Although it’s actually in Tamil Nadu, this fine palace is easily visited from Thiruvananthapuram or Kanyakumari. It was once the seat of rulers of Travancore, a princely state for over 400 years, which included a large part of present-day Kerala and the western littoral of Tamil Nadu. The palace is superbly constructed of local teak and granite, and stands within the massive stone walls which kept Tipu Sultan at bay in the 18th century.

The architecture is exquisite, with ceilings carved in floral patterns, windows laid with jewel-coloured mica, and floors finished to a high polish with a special compound of crushed shells, coconuts, egg-white and juices of local plants. The 18th century murals in the puja room on the upper floors have been beautifully preserved, and surpass even those at Mattancherry in Kochi.

With its banqueting halls, audience chamber, women’s quarters, recruiting courtyard and galleries, the palace is a must for anyone visiting this part of the country.