My elder sister wanted me to visit her at Thiruvananthapuram before her proposed international trip. I took the chance to visit the tourist spots there, when she was still there so that I could enjoy a free accommodation:) Her driver took us to many tourist spots, where he was familiar with. Among them, I was lucky to get a chance to visit the famous Kanakakunnu Palace, situated in the heart of the city on the crest of a small hill surrounded by meadows and grooves. Now it is under the custody of Kerala Government. This famous palace was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests in the earlier days. Entrance to the Palace This stunning piece of architectural excellence was constructed during the reign of King Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924). Later, during the period of King Chithira Thirunal, one of the most popular rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, modified it and constructed tennis courts in the premises, and used it as a summer retre