Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Built in 1636, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal stands as a testament to the grandeur of Dravidian-Islamic architecture. Located in Madurai, India, this vast complex, though only a quarter of its original size, still impresses with its expansive central courtyard and towering 66-foot (20-meter) columns. The throne room, crowned by a 70-foot (21-meter) dome, adds to the palace’s imposing presence. Despite falling into disrepair shortly after its construction, the palace was meticulously restored in the 1860s, allowing visitors today to explore its historical and architectural splendor.