Historical Monuments of Kerala

Number of political activities happened in Kerala state, this state was witnessed many important historical monuments. Various empires ruled over Kerala, that’s why we get to see many ancient architectural structures which expressed that particular empire’s flavor such as British, Dutch and Portuguese. This state is very rich in preserving the oldest heritage; which belongs to the different historical stories. If you are interested to get to know about the historical life of this state, then you must visit all the essential monuments in Kerala. The monuments tells you; how the ancient life and how the people were through the images and architectural touch. There are hundreds of monuments located in Kerala. After visiting the major monument, you will feel your trip of Kerala is actually worthy. The below mentioned monuments are the essential monuments in the state of Kerala.

Bastion Bungalow

• Architecture Style: Indo and European style
• Constructed In: 1667
• Current Residence: Sub-Collector

This is a very ancient bungalow, which is situated at fort of Kochi. Fort Kochi is one of the very popular tourist places of Kerala state. Currently this Bastion bungalow is a residential house of the area’s sub collector. If you are interested in watching the Indo-European architecture, then you have to visit Kerala’s monument; because the architectural style of this Bastion bungalow displays the Indo European pattern of architecture which also has the Dutch pattern of architecture. During the year of 1667, this historical monument was constructed. This bungalow is called as Bastion, because this monument is located on Stromsburg Baston’s site; this site is of the fort of Dutch. The structural shape of this monument is round ; and the roof of the bungalow is made of tiles. When you go to the first floor of the bungalow, you will get to see the different and interesting wooden portion, on the front side. Fort’s Bastion bungalow was RDO’s residential place and also the camp office. This monument is in safe hand, that’s why this monument is in good condition, because many years before, Bastion bungalow was handed over to the Archeological department of the state.

Because of the great architecture and attractive features of the bungalow, this monument was also used for film shooting from a long time; this place became a favorite spot for  the film industry. There is a belief that this monument has some hidden underground tunnels; but still they are not reveled. This ancient monument is located within Kochi’s center .You will get to see the influence of different empires such as Dutch, Portuguese, and also British in Kochi. There are historical heritage that displays the blend of Indian and European style of architecture. You must visit the whole of Kochi; because you will get to see many ancient things which were witness to important events and occasions. As Kerala is blessed by natural beauty; Kochi also has many attractive natural characteristic. Do visit the state’s capital city; it is very popular and noticeable because it is the main place of trade and commerce.

Kochi is known as the queen city of the huge Arabian Sea; visiting Kochi is worth because of the number of interesting places and spots like religious temples and heritage forts. With the number of Kerala’s tourist places and spots, fort Kochi is connected with history. The Cochin fort is a blend of modernization and tradition; which depict Kerala’s cosmopolitan society system. To visit this old Bastion bungalow monument, you can choose any mode of transport as per your preference. You can reach here by railway the nearest railway station is Ernakulam station, if you are choosing to come via bus, then come to the bus terminal of fort Kochi and air mode is always present, because Cochin is a international airport; that’s why even if you are coming from other countries, then also you can reach here comfortably.

Chittur Garumadam

• Attractive Feature: Thunchath Ezhuthachan’s memorial
• Bank of River: Sokanasini
• Uniqueness: Stylus, Srichakra and slippers made of wood

This one of the main monument located close to Areekode; in Thekkegramam. The Chittur Karumandapam monument is situated over the Sokanasini River’s bank. This monument is made in memory of the ancient thunchath Ezhuthachan. He was a great poet of the earlier times, and had written many literatures, Adhyatma Ramayana is one of his literature art. This great poet had spent his last days in the monument. In this memorial monument, there are some things which Thunchath Ezhuthachan used such as wooden slippers, some idols of God like Srichakra, which he used to worship and also some of his oldest manuscripts and literature.

Chittur Garumadam is very beautiful and elegant because an artistic person lived here. You can see many ancient artifacts which you haven’t seen ever, because all the things which are preserved are used by the great artists. That’s why it has a touch of a great poet’s ambience. Whenever you come to Kerala, visit this memorial monument.

Jewish Synagogue

• Popular For: Ancient Synagogue
• Constructed In: 1568
• Visiting Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm and 03:00pm – 05:00pm

This Kerala’s historical monument is situated in Kerala’s famous district called Kochi. During the 1568, this monument was constructed. This is very much elderly monument of the Cochin city. This is a very historical structure within the world’s common wealth nations. This monument is believed to be proof of mutual harmony of the Kerala state from many centuries. This Jewish monument is still having the earlier testament and it also has the copper plates, which contains the privilege and grants record and intrusted over the Kochi’s rulers. This marvelous religious monument of Kerala state is wrapped by the very attractive and attention creator Chinese tiles, with variety of colors. The very interesting and unique fact about these tiles is not a single tile is similar to another tile. This synagogue’s interior is very nicely decorated by using the huge lighting and Belgian chandeliers. This prayer place contains the memorial which used to present to the Kochi region’s king; this was symbol of affection and love.

