This iconic structure was built in the 1840s by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. The palace and its museum give us an insight into the glorious culture of Kerala and the historical significance of the bygone era. The palace takes its name from the 122 horses that adorn many pillars that support the southern roof of this majestic structure.

A part of the building of the palace has been converted into a museum. The Kuthira Malika museum is surely a crowd puller, for it houses the rarest collections used by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Besides the museum has some rare priceless works of art, including two of the royal thrones of the Travancore kings, and 14 life-size Kathakali figurines, among the other collections.

The Kuthiramaila Palace Museum is made in pure Kerela-style designs that are typical of the Travancore era. The palace museum architecture boasts sloping roofs, pillared passages, outlined courtyards, and overhanging eaves- all distinctive characteristics of ancient Kerala-style architecture. The most noteworthy architectural marvel is the 122 horses that adorn the many pillars that support the southern roof of this majestic structure. The palace is made of teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite and is said to have been built by around 5000 Vishwabrahmins in 4 years. One of the most fascinating pieces of the architectural design is that there are palace has 16 main rooms, and no two rooms are alike.

The Palace Museum is a gateway to the glorious culture and traditions of Kerala, and one can make the best out of their visit by doing the following activities there - 

• Take a stroll in the palace museum rooms- Visitors can soak in the cultural and traditional aspects of the palace museum. One can visit the 20 rooms of the 60 rooms in the palace.
• Take a guided tour - Visitors who are looking for deeper knowledge can take a guided tour of the palace museum.
• Visit the Kuthiramalika Museum - The Museum has the rarest of rare collections used by the royal Travancore family. One of the popular attractions there is the famous illusion portrait of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma painted by Svetoslav Roerich. 
• Check out the Musical tree - This tree produces 8 different sounds when tapped in different locations!

• Taking a guided tour of the palace museum is always recommended because it will give you a detailed idea of the many wonders hidden in the palace.
• Since the palace museum is to be covered by walking, always wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
• Do not forget to visit the Kuthira Malika Museum which houses the rare collection of the erstwhile Travancore royal family.

Although the city is a year-round destination, if you want to avoid the hot sun and humid climate, the best time to visit is between October to March. During this period, the humidity is at the mean level, and it is pleasant and cool.  However, if you are to visit the city during the summer months, you can visit the museum in the evenings. If you wish to attend the Swathi Sangeetothsvam Festival, you can visit the palace between 6th January and 12 January each year.

• Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Palace
• Napier Museum
• Sreevaraham Temple Pond

• The palace is named after the 122 horses that adorn the many pillars that support this marvelous palace.
• The palace museum houses the rarest of rare collections used by the Travancore family.
• The palace premise has a Musical tree that produces 8 different sounds when tapped in different locations!
• There is the famous illusion portrait of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma painted by Svetoslav Roerich. The peculiarity of the paintings is that no matter from what angle you look at the painting, you will always find the eyes and the feet following you.