The Sivaganga palace, also called "Gowri Vilasam", is situated in the Sivaganga district about 40 km from Madurai. It was once the seat of Marava kings. At present the palace is in dilapidated condition but the architectural beauty can still be appreciated. The architectural style of the palace reflects elements borrowed from the Thirumalai Nayak's period and infused with Rajputana arts. Inside the Palace The Temple of Sri Raja Rajeshwari.It is built in the year of 1730s.

The only portion intact at the Gowri Vilasam is the temple of Sri Raja Rajeshwari. It is the family deity of the royal family. Sri Raja Rajeshwari temple is open for the public only in the evenings and on auspicious days. On the Southern part of the temple there is a huge hall supported with numerous pillars. It is believed that the entire royal household functions used to take place there. There is a palanquin in the front facade of the palace that lies in a decrepit condition. Nadai KinaruNadai Kinaru is another important and interesting feature in the Sivaganga palace. It is actually a miniature swimming pool. It is believed that the tank had direct connections so that fresh water could be provided and also fill two huge tanks beside the Nadai Kinaru. It was apparently meant for the womenfolk of the royal family.

Thanjavur, the capital city of Cholas, is a flourishing city from the 7th century CE. At present there are two important forts namely Chinna Kottai (Little fort) and Periya Kottai (Big fort). Thanjavur Palace is situated within the Big Fort Complex. This fort was erected by the Vijayaraghava Nayakkar (1633-74 CE) who was the last king of Thanjai Nayak dynasty.The State Department of Archaeology protects the important monuments in the palace complex, such as Arsenal Tower, Bell Tower, Darbar hall of the Marathas and Sadar Madi ( Sarjah Madi).Arsenal Tower is a structure, which attracts the visitors to Thanjavur even as the Tower of the Big Temple does. This Arsenal Tower is 190 feet height with eight storeys and was constructed in 1855 CE during the period of Marathas. It was used for storing weapons, armouries and ammunition, and was also serving as a watchtower.
View of Darbar Hall
View of Thanjavur Palace
Several varieties of weapons were stored inside the building including those imported from European countries. When the English in 1855 CE captured the palace all items of arsenal stored in the building were transferred to Tiruchirappalli, in 1863.Bell tower is situated in the Northwestern side of the Arsenal Tower. This tower is also known as “the wide holed ear pavilion” to the public. It is also believed that the Vijayaraghava Nayakkar offered worship in the direction of Srirangam from the top terrace of this tower.
This tower, which is having seven storeys, is stated to have initially held more number of storeys, which were damaged by thunder and rain. A research note informs that there was a novel clock of sizable dimensions, forming part of the structure in which the figure of a monkey used to strike the gong every hour. The tower is fashioned in the style of Gingee Nayaks.
Sadar Madi
Portraits of several Maratha rulers including Sarfoji are painted in the Darbar hall. The octagonal columns, marvellous arches and wall of the hall are adorned with images of deities like Siva, Vishnu, Indra with their consort etc. Thanjavur Palace with its architectural beauty reflects the ‘Marathas’ and ‘Nayaks’ patronage towards art and culture. Paintings in the Darbar hall depict the scenes from epic Ramayana and stucco figures of Gods and Goddesses are well projected on the walls and ceiling

The Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the most magnificent monuments of Tamilnadu. It is situated in Kanyakumari district, 15 km from Nagercoil and 55 km South-West of Thiruvananthapuram. The Padmanabhapuram palace was the seat of power of the rulers of Travancore. The palace is known for its planning and military architecture and remained the center of power till 1790, when the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram. The main attractions of the Padmanabhapuram Palace are its sheer aesthetic beauty, murals, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings.The palace bears testimony to the architectural excellence reached in this region and commands admiration and awe from the visitor. The exact year of the construction of the fort is shrouded in mystery and it is believed that the fort was built in 1601 A.D. As you enter the Padmanabhapuram palace, a brass lamp hanging from the magnificently carved wooden ceiling greets you. It is interesting to note that the ceiling of the palace has 90 varieties of flowers. A17th century black bed of seven granite stones is housed in the hall of the Padmanabhapuram palace. The walls of the Padmanabhapuram palace have wooden planks, which depict "Anantasyana", Lord Vishnu in reclining posture. The Council Chamber of the Padmanabhapuram palace is an example of excellence in wood and inspires awe. The floor, which is made up of a mixture of burnt coconut shells, laterite, lime and sand shines to this day. Martanda Verma built the King's quarters in 1744 A.D. It is also known as "Upparika malika". The courtyard, which leads to this building served as a parade ground for recruiting soldiers for the army. There are about 50 murals, depicting Lord Vishnu with his consorts and Lord Krishna with the Gopis, adorn the walls of the prayer hall. There are several paintings, depicting incidents in the life of Martanda Verma, displayed on the corridor leading to the guesthouse. Navarathra Mandapam, an imposing granite structure, is probably the most beautiful part of the Padmanabhapuram palace. When you come out from the gates of the palace into the open, you get this strange feeling of having relived history and leave Padmanabhapuram with a bit of history with you.