Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Thirumalai Nayak Palace Architecture
The building as it stands today was the main palace and the original palace was about four times bigger than the present structure. This palace is made of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these two parts, there are theatre, royal residence, shrine, pond, royal bandstand, apartments, quarters, and garden. Festivals like Chithirai festival, Navarathri, Masi festival and the Float festival were celebrated in the palace. The palace was utilized to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration.
It is surprising to accept the fact that in-order to make bricks for constructing the Mahal, Thirumalai Nayakar evacuated a large area of land. This gradually became a huge pond. The annual float festival of Meenakshi Amman takes place here every year.
This palace was destroyed by Chokkanatha Nayak, grandson of Thirumalai Nayak and the valuables were transferred to other places. During 19th century, Lord Napier, governor of Madras between 1866 and 1872 made several renovation works. Today, only the spacious rectangular courtyard called the Swarga Vilasam and a few adjoining buildings survive. Their tremendous scale evokes the magnificence of a vanished period.
Above all, adding to the pride of Madurai this heritage monument was declared as a national monument after independence. This Mahal is currently under the control of Tamil Nadu Archeological Department.Thus it is maintained neat and clean for the flow of tourists. The palace is well equipped to perform Light & Sound shows depicting the story of Silappathikaram in both Tamil & English languages every day.
Quick Facts
Show: Enjoy the “Sound and Light show” in Tamil from 6:45pm to 7:35 pm and in English from 8:00pm to 8:50pm.
Location: Madurai
How to Reach Thirumalai Nayak Palace
By Air: The palace is situated in Madurai. By air one can reach the palace by the Madurai airport.
By Rail: Madurai railway station is located in the city.
By Road: Tourists can reach the palace by bus, taxi, auto rickshaw and car facilities available in the Madurai city.