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Monuments of Kerala transports you into an
enchanting world of yore. Monuments cool tranquil ambience, exquisite architecture, intricate stone carving,
ancient rock temples, museums, palaces, forts, delightful fables, mystifying legends attracts tourists from
all over the world.
Discover and explore a variety of arts and
crafts amidst cool, tranquil monuments. Wander around enchanting museums...
PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE
The seat of erstwhile rulers Travancore this
wooden palace has extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and black glossy granite floor that have
withstood the test of time. Set in a quiet location 63 kms south east of Trivandrum, the predominantly wooden
palace epitomizes the elegant, understated Kerala style of architecture.
* Closed on Mondays.
PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE
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The seven storied stone structure is the most
impressive land mark in Trivandrum. This is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India. It is a blend of
the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture |
especially Known for mural paintings and stone carvings. The
386 pillar of the corridors are in carved granites.
* Only Hindus are allowed. Dress code:
men-Dhoti women-sari
KUTHIRAMALIKA PALACE MUSEUM
This palace was built by Maharaja Swathi
Thirunal Balarama Varma, the king of TRavancore. Located nearby Padmanabha Swamy temple has exquisite wood
carvings and houses priceless collections of the royal family.
* Closed on Mondays.
NAPIER MUSEUM OF ARTS & CRAFTS
This 19th century Indo-Saracenic
structure boasts a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archeological &
historical artifacts. It include 15thcentury wood carvings of Kerala, gold necklace & belts,
minutely detailed ivory works, a carved temple chariot, wooden models of the famous temples of Kerala and also
12th century Chola and 14th century Vijayanagar bronzes.
* Closed on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons.
SRI CHITRA ART GALLERY
Located near the Napier museum, this art
gallery displays splendid paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich, exquisite works from
the Rajput, Moghul and Tanjore schools as well as China, Tibet & Japan. However, there is nothing to beat
the dramatic, beautiful treatment of Hindu mythological themes in oil paintings of Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1905)
exhibited here.
* Closed on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons.
BEKAL FORT
Located in Kannur dist far north of the
state, a rocky head land topped by a huge fort has long palm-fringed beaches. The tall observation towers of
this hill-top fort built in 1502 AD by Ekkary Sirappu Nayak of Bednone, provide a panoramic view of the
Lakshadweep sea.
St.ANJOL FORT
It is a massive triangular structure, built
with late rite blocks, by the Portuguese in 1505 AD.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
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The famous Jewish synagogue and the ancient
Jew town, built in 1568 AD is one of the historic places of interest is 400 year old, situated in cochin. The
great ancient scrolls of old treatments are also found here. |
The exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles and
Belgium chandeliers are the special attractions.
St.FRANCIS CHURCH
Situated in fort Cochin, this protestant
church was built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD in Spanish architecture. This is the first European church in
India, this became the model for most Christian churches in India. Vasco- da- Gama was buried here in
1524 and his body later removed to Portugal.
BOLGHATTY PALACE
A narrow long Island, the Bolghatty palace is
located on a 15 acre lawn. The palace built by the Dutch in 1744. The building was once a governor's palace
for the Dutch and later the home of British governors. Today, this is one of the prestigious hotels of the
KTDC.
MATTANCHERRY PALACE
Although known locally as the Dutch palace,
the two storied palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 for the Raja of Cochin. The Dutch were responsible
for subsequent additions. The murals that adorn some rooms are among the first examples of Kerala's school of
painting. Friezes illustrating stories from the Ramayana date from the 16th century. The collection also
includes interesting Dutch maps of old Cochin, coronation robes belonging to the Maharajas of the past, royal
palanquins, weapons & furniture.
PAZHASSIRAJA MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
This art gallery had a collection of murals,
coins, bronzes and models of the ancient umbrella, shaped stone megalithic remains peculiar to Kerala.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM
Museum at Thripunithura, 13 kms from Kochi
displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the Kochi royal family, including the king's throne and crown.
The place is also well known for the nearby chottanikara temple & Tripunithura temple.
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