British Residency

The British Residency in Kollam was a British colonial mansion in the city of Kollam (formerly Quilon) in the Indian state of Kerala. It was built by Colonel John Munro in the early 19th century and served as the residence of the British Resident in Travancore, who was the representative of the British government in the princely state of Travancore. The building has a mix of British and traditional Indian architectural styles and is considered an important historical and cultural monument in Kollam. Today, the building is used as a government guest house and is one of the well-known landmarks of Kollam like the Chinnakada Clock Tower.

The core of the building boasts a rounded facade, embellished by a grand gable design. A lion sits atop the structure, atop a crown. The entrance doors are ten feet tall and feature glass panes. The palace’s conference room includes a small antechamber with a movable partition-like door, and the two rooms are separated by an enormous fanlight arch. The upper story of the building has luxurious wooden flooring. The conference hall’s walls are adorned with cornices, dentils, and intricate designs featuring festoons, urns, and floral patterns. Over the main doorway, there is an impressively large arch with a decorative keystone, supported by pillars. The mansion is also home to the famous Edward Rose garden.

The Asramam Ground is located in front of the British Residency and on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. It is the largest open area in the state that is used for various events and functions, including cultural programs, sports events, and political rallies. The ground was the first airport in Kerala during the British colonial period. The ground now is also a popular recreation area and a gathering place for the local community.

The British Residency is open for visits every day of the year, however, tourist access is limited as it is currently being used as a government guest house. The British Residency is located 4.5 kilometers away from the city of Kollam and can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are some options:

By Air: The nearest airport to Kollam is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 68 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kollam city.

By Train: Kollam has a railway station and is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the British Residency.

By Bus: Kollam is well-connected by road and there are frequent bus services from nearby cities and towns to Kollam. From the bus station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the British Residency.

By Car: You can also drive to Kollam and park your vehicle near the British Residency. Parking facilities are available in the vicinity.

It is advisable to check local transportation services and timings before embarking on your journey.

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