Historical Places in Kerala

Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a Portuguese palace popularly in Kochi, Kerala. Showcasing Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits, and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi, the palace is a blend of colonial and Kerala architectural styles. The palace grounds also house a small temple dedicated to the deity Pazhayannur Bhagavati, the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Fridays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 5; Children (below 15 years): Free.

One of the 108 Divya Desams, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Embellished in gold-plated covering, the temple is opened only to Hindu followers. Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha; one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the principal centres of Vaishnava worship in the dharma of Vaishnavism.

Timings: The temple has specific timings for darshan, which typically start from early morning around 3:30 AM and have different sessions till evening around 7:20 PM, with breaks in between.
Dress Code: Strict dress codes are enforced. Men are required to wear a dhoti while women should wear sarees, long skirts, or traditional dress.
Entry Fee : Special darshan: INR 150; Special darshan with prasad: INR 180

Built by the British East India Company in 1708, Thalassery Fort stands as a testimony to Thalassery's colonial past. With imposing walls, intricately carved doors, and secret tunnels, the fort reflects the British architectural style. Positioned strategically on a cliff, it was used to oversee the Malabar coast and ensure control over the Thalassery harbor.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee: Free, but it's advised to check any updates or changes beforehand.

Fort Kochi, a historic region in the city of Kochi, Kerala, boasts a potpourri of European colonial influences that blend seamlessly with native traditions. Often described as the 'Gateway to Kerala', its streets are lined with Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial buildings, ancient churches, and quaint cafes. The iconic Chinese fishing nets, reminiscent of ancient trading connections, adorn its shoreline, offering a picturesque view during sunset.

Historical Places:  St. Francis Church, Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue, Bastion Bungalow etc

Located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, Bekal Fort is the largest fort in the state, spreading over 40 acres. With the Arabian Sea on its west, the fort offers a breathtaking view of the coastline and has been the backdrop for various film shoots. Built in the 1650s, its unique construction features, including a water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, and the Observation Tower, make it an architectural marvel.

Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM daily.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 15; Children: INR 5; Foreigners: INR 100.

Edakkal Caves, situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala, are not traditional caves but rather a cleft or rift caused by a piece of rock splitting away from the main body. They house ancient petroglyphs, some dating back over 6,000 years, which depict figures and symbols showcasing the prehistoric civilization of the region. These caves are a testament to the rich history, culture, and early human habitation of the area.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily; Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 40; Students: INR 20; Foreigners: INR 100.

Located in the heart of Kochi, the Kerala Folklore Museum is a treasure trove of Kerala's rich cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage. Established to preserve and showcase the vibrant folklore and traditions of the region, the museum spans three floors, each dedicated to different historical periods: Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore.

Timings: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM; Open on all days.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 100; Students: INR 50; Foreigners: INR 200.

Situated in the heart of Palakkad town in Kerala, Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu's Fort, stands as an epitome of the ancient grandeur and valiant tales of the region. Built by Haider Ali in 1766 AD, this well-preserved fort has thick walls, bastions, and a moat surrounding it. It witnessed several battles between the British and the Kingdom of Mysore and now houses a functioning jail, a temple, and an open ground.

Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace, located in Thrissur, Kerala, is an emblem of the rich history and architectural prowess of the bygone era. Built during the reign of Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Shakthan Thampuran, in the early 19th century, the palace exemplifies the Kerala-Dutch architectural style. It houses a museum displaying artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages, along with a meticulously maintained garden known as the Shakthan Thampuran Archaeological Garden.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 10; Children: INR 5; Foreigners: INR 100.

Nestled on the picturesque Bolgatty Island in Kochi, the Bolgatty Palace is a historic Dutch mansion built in 1744. Initially used as the official residence for the British Governors, it is among the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside of the Netherlands. Today, it's been transformed into a heritage hotel and resort, offering a blend of colonial charm and modern luxuries.

Facilities: Marina, Golf course, Ayurvedic spa, Swimming pool, boating, heritage walks etc

Sulthan Bathery, formerly known as Ganapativatom, is a town in Wayanad district, Kerala. It is famed for the ancient Jain Temple, believed to have been built in the 13th century, showcasing the architectural influence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The town's name originates from the incident when Tipu Sultan stored his artillery here during his invasion of the Malabar region.

Historical Places: Jain Temple (also known as Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple or Kidanganadu Temple), Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal Heritage Museum)

Matri Dei Cathedral, located in Kozhikode, is an emblem of the city's rich Christian heritage. Established in the 19th century, the cathedral stands out for its Gothic architectural style and intricate wooden carvings. It serves not just as a religious monument but also as a testament to the cultural and historical amalgamation of Kozhikode.

Situated in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the Napier Museum is an iconic institution that showcases Kerala's rich cultural and artistic heritage. An architectural marvel, the museum's unique design blends traditional Kerala style with gothic elements. It houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, historical relics, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and a temple chariot, providing visitors with insights into the region's past.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM; Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 20; Children: INR 5; Foreigners: INR 100.

Known For : Thevally Palace Amritapuri Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park

Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, is an ancient port city and one of the oldest trade hubs on the Malabar Coast in Kerala, India. Boasting a history linked with the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese, Kollam has been a melting pot of cultures and an epicenter of trade for centuries. Its scenic beauty, characterized by the Ashtamudi Lake, palm-lined beaches, and traditional fishing nets, is complemented by a rich tapestry of historical landmarks.

