Kuthira Malika

Kuthira Malika (Mansion of Horses) is a palace on the south-eastern side of Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum or Puthenmalika Palace Museum is a beautiful two-storeyed palace. Also known as horse palace, it houses numerous artefacts. The palace courtyard also becomes live during the yearly music festival conducts in the courtyard, Swathi Sangeethotsavam. A music festival commemorating the legacy of Swathi Thirunal and is conducted from 4 to 13 January every year. The celebrated Navarathri Mandapam, which is the venue of famous music concerts, is located just in front of Kuthira Malika Palace.

The mandapam has got unique sound reflectors in the form of hanging earthen pots. This sound arrangement has won acclaim because of the excellent acoustic effect it produces. This rare specimen of workmanship, in the traditional Travancore style of architecture has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.