This memorial consists very rich and royal crown, which is very delicately carved in the silver and gold, which was gifted by the many guardian, who had been visited this synagogue. This spiritual place is very essential symbol of cultural and religious monument of Jew religion people. You can come to this religious place at any time but not on Saturday and also on holidays of Jewish religion. Reaching at this Kerala’s spiritual monument is not a difficult thing, because it is located in very developed district. Come by air and land on the international airport of Cochin, from here you can easily reach at this Jewish synagogue. Cochin is very systematically connected by roads, so you can come by road also. If you are comfortable in rail then get down at Ernakulam railway station, this is closest railway station, which is about ten kilometers away from this monument.

Koyikkal Palace

• Region: From the district Thiruvananthapuram, about eighteen kilometers
• Interesting Features: Numismatics museum and Folklore museum
• Constructed By: Umayamma Rani
• Popular For: Thavazhi’s official house

This is one of the ancient palace of the Kerala state, which is situated about eighteen kilometers from one of the district of Kerala state Thiruvananthapuram, this monument comes on the way of very popular hill station known as Ponmudi. In between the way there is also waterfalls called Kuttalam. This historical monument is very much old about fifteenth century. this Kerala’s monument is very much popular within the Kerala state’s history because this palace was the official house of the Perakom Thavazhi. Majorly this palace is of Umayamma Rani. She was belongs to the royal family called Venad. She ruled over this place during the century of 1677 and 1684.

There is a building of 2 storeyed, which has the slanting roof which is known and popular by the Nalukettu. The architecture style of this monument is very traditional type. Within the Koyikkal palace, the Archeological department settled the 2 museums; the names of these museums are Numismatics and Folklore. During the year of 1992, the folklore museum was established; this museum has preserved the various instruments which create the music, household material, material of occupation and folk art models. Etc this museum contains scarce articles such as Chandravalayam, it is a little musical instrument, which is useful for stating the Shree Rama’s story, Nanthuni Pattu, this instrument is used while the Onam festival, Nanthuni instrument, it is a very rhythmic sounding instrument which has been made by the wood, this musical instrument is used during the Onappattu singing. After entering inside the palace, go on the first floor to see this Folklore museum. This museum also contain the metal ware use in the house, which also consist utensils of copperware or brass and kitchenware made of wood, all these ancient material showcase the historical Kerala people’s way of live the life, in various situations.

When Umayamma Rani was living in this palace, she was using the Chilambu means similar to anklet and Thaliyola, this is ancient manuscripts. She was using the fabric material called Maravuri at that time, which are still in good condition and well preserved. After seeing the each and every historical thing, you can go further to visit another museum which is known as Numismatics. To visit this, you need to go on the 2nd floor of Koyikkal palace. This type of museum is single type of museum in the entire Kerala state. In this palace, you will get to see coins, which were used in the Umayama’s period but not only of one region but of various regions and parts of the entire world. You won’t get to see this much variety and historical coins in anywhere museum. This coin property is scarce and also contains very much value; these various ancient coins are the symbol of oldest trade business of this Kerala state from such a old period. There are few oldest coins which were used in the Kerala state in ancient time such as Erattaputhen, Ottaputhen and Panam etc. Here you will get to see the Venetian coin, which is known by the name Amaida, people say that, this coin was used during the Jesus Christ period. This is very valuable and precious property of the Numismatics museum. Don’t forget to see the very much costly coin of India, which you will get to see here only that, is Karsha. These essential coins are almost two thousand five hundred years old. In this museum, you will also get to see the smallest coin in the world. This amazing museum also contain the gold coins of Roman, they have almost three thousand four hundred coins of Roman. You might be not known but, each of gold coin of Roman is worth up to 500,000 rupees in the today’s currency. These Roman coins represent the Goddesses and Gods of the Roman such as Mars, Venus, Genius, Hercules and Ceres etc. You must be excited now to visit this interesting and amazing Koyikkal palace.

Mangalam Dam

• Region: Kerala state, Palakkad
• Constructed In: 1956
• Constructed Over: Cherukunnath River
• Popular For: Picnic Place

This is a very different monument of the Kerala state, which was built over the Cherukunnapuzha. This river is a channel of the major Kerala’s river called Mangalam. This monument place is also very much famous as place for picnic. From Kerala’s Palakkad town, the distance of the dam is around forty eight kilometers. Within the year of 1956, the construction of this Mangalam dam has been completed.

