Halcyon Castle, Kovalam, Kerala India

Halcyon Castle was built in 1932 in the princely state of Travancore, in the modern day state of Kerala, India. It was constructed by M.R.Ry Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, the consort of H.H. Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, as a retreat for their family. In 1964 the entire property was sold to the Government of Kerala by the Valiya Koil Thampuran, and has since been converted into a deluxe hotel. The castle became disputed when the ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation) who was running the hotel sold out the hotel to a private Hotel resort group. The Hotel and the entire adjoining land area at measuring around 65 acres is now owned by the NRI Business man Dr Ravi Pillai who has entrusted The Leela Hotel Group to manage his 5 Star Deluxe hotel.

The beautiful Halcyon Castle, also known as Kovalam Palace was built in 1932 by the regent, M.R. Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, consort of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi as a perfect summer retreat for the whole family. During the 1960s it was sold to the Kerala government and is a luxury hotel today. It showcases the traditional Kerala architecture and style while the sprawling lawns are well maintained.

 
The Halcyon castle is also known as Kovalam Palace, as it is situated in the international beach resort of Kovalam in Trivandrum. The palace is now under the possession of Leela Group, which runs the 5 star deluxe hotel in Kovalam.