Eraniel palace reconstruction work nearing completion

Reconstruction of the dilapidated palace at Eraniel, which commenced in 2022, is now reaching its final stages with only around 20% of the work remaining.

While the initial project was estimated at ₹5.15 core, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has submitted a revised estimate of around ₹8 crore for the completion of the first phase of the project.

The Eraniel palace, which once served as the royal abode of Venad and Travancore kings, has been left neglected for years, resulting in the deterioration of the structure. In 2013, the then Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha announced the restoration of the palace. However, delay in the implementation of the project has caused further crumbling of the historical structure.

In 2022, Jayakumar from Tiruttani, who bagged the contract, begun the reconstruction work, guided by inputs from eminent conservation architects. Since the palace was in a state of complete ruin with only a few granite pillars left, the project involves sourcing materials similar to the original and rebuilding the structure from the scratch.

More than three-fourths of the work is now complete, with plastering, outer veranda renovation, flooring and other finishing touches pending. To complete this phase, the HR&CE Department has sought nearly ₹8 crore.

A HR&CE Department official said the palace was being rebuilt in the same layout as the original, featuring a durbar hall and a rectilinear edifice with a central courtyard. “The traditional method of construction was followed and bricks were sourced from Rajapalayam,” the official added.

According to the official, since the old wooden rafters were unusable, new teak rafters, topped with anodised aluminium sheets, and roof tiles sourced from Thrissur have been installed. Clay tiles have been planned for the ground floor and red oxide flooring for the first floor.

The official further said ornamental wooden work had been recreated in the dormer areas to match the original design. On the plastering work, the official said, “Limestones are being sourced from Pollachi and plastering will begin soon.”