Kanakakunnu Palace
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Upcoming at Kanakakunnu Palace
About Kanakakunnu Palace
Kanakakunnu Palace is a hilltop Travancore palace about 800 metres north-east of Napier Museum, built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885–1924) and now a state-protected heritage building used for tourism events. Its wooded slopes and lawns are the city's main festival ground. The complex holds the open-air Nishagandhi Auditorium and the Sooryakanthi grounds, and it hosts the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (29 January to 1 February in 2026), the Nishagandhi Dance Festival, the main stages of Onam week, the Tourism Department's year-end flower show and many food and craft fairs. On ordinary days the grounds are a free walking and jogging spot from early morning.
Parking: Limited parking inside the gates; on festival days police close it and direct vehicles to nearby roads and school grounds
Frequently asked questions
Can I go inside Kanakakunnu Palace?
The palace building is opened mainly for events and exhibitions. The grounds around it are open to walkers daily.
Which festivals are held at Kanakakunnu?
The Nishagandhi Dance Festival, the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, Onam week programmes, flower shows, and food, book and craft fairs.
How far is it from Napier Museum?
About 800 metres. The two are an easy walk apart along the Museum–Vellayambalam road.
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