The Kanakakunnu Palace, situated near the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, was constructed during the reign of King Sree Moolam Thirunal. Chithira Tirunal, one of the most famous rulers of Travancore, modified the palace and constructed tennis courts in the premises. Used once as a summer retreat, this architectural marvel was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests. A major renovation project taken up by the State Government of Kerala has helped to restore the Kanakakunnu Palace. Under the control of the state's tourism department, the palace and its grounds have become popular venues for cultural meets, programmes and family outings. The Nisagandhi Open-Air Auditorium, within the Kanakakunnu Palace compound, is one of the most sought-after venues for conducting stage shows. A week long festival of Indian classical dances is organised here annually. Leading artists of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Modern Ballet and other folk dances participate in this dance festival. The Sooryakanthi Auditorium is also a popular venue for conducting exhibitions, trade fairs and cultural programmes. Apart from that, a week long international food festival is held at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds in which renowned hotels from across Kerala take part. The Kanakakunnu Palace being a storehouse of the history and culture of its region, the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has documented the palace as a heritage monument.