The location of this dam comes during the highway of Alathur and Vadakkanchery. In the surrounding forest area, there are various wild animals such as elephants, deer and different types of birds. The environment of this beautiful and refreshing dam is very peaceful, which contain lawns and parks and also the sculpture statues.

Neyyar Dam

• Region: Kerala State, from district Thiruvananthapuram about thirty-two kilometers
• Famous For: Picnic Spot
• Major Attractive Spot: Lion Park
• Major Language: Hindi, Malayalam and English

During the year of 1958, this Kerala’s one of the monument was constructed. The location of this monument is placed within the Kerala’s famous district that is Thiruvananthapuram. The name of this dam is derived from the Kerala’s river called Neyyar. This river flows in the dam, which creates a basin. This monument is near to the Ghat of western side. Most of the families, come to this monument, because there is very nice park, where children can play. Many natural beauty spots are located in surrounding area of this Neyyar dam. Here you will also get to see the wildlife sanctuary of Neyyar. This sanctuary contain various types of fauna and flora, people especially come to see it, at this sanctuary. In the flora, it consists different plants, some of them contain healthy medical importance. The animals which you will see are such as tigers, elephants and wild boards.  This place is actually a interesting and beautiful for the nature lover people like you.

You will definitely surprised when you will the nearby amazing spots of Neyyar Dam, because you actually don’t need to far distance to see the various natural tourists spot, they are all situated in the surrounding area of you. Here you can go to the Deer park, dam basin, Crocodile Park, Children Park and Watch tower etc. here you will also get the chance to try the boating in the lake of the dam. At the bottom of Neyyar Dam, there are two cannels and on the front side of the dam, there is small sized pool. If you will see the dam’s top view, you will actually get scared. The park which is near to the dam has different variety of fun games, for the small children.

After roaming in the area of Neyyar Dam, you can try the Lion Safari park trip, through the boating, because is required. To enjoy this trip, you have to pay some money for the ticket. There is facility of special buses. In this Lion safari, you can see the lions in close distance because here lions are not in custody. If you are planning now to visit this, Kerala’s monument then, month of September and also May. You can select the bus, air or rail transport to reach at this Neyyar dam. Get down at Thiruvananthapuram railway station; from station the distance of Neyyar dam is about thirty two kilometers, by bus get down at Thiruvananthapuram or Kattakkada station. If you are coming from the outside India, then land on the Thiruvananthapuram airport, this is an international airport so there won’t be any inconvenience. After landing over this airport, you have to cover the thirty eight kilometers and you will reach at this beautiful monument.

Thakur House

• Region: Kerala state, Ernakulam
• Home of: National Bank’s Manager
• Famous By: Hill bungalow or Kunal
• Current Owner: Ram Bahadur Thakur

This is a graceful monument of the Kerala state, which represent the era of colonial. This monument was constructed over the Gelderland Bastion land. Among the 7 bastions, this Thakur house is one of oldest Dutch empire fort. This Thakur bungalow was earlier popular as a Hill bungalow or Kunal. This monument of Kerala was a residential house of India’s National Bank. While the reign of British Empire, this was happened. At present century, this monument is under the Ram Bahadur Thakur and his company, which is firm of tea trading. Visitors are allowed here; even if, it is a firm now, so visit this one of the famous monuments of the Kerala state.

Bishops House

• Region: Kerala, Ernakulam
• Popular By: Portuguese Governor’s house
• Built In: 1506
• Earlier Owned By: Dome Gomes Ferreira

This is one of the leading monuments of the Kerala state. It was constructed during the year of 1506. Governor of the Portuguese empire used to stay here. This house is situated on the small hillock which is very much close to the Parade ground. The front part of this Bishops house has been created and decorated by the huge Gothic Arches. This house has been decorated by many interesting things, like there is a garden path in the rounded shape; which is an entering road of the house. This Bishop house was captured by the Dome Gomes Ferreira. Cochin’s twenty seventh Bishop who was Cochin’s diocese; his period of jurisdiction was increased till the Malaya, Burma and also Ceylon and there was one more addition of country India.

This monument is located in such a beautiful place, that, numbers of attractive places are situated in the nearest area such as Kochi Beach fort, Bolgatty Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Dutch palace.

Kochi Fort

People who go to this fort, they prefer to go by the walking lanes of the Kochi city, because you it is a perfect path to explore this ancient fort. People who come to Kochi, they first visit this fort, because of the popularity of this historical monument.