Historical Places: Thangassery Lighthouse and Fort ruins, Mayyanad Temples, Rameshwara Temple, Dutch Quilon , Portuguese Cemetery, Pullichira Church, The Eight-Point Art Cafe 

Best Time: September to February

41 Kollam Attractions

Hill Palace, located in Tripunithura, Kochi, is Kerala's largest archaeological museum and the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi, the Cochin Royal Family. Established in the 19th century, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings spread across 54 acres, blending traditional architectural styles with colonial influences. 

Timings: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 30; Children (up to 12 years): INR 10; Foreigners: INR 100.

The Paradesi Synagogue, often referred to as the Jewish Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, is situated in the historic Mattancherry area of Kochi, Kerala. Established in 1568, it stands as the oldest active synagogue among the Commonwealth nations. Its interiors are adorned with Belgian chandeliers, Chinese tiles, and ancient artifacts, while its floors are set with unique hand-painted, blue-and-white tiles, each distinct in its design.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays.
Entry Fee: INR 5 for adults; camera and bags have an additional charge.

Located in Kayamkulam near Alleppey in Kerala, the Krishnapuram Palace is an 18th-century residence built during the reign of Marthanda Varma, a ruler of the Travancore kingdom. Exhibiting the traditional Kerala architectural style, this palace is renowned for its intricate woodwork, spacious halls, and gabled roofs.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 10; Children (up to 15 years): Free; Foreigners: INR 100.

Located in East Hill, Kozhikode (Calicut), the Pazhassiraja Museum is named after the legendary Kerala king Pazhassiraja, who is remembered for his guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company. The museum showcases a rich collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, including ancient coins, mural paintings, megalithic structures, and stone sculptures.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 20; Students: INR 10; Foreigners: INR 100.

Karumadikkuttan is a historically significant site located near Alleppey (Alappuzha) in Kerala. The name refers to the black granite statue of Lord Buddha, which is believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century. Partially damaged, the statue stands as an emblem of the region's ancient Buddhist heritage and is an important archaeological monument. 

Historical site: Karumadikkuttan Buddha Statue 

The Pallippuram Fort is located in Pallippuram, on the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island in the Ernakulam district. The mighty fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503 and is the oldest European fort that exists in the country. Today, it stands majestically as the oldest surviving European monument in India amidst the lush greenery and the glistening skies.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Open on all days.
Entry Fee: Free, but it's always advisable to confirm before planning a visit.

Peralassery, located in the Kannur district of Kerala, is famed for its rich cultural and religious heritage. One of the standout landmarks of this region is the Peralassery Sri Subrahmanya Temple, which is renowned for its unique architectural style and large temple pond.  The temple holds significance in local folklore, and it's believed to be associated with the epic, the Mahabharata, specifically with the Pandava brothers during their exile.

Temple Timings: Morning: 5:30 AM - 12:30 PM; Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free, though offerings and donations can be made at the temple.

Located near Varkala in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district, Anchuthengu Fort, sometimes referred to as Anjengo Fort, is a coastal fortification built in the 17th century. Constructed by the British East India Company, the fort served as the first signaling station for ships arriving from England.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Open on all days except Mondays.

Located in Kottayam district of Kerala, the Poonjar Palace is a testament to the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the region. Built entirely of wood, the palace showcases exquisite wooden carvings and traditional Kerala architecture. Within the palace complex, one can find an ancient royal collection of antiques, rock-cut lamps, sculptures, and furniture, with the most remarkable being a palanquin made of ivory.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Open on all days, but it's advisable to confirm before visiting.

Known For : Perunthenaruvi Waterfall Gavi Thriveni Sangamam

Located in the southern part of Kerala, Pathanamthitta is renowned as the headquarters for pilgrimage tourism, thanks to its proximity to the Sabarimala Temple. The district, enveloped in lush landscapes, offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Its diverse flora and fauna, coupled with vibrant traditions and festivals, make it a unique destination in Kerala's tourism map.

Historical sites: Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Pandalam Palace, Nilackal St. Thomas Church, Malayalappuzha Devi Temple.

Best Time: September to February

16 Pathanamthitta Attractions

Situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum), the Kanakakunnu Palace stands as a beacon of Kerala's regal history. Constructed during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal, the palace was used for hosting royal banquets. With its impeccable architecture, the palace today hosts various cultural events and festivals.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Open on all days

Nestled in the popular beach town of Kovalam in Kerala, the Halcyon Castle was built in 1932 as a summer retreat for the regent queen of Travancore, Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi. Over the years, the castle, often referred to as the Kovalam Palace, transitioned from a royal residence to a luxury hotel. 

Facilities: Spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, cultural programs, recreational areas. 

Punnathurkotta, near Kerala's famed Guruvayur Temple, is an elephant sanctuary that once served as a palace. The camp houses over 50 elephants, trained for temple rituals and ceremonies. Tourists flock here to witness these majestic animals up close and observe their ceremonial preparations.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Indians: INR 10; Foreigners: INR 25; Camera Fee: INR 25.

Aryankavu is a picturesque location situated in the Kollam district of Kerala. Renowned primarily for the ancient Aryankavu Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, it draws numerous devotees, especially during the pilgrimage season. The region, with its lush forests, scenic landscapes, and the historic Palaruvi Waterfalls nearby, combines spirituality with natural beauty, making it a notable destination in the region.

Historical site: Aryankavu Sastha Temple