. Royal Palace Museum, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Arsenal Tower, Bell Tower, Sangeet Mahal, and Darbar Hall, are among the palace’s most notable attractions. The Durbar Hall features various paintings of Maratha Rulers. The Thanjavur Art Gallery is currently located in this hall. There is a secret passageway between the palace and the Brihadeeshwarar Temple. For history enthusiasts, this palace is a must-see location.
Things to do in Thanjavur Nayak Palace –
- Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, housed within the royal complex and the oldest historical library in India.
- Get an aerial view of the Brihadeeshwarar Temple Vimana from the Arsenal Tower and the Bell Tower.
- Keep an eye out for the carefully labelled Chola-era sculptures.
10. Mysore Palace – Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Mysore royal family, is one of the most magnificent South Indian palaces in India. The Indo-Saracenic architectural style was used to construct the Mysore Palace. It is a stone palace with three stories and marble domes. A beautiful garden encircles the palace. The Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavillion), which houses a display of antique dolls from various eras, serves as the entrance to this South Indian royal palace. The Durbar Hall served as a venue for hearings and announcements to the public. Inside this hall lies the royal throne, an exquisite masterpiece with captivating artwork.
Things to do in Mysore Palace –
- Be sure to catch the impressive light and sound display that tells the tale of the palace’s history.
- Plan your visit during the ten-day Dasara celebrations to experience the grandeur of the palace.
- Explore the Musical Instrument Gallery, which showcases an extensive collection of Indian and Western musical instruments.
The South Indian palaces are architectural wonders that radiate luxury and grace. They stand as evidence of the area’s rich historical and cultural legacy. You will feel the vibrations of the past echoing through the architecture as you walk through the hallways of the top 10 must-visit palaces of South India. In addition to serving as homes, the palaces served as hubs for cultural exchange where intellectuals, poets and artists came to celebrate and share their unique skills. When you enter these palaces, you will make a bond with the human essence that once flourished there, bridging the past and the present. So, which one were you able to connect with? Share with us in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Indian Royal Palaces
Which are the most-visited royal palaces of South India?
The various royal palaces located in South India are evidence of the region’s illustrious history and cultural heritage. Although it can be hard to figure out the most-visited royal palaces of South India, Mysore Palace in Mysore, Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad, Lotus Palace in Hampi, Mattancherry Palace in Kochi, and Bangalore Palace in Bangalore are a few examples that are worth exploring for their architectural beauty, cultural significance, and historical importance.
Is Mysore Palace worth seeing?
Yes, Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is worth seeing. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore, Karnataka, India. The palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural significance.
Which is the oldest wooden palace in India?
India’s and Asia’s oldest, biggest, and best-preserved traditional wooden structure is Padmanabhapuram Palace. Its distinctive, magnificent wooden architecture is unmatched in India.
What is Thanjavur Maratha Palace popularly called?
Thanjavur Maratha Palace is popularly called Thanjavur Aranmanai.
Which South Indian royal palace was mentioned in the show “The Big Bang Theory?”
In numerous Malayalam films, the Kuthiramalika palace has been portrayed. The Relaxation Integration, episode 11 of the popular TV programme “The Big Bang Theory”, also referred to it.