Phase I of Travancore Heritage Tourism Project to focus on Kerala’s Capital

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 330

FEBRUARY 2021

The cultural wealth of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom will be celebrated with the help of a Rs. 100-crore Travancore Heritage Tourism Project (THTP). Through this unique project, the Kerala government aims at the conservation of the region’s palaces, mansions and temples. The landmarks of the city will be illuminated whilst their old world charm will be retained.

The THTP covers heritage structures from the Padmanabhapuram Palace to the Parthasarathy temple. The first phase will be carried out in four stages across Thiruvananthapuram district.

“The Travancore Heritage Tourism Project is an attempt to highlight the hidden jewels of the erstwhile kingdom and give a boost to tourism, creating a new circuit for visitors to explore Kerala,” said Tourism Minister Mr. Kadakampally Surendran.

The first phase of the THTP will involve giving a facelift to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and adjoining East Fort, besides 19 other majestic building complexes on either side of the arterial MG Road, right up to Vellayambalam, spanning five kilometres. These structures will be illuminated by employing state-of-the-art techniques.

The second phase will include renovation of the historical monuments such as the Koyikkal Palace in Attingal, the 150-year-old Anantha Vilasam mansion, the 1839-built Ranga Vilasam and Sundara Vilasam.

The other historic structures that come within the project include the state secretariat, Kilimanoor Palace, Arattu Mandapam, Anjengo Fort, the rock-cut cave at Vizhinjam, State Central Library, Ayyankali Hall, University College, Post Master General (PMG) building and so on.