Thiruvananthapuram Fort area is situated around Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its premises. Inside one finds structures used by the erstwhile royal family, including several small and big palaces, and palatial buildings built in traditional as well as western style of architecture.  These include small temples, priest’s quarters, other religious buildings and several palaces etc. 

The fort that dates back to the 14th century has four main Gateways such as Kizhakkekotta (East Fort), Padinjarekotta (West Fort) Thekkekotta (South Fort) and Vadakkekotta (North Fort). Besides, there are gateways at Sreevaraham, Sreekanteswaram and Vettimuricha kotta for the convenience of the public.