“When the Nayak Dynasty shifted their capital to Madurai, they set to create the grandest structure of South India.
Thus was born the splendid Thurumalai Nayakar Palace”
And what it turned out to be !! A palace in the heart of Madurai, also fondly called the Madurai Palace, built in 1636 AD by King Thirumalai Nayak. Which has a larger than life structure!! It is a unique palace characterised by strong tall pillars, beautifully aligned arches and cream – white color. Architecture wise it reflects an amalgamation of Dravidian, Muslim and Rajput styles. Actually, it is considered one of the most illustrious monuments built by the Nayak Dynasty in Madurai. Post independence it was declared a national monument of India. Through this complete guide to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, let us take you on a virtual tour of the grand palace.
On our 5 days road trip across Madurai , Rameshwaram, Chettinad and Thanjavur, the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace was the first place we visited. After visiting the palaces of north India, particularly Rajasthan like the majestic Udaipur palace, Jaipur palace and the likes, I had imagined something similar. But to the contrary, it was completely different. In all possible ways – size, architectural style etc.
Entry to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace
As we approached Madurai city on the first day of our road trip from Bangalore, we decided to first visit the palace. And then proceed to our hotel, J C Residency. It was around 3:00pm in the evening. And the city traffic was at it’s peak. On top of that, the one way lane which has entry to the Palace was packed with vehicles parked on either sides. Actually, we took two full circles of the lane. Before we finally found a spot to park our vehicle. And rushed to the Palace entry gate.
There is a small campus leading to the main entry of the palace, with a ticket counter on the right hand side. We bought the ticket and then entered inside. I was simply blown by the majesty of the central hall in the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace. Although, it is only one fourth of the total palace that we get to see.
The stucco work on the walls, arches and ceilings were the first ones to attract my attention. Do you know that giant pillars marking this palace are as high as 82 ft and as wide as 19 ft!!
And as my eyes moved up the pillars to the ceiling, they got fixated on the beautiful paintings and intricate artwork in the ceiling.
It is the first palace I have visited where the ceilings are the most beautiful of all. Supported by a total of some 250 pillars. With an arch between every two pillars.
We went from left to right, making a complete circle of the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, admiring it’s tall pillars, beautiful ceilings, architecture and overall grandeur.
And while doing so, had a close look at the royal throne placed across the central courtyard right opposite the main entrance.
The main areas of Thurumalai Nayakar Palace
Actually, the main palace is divided into two sections, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. Together these consist of several beautiful sections including gardens, residence quarters for the royal, theatres, shrines, armoury, ponds and fountains. This palace was constructed when the Nayak dynasty shifted their capital from Trichy to Madurai. And the construction of this palace kind of marked the beginning of a new era during the rule of the Nayaks.
Light and sound show at Thirumalai Nayakar Palace
The central courtyard of the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace has a lot of chairs to sit. Obviously for the light and sound show that happens in the evening. During this show, strategically placed lights lit up the complete palace which is a sight to behold. It is followed by an audio – visual tour of the rich culture and history of the Nayak Empire. Actually, it is a great way to understand the history of the era and the life of people at that time, via this light and sound show.
We didn’t stay back for the light and sound show. Because we were staying in Madurai for only one night. So, we wanted to first go back to our hotel. Get fresh. And then go on a temple hopping trip around Madurai, including a visit to the much revered Meenakshi Amman Temple. But, we highly recommend you plan a couple of days in Madurai when visiting here so that you can enjoy the light and sound show at the Thurumalai Nayakar Palace.
Below is the timing and fee for the light and sound show :
-
- English show : 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
- Tamil Show : 8:00 PM – 8:50 PM
- Fee : Adults : INR 50, Kids or Students : INR 25
Thirumalai Nayakar Palace Timings and Entry fee to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace
Opening hours :
-
- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
There is a lunch break of half an hour from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM during which the ticket counters are closed and no entry is allowed.
The entry fee to Thirumalai Nayakar palace is really nominal. This is how it goes :
-
- Adults: INR 10, Foreigners: INR 50
- Kids: INR 5,
- Still Camera: INR 30,
- Video Camera: INR 100
Best time to visit Thirumalai Nayakar Palace Madurai
Since the town of Madurai has a hot and humid temperature all through the year. So, as per our complete guide to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, it is best to visit either in the morning hours by 10:00am or in the evening hours after 3:00pm. Either ways, once you are inside the palace you will not feel very hot. Pertaining to it’s really high pillars and covered ceilings, the temperature inside the palace is always much more lower and comfortable. However, if you manage to visit in the morning hours right after the palace opens, you will be avoiding a lot of crowd.
How to reach Thirumalai Nayakar Palace Madurai
The Thirumalai Nayakar Palace is located in the centre of the town of Madurai. Also, it is very close to Meenakshi Amman Temple and many other important temples of the temple town of Madurai. However, the lane in which the entry to the palace lies is a one way lane. And it gets really crowded during the day. Although you can reach here in your own vehicle. But finding a comfortable parking spot can become a bit of a challenge.
So, as per our complete guide to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, best option is to take a local mode of transport like an auto-rickshaw once you are in Madurai. And use it to hop to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and other nearby attractions. You might need to bargain a bit. Because the autos will never run as per the meter. Better to ask your hotel what charges you are expected to pay. And then fix a deal with the auto rickshaws accordingly.
Hope this guide gives you a complete information on the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a must visit when in Madurai.
PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.
 |
 |
 |