All’s calm and quiet at Munnar’s Raj Bhavan

Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s official residence in Thiruvananthapuram, is currently in the eye of a political storm with the present incumbent and the state government engaged in an open confrontation. In contrast, total peace prevails at another Raj Bhavan, which is located in the popular travel destination of Munnar.

The 'Raj Bhavan' at Munnar was built in 1920 by Sree Moolam Thirunal, who was the Maharaja of Travancore, as a summer residence for the royal family. The king and his relatives, along with their retinue, regularly arrived at the Raj Bhavan in Munnar during March every year when the mercury soared in Thiruvananthapuram.

Subsequently, the affairs of the palace were conducted from this building in Munnar during the following three months. The Maharaja and his family returned to Thiruvananthapuram only when the monsoon set in.

After India’s Independence, the Munnar Raj Bhavan too served as a Governor’s residence along with the one in the state capital. However, a few years ago, the state Tourism Department took over the Munnar Raj Bhavan and converted it into a government guest house.

Presently, the guest house has four rooms, a kitchen, dining hall, a large parking area and separate rooms for staff. One among the four rooms for guests is reserved for VVIPs.