Tamil Nadu is a famous tourist spot that houses several magnificent palaces that dates back to the ancient times. These palaces depict the skills of the ancient craftsmen and the architectural beauty of the yesteryears. The palaces are also known for their historical importance. There are several admirable palaces located in the state that are visited by many tourists. Some of the have been mentioned below:
Amir Mahal
Amir Mahal built in the year 1798 is located in Royapettah, a suburb in Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was built by the British East India Company for housing the administrative offices of the company. The palace was an official residence of the Nawab of Arcot and his family. The family resided here since 1976. Presently the successors of the Nawab Mohummad Abdul Ali and his three brothers still reside in the palace along with their families.
Chepauk Palace
Chepauk Palace is located in the vicinity of Chepauk in Chennai. Earlier the palace was the official residence of the Nawab of Arcot from 1768 to 1855. The palace spreads over an area of 117 acres and has been enclosed by a wall. When the principality of Carnatic was abolished in 1855 the palace was auctioned. It was then purchased by the Madras government.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the royal monuments located at a distance of 50 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 20 kms from Nagercoil. Located in a small village this is one of ancient monuments of Kerala which depict the life style of ancient rulers in Kerala. It is situated at the foot hills of Veil Hills. It was built in 1601 under the patronage of Iravi Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal. Padmanabhapuram Palace includes few buildings like the Chamber of solitude located in the southern corner of mother`s palace. The palace also includes a special hall for the council of ministers. The palace also includes some other important chambers like the Mantrasala (King`s Council Chamber), Thai Kottaram (mother`s palace), Ekantha mandapam (chamber of Solitude), Natakasala (Hall of Performance), the central Building and Theekee Kottaram (Southern palace).
Tamukkam Palace
The Tamukkam Palace is located in Madurai. It is a summer house built in c. 1670. It served as a summer palace of Rani Mangammal, the queen regent of the Madurai Nayak kingdom. Later the palace was taken over by the British and was used as the official residence of the District Collectors. The palace now houses the Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
Thanjavur Maratha Palace
The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known as Aranmanai by the local people is located in the Tanjore region. It served as the official residence of the Bhonsle family. It is an ancient palace that consists of the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen`s courtyard and the Durbar Hall. The Sadar Mahal Palace houses the Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and the Royal Palace Museum. A small bell tower and a Saraswathi Mahal Library are also located here.
The Thanjavur Maratha palace was constructed by the rulers of Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. Later it was used as the residence of the Thanjavur Marathas. However, even after the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed in the year 1799 by the British Empire, the Thanjavur Marathas had a hold over the palace as well as the surrounding fort. Even when the last king Shivaji II was overthrown by the Doctrine of Lapse, the Bhonsle family continued to reside in the palace.
Fernhill Palace
Fernhill Palace nestled in the Nilgiri Hills earlier served as the residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. In the year 1844 the first Fernhills bungalow was constructed under the patronage of Capt. F. Cotton. In the summers the English elite would vacate the hot and muggy plains and take shelter in the Fernhills bungalow located in the midst of cool and calm climate. The Palace has been built beautifully resembling a Swiss Chalet. It is spread out over an area of 50 acres and is adorned with lush green lawns and decorative gardens.
Ettaiyapuram Palace
Ettaiyapuram Palace located in Tamil Nadu served as a residence for many notable people like great tamil poet Bharathiyar, Umarup Pulavar and others. The palace is located almost 56 kms from Tirunelveli.