Nalknad Palace

Nalknad Palace is found in the scenic and hilly district of Coorg in Karnataka. The place where the mighty river Cauvery generates, there is so much of scenic beauty in Coorg, that is it is even called the Scotland of India. Being listed on the most visited tourist spots and holding a special place in the minds of the people who like to spend some quality time can find this to be an ideal destination. Nalknad Palace is a place where you can lose yourself and just enjoy good climate, peaceful conditions and tranquillity.

History

This was built in between 1792 and 1794 AD by Dodda Veerarajendra when he was fighting battles against Tipu Sultan. Dodda Veerarajendra was the son of Lingaraja I and had waged wars against Tipu Sultan and his army in an effort to reclaim the territory that was rightfully his. Though Tipu Sultan has been very clever in putting Dodda Veerarajendra in a different place under his control, the former grew up and started to claim his right to his motherland.  In spite of the bigger battalion that Tipu Sultan had, the army was able to capture Dodda Veerarajendra but had suffered major setbacks.

It was at this juncture that Veerarajendra decided to take shelter in the thick and lush forests of Nalaknad.  He built a palace for himself there and that is the Genesis of the Nalknad palace.

Architecture

The Nalknad palace is a simple two layered structure with the roofs being even simpler made with just tiles. Since this was a palace built at the war time, the simplicity is seen all over. Though simple, the royal touch is etched all over the palace. After Dodda Veerarajendra, his brother’s son Chikka Veerarajendra crowned himself King and ruled with the Nalknad Palace as his hideout. Just like his father and uncle, he also was a warrior and waged wars against the British. The advanced war techniques of the British were no match for Chikka Veerarajendra and the glory associated with Nalaknad Palace came to a complete end with his surrender to the British.

In spite of its simplicity, the Nalknad Palace has been recorded and is under protection governed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, laid down by the Government of Karnataka. There are also proposals to hike up tourism here by changing this to a part crafts area of the region. This was also recently renovated as a first step towards increasing the flow of tourists to this palace.

Best Time to Visit

In Kodagu, each season has its own advantages, the rainy season sees all the water bodies in full flow, while the summer sees a very pleasant and comfortable climate. So, for visitors keen on water sports, winter is better, while for trekking activities and similar activities summer is better. Overall every climate is pleasant here and the tourists can find something for them to do. This is also an ideal honeymoon spot for newly married couples.

Visitor Information

Depending on their interests and preferences, the visitors can choose the time of visit. If they have no particular agenda and are just planning a holiday, they can do that. However, they do not have to bother too much about this Coorg is a pleasant place all around the year, so this is a safe tourist place for any holiday during the year.

How to Reach

Coorg is in the radar of tourism, so it is well connected by all modes of transport. There are tourists who come here from within the state, within the country and even abroad. Tourists are able to connect from their places well to Coorg, so reaching Nalknad Palace is not difficult at all.

By Air

Mangalore airport is the closest to Coorg and is at a distance of 135 km away. This is connected to important cities in India pretty well and another choice though it is father away is the Blr airport.  Though this is farther away, there are more connections out of Bangalore.

By Rail

Since there are no railway stations in Kodagu, the other choices are the railway stations in Bangalore, Mangalore or Hassan. Mysore could also be another option.

By Road

The Nalknad palace is well connected through road ways from major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Hassan or Mysore. Taxis and KSRTC buses can be used.

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