Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 CE by King Thirumalai Nayak, is one of the most renowned palaces in Madurai. It is located about 2 kilometers southeast of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The architecture of the palace is believed to have been designed by an Italian architect and constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style.
Present Structure & Restoration
Only one-fourth of the original palace remains today. The rest was lost over time. In 1872, Francis Napier, the then-Governor of Madras under British India, undertook a restoration of the palace. Today, it is one of the three major palaces maintained by the Archaeological Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.
Architectural Highlights
The palace is supported by 248 massive pillars, each standing 58 feet high. The ceiling features intricate mythological paintings depicting stories from Vishnu and Shiva traditions.
There were two main sections in the original structure:
- Swarga Vilasam – The King’s Residential Hall
- Ranga Vilasam – The residence of Muthiyalu Nayak (possibly a relative or noble)
Other notable areas within the complex include:
- Music Hall
- Drama Hall
- Palanquin Corridor
- Armory
- Temples or Worship Spaces
- Living quarters for royal family and staff
- The Queen’s Chambers (Anthapuram)
- Gardens and Ponds
Cultural Status & Events
In 1971, the palace was declared a National Monument. Since 1981, a Sound and Light Show has been conducted by the Tourism Department.
- English show: 6:45 PM
- Tamil show: 8:00 PM
In the fiscal year 2008–09, the show generated a revenue of ₹36 lakhs.
Lime-Plaster Construction
The palace is built primarily using lime plaster. To give the walls a smooth and glossy finish, a mixture containing egg whites was used in the construction process.
National Heritage Recognition
Post-Independence, the Government of India declared this palace a national heritage site. It is currently under the protection of the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology.
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lunch Break: 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM