Kuthiramalika
Kuthiramalika, which literaly means Horse Bungalow, takes its name from the roof beams that are carved to resemble the faces of horses.

This palace was designed by efficient sculptors from Tanjore.

Single stone carved pillars and beautifully designed roofs give more attraction to the palace. On the southern portion of the palace there is a beautiful monument of 122 horses, which gets ready to jump towards the south. 'Dantasimhasana' is the most prominent sight in this palace.

This enchanting, rambling old bungalow (a palace of sorts) is adjacent to the Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple in East Fort.

More than anything, Kuthiramalika is an architectural delight. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite woodcarvings.

The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family. The museum housed in it has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile Travancore royal household.

This architectural delight was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was an art lover and a social reformer of that time. Himself a musician and composer of eminence and a great contributor to Carnatic and Hindustani classical music he spent much of his time in this palace composing many of his musical pieces. He spent his last days in this rambling bungalow.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Trivandrum central, about 1 km.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 6 km.