Thirumalai Nayak Palace Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai overview with the history, architecture, timings and many more

Thirumalai Nayak Palace Madurai is the Islamic and Dravidian Style architecture. The palace is very attractive for the ones who were on their trip to explore the places of Madurai. The Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai was built in 1635 by King Thirumalai Nayak who had a keen vision of creating a masterpiece for royal home. The palace was designed as the home for King by an Architect from Italy. The palace seems to be very attractive during evenings for its sound and light shows. Immediately after Independence the Palace under the protection of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department was declared as the National Monument.

History of the Palace

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was constructed by the Italian Architect who was hired by the King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. The palace was 4 times bigger than what is seen at present. The grandson of the King had demolished the palace to a great extent. King’s grandson had removed the exquisite woodcarvings and precious jewels to build his own palace in Tiruchirappalli, he couldn’t materialize his dream palace which is grander than this palace.

From 1866 to 1872, the palace was partially renovated by the Madras Governor, Lord Napier. Present, after many changes made on the palace tourists are able to see the entrance gate, Main Hall and the Dance hall.

Architecture of the Palace

Thirumalai Mahal, an intention of Thirumalai Nayak creating a unique piece of Palace to stay for him. This palace is the mixture of Islamic and Dravidian Style Architecture designed by the Architect from Italy. The interior will be amazing for everyone with its sculpting and intricate paintings and on the roof of the palace is very attractive.

Only a few parts of the palace were remained at present due to the distortion of the palace for various reasons. The palace was built with the foliated brickwork, majestic pillars, and the polished texture of the palace which is made with the combination of Shell lime with egg white. The pillars are about 82 feet high and 19 feet wide. The palace has a big and grand entrance gate from which central hall with about 41979 sq. feet will be reached.

The palace was divided into 2 major sections namely Swarga Vilasam and Ranga Vilasam. These sections mainly comprised of Quarters of workers, Royal Residence, Auditorium, ponds and gardens, religious places, queen’s harem, etc. In swarga vilasam one can see the throne room which is decorated by the throne of Nayak King. This Vilasam is an arcaded octagon which is covered by the dome of about 80 feet, supported by huge columns of stone robs and circular shape.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal Timing

The opening and closing timings of the Palace is from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM all days of the week.

Sound and Light Show Timing Palace

The light and Sound timings 6:45 PM to 7:35 PM (English Show)

From 8:00 PM to 8:50 PM (Tamil Show).

How to Reach

Madurai Bus Station to Thirumalai Nayakka Palace – 2.2 KM and can be reached within 10 minutes.

Madurai Railway Station to the Palace – 2.2 KM and can be reached within 10 minutes

Madurai Airport to Palace – 10.5 KM and can be reached within 20 minutes.

Address

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Panthadi 1st St, Mahal Area, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001.

Contact Number

For More details and tour booking and for hotel bookings please contact – 8500898000, 9393939150 or visit our site www.tripnetra.com