Bolgatty Palace

This is a very adorable island which is located close the Ernakulam city. Because of this Bolgatty Palace, the area Bolgatty became very much popular.

Jewish Synagogue

This is a very oldest place of entire India. This monument was made during the 1586; through the community of Jewish.

Dutch Palace

This palace is actually made by the empire of Portuguese, while the middle of the sixteenth century.

Gundert Bungalow

• Region: Kerala Station, From District Kannur, about twenty kilometers
• Relevance: The very ancient newspaper of Malayalam took shape at this monument.
• Residing House: Hermann Gundert
• Major Languages: Hindi, Malayalam and English

Gundert bungalow is one of the major monuments of Kerala . From the district Kannur, this monument is located around twenty kilometers, from the place known as Nettur. This monument has an ambience of a brilliant person known as a Dr. Hermann Gundert. As per the local people of Kerala, this is an ancient monument which is especially for the Malayalam lovers. This historical monument is  situated on the outskirt of Thalassery. Dr. Hermann, who lived at this monument, was a master in the Basel mission of the Germans. He was the one who first completed the dictionary of Malayalam to English. Around twenty years ago, this monument also experienced the presence of the lexicographer and priest of German country, they lived there from the year 1839.

One of the ancient Malayalam newspapers was also published by the great Dr. Hermann Gundert. He did little but valuable contribution in the literature of Malayalam Language. he had also written a number of books like Paschimodayam; which were based on grammar of Malayalam. If you see the over all look of the Gundert bungalow, you will feel that, it is more of a colonial type of monument, which has a broad Verandah, deep crest and also very huge entering doors. After, the end of the Dr. Gundert, this structure was given to educational institute, at present, one institute is providing technical training to the students.

Kowdiar Palace

• Region: Kerala State, Thiruvananthapuram
• Major Characteristic: Visitors are not allowed come inside the palace
• Attractive Feature: Late Shree Bala Rama Varma

There are numbers of historical architectural structures are hidden in the Kerala state. The memorial symbols of historical period are still survived in the Kerala state, Kowdiar Palace is one of those historical memorials. Kerala’s late King Shree Bala Rama Varma was living in the rich and royal palace. He and his family were living in the Kowdiar Palace. If you will see this beautiful and huge palace from the entering gate, it is marvelous, you can go walk to wards the palace from the gate for very less meters, so that you will get to see the good and complete view of the Kowdiar Palace. The backdrop of this historical monument is, you can not enter inside the palace, and experience it, and you can only see it from outside.

Krishnapuram Palace

• Region: Kerala state, from district of Alappuzha, about forty seven kilometers
• Constructed In: Eighteenth Century
• Constructed By: Varma Marthanda
• Different Feature: Highest Mural panels

The entire state of Kerala is covered by ancient memorial structures, Krishnapuram palace is one of them. This palace is situated about forty seven kilometers from Alappuzha , the route of this palace goes through  Kollam. It was constructed by the Marthanda Varma, during the eighteenth century, he built this beautiful palace. This palace has couple of storeys, which has the state’s different interesting architectural structures. This monument also includes the state’s highest Mural panels. This Krishnapuram palace has sculptures made of bronze and also the attention creating paintings; which attracts majority of the tourists. The ruler of the kingdom of Kayamkulam resided at the Krishnapuram palace. The architectural pattern of this monument is very scarce among the architectural style in the state of Kerala. The roof of this palace is gabled, golden windows and broad corridors. During the eighteenth century, some part of the palace was renovated; in the current stage, this monument is under the protection of the department of Archeology.

In the recent years, the Krishnapuram palace was again renovated as per scientific techniques defined; to protect this place. At present, this palace’s archeological museum has a very large Gajendra Moksham, it is  one Mural paintings band which was created in the state. The theme of this painting is elephant king’s salvation, based on this mythological story; the subject of these Mural paintings is depended. As per mythology, Lord Vishnu was the Kayamkulam raja’s family God. if you see the Kerala painting which are present in the Krishnapuram palace it has a very detailed work in very inch of the painting; the edges of the painting are made attractive through the use of glowing floriated borders. In this museum, in the outer case, you will get to see the oil lamps, small sized stone rows which was carved by using the deities and also the very nice small figures.

After these number of interesting factors of the museum, there are also some very attractive beauties of the palace like green and refreshing garden, which is within Krishnapuram palace’s compound area. In this huge garden, you can see various types of flora of Kerala. There is one more very new structure that has been built that is Buddha Mandapam, in this structure the