The Kanakakkunnu Palace premises have got a facelift in time for the Onam celebrations organised by Kerala Tourism.
The beautification has been taken up with the aim of recapturing the glory of the palace, while keeping in mind the demands of the rising number of visitors. The work was to be taken up at a cost of Rs.3 crore, but an additional allocation of Rs.2 crore was made. It has been implemented by the Kerala Land Development Corporation.
A flowerbed with multi-hued blooms greets visitors at the entrance to the palace premises. Twelve-foot-wide stone steps and a pathway, stretching 1.25 km, lead to the palace. These are a recreation of the pathway that was made here half a century ago.
At the entry to the steps is a four-fold gate. It is flanked by two obelisks, similar to the ones that stand on the palace premises, brought from Myladi in Tamil Nadu. There are flowerbeds on either side of the stone steps. The steps have replaced the natural slope on the premises. Flamed granite has been used for the steps to prevent skidding.
A waterfall is being built on the level above. The pathway has been lined with granite benches for visitors to relax. Underneath the flagpole are flowerbeds, which when in bloom will have colours of the national flag.
Potted roses, chrysanthemums, ixora ( thetti ), and nandyarvattom add to the plant wealth here. Mexican grass has been used to landscape the front portion of the premises, and buffalo grass in the other areas. A sprinkler irrigation facility has also been installed as part of phase one of the project.
The walls have received a fresh coat of paint, and there are new lighting arrangements. Nishagandhi auditorium too is sporting a new look, with interlocking tiles being laid. Two toilet blocks each have come up for men and women. Work on a leisure park that is proposed to be built to the left of the main entrance of the palace is under way as part of the second phase.
