MADURAI: The
King Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, one of the main attractions in
Madurai city, was thrown open to the public on Wednesday, after nine months.
People now have the opportunity to see the palace, which underwent renovation at a cost of Rs 3 crore.
The 17th century monument, known for gigantic pillars, was affected by the scribblings and bird droppings. The pillars are now restored using traditional lime mortar, and painting has also been done. Entry of birds has been prevented by installing a mesh to cover the open space. The weak places, where water seepage was noticed, were also strengthened.
There was less number of
visitors on Wednesday as tourism is yet to pick up in Madurai. Officials from the archaeology department, which manages the structure, said that mostly people from outside Madurai would visit it. Visitors’ number will go up when tourism activities pick up.
Deputy director of the archaeology department R Sivanandham said, "We have increased vigilance to prevent scribblings on the pillars. We have carved out a small portion in one of the pillars to show people what the inner side of the pillars look like. Marble forms the centre of the pillar, which was finished using two layers of brick works and a thick layer of lime mortar," he said.
Apart from the palace, the Keeladi artefact museum was also thrown open for visitors.
The visitors are provided with hand sanitisers. They were checked for temperature. Children less than 10 years of age, people aged more than 65 years and pregnant women would not be allowed for now, he said.
Visitors urged the Madurai Corporation to open a park adjacent to the palace, which is yet to be inaugurated after it was revived recently.