Nalknad Palace - Kakkabe - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 35 km from Madikeri, Nalaknad or Nalknad Palace is situated near Kakkabe in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Located at the bottom of Thadiyandamol Peak, the highest mountain of Coorg, is one of the best heritage places to visit in Coorg.

Also called as Naalnaad Aremane, the Nalaknad Palace was built by Kodava king Dodda Veerarajendra in 1792 CE after escaping from the attack of Tippu Sultan during his invasion of Coorg. This double storied building served as a hunting lodge for the Kodava kings. In the front of the palace, there is beautiful mantapa, built in 1796 for marriage ceremony of Dodda Veerarajendra with Mahadevammaji. This palace is believed to be the last refuge of the final king of Kodagu, Chikka Veerarajendra before the British deposed him.

With intricate wooden carvings, low slung conical roof, crested dome and pillared facade, the palace is an architectural wonder. The courtyard of the palace is decorated with statues of four bulls. The entire palace is decorated with ancient paintings which make a major tourist attraction.

The Nalaknad Palace is a protected monument under the guidance of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Karnataka. It was renovated by INTACH. It has been proposed to make Nalknad Palace a tourist spot by converting it into a museum where crafts and weapons of the local region of Kodagu at that time would be displayed.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM