The palace was historically used by the Travancore royals primarily for entertaining high-profile guests.
The site hosts the annual 'Sooryakanthi' flower show and diverse cultural fairs.
The architecture reflects a blend of traditional Kerala style adapted for the reception of European visitors.
It is situated on a hillock that provides a vantage point over the city of Thiruvananthapuram.
The palace grounds are managed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Tourism, Kerala.
Kanakakkunnu Palace serves as a prominent cultural hub in Thiruvananthapuram, originally built by the Travancore royal family to host state banquets. The palace grounds are maintained by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and are recognized for their distinctive colonial architecture with sloped roofs and large gables. The estate spans a lush hillside, functioning as a primary venue for various government-sponsored arts festivals, dance performances, and public exhibitions. The adjacent Sooryakanthi Fair Grounds frequently hosts seasonal trade expos and cultural events. The structure remains a symbol of the region's heritage, preserved to house exhibitions that highlight Kerala's traditional craftsmanship and performing arts.
The front facade of the palace building, framed by the well-maintained lawns and flowering gardens.
Focus your visit on the evening hours when cultural performances or exhibitions are most active.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive sloping grounds surrounding the main building.
Check the Kerala Tourism official event calendar before arrival to coincide with major festivals or exhibitions.
Avoid visiting during the height of the humid monsoon season (June to August) when outdoor events are frequently cancelled or moved.
The palace grounds are occasionally restricted to the public during private government functions or official state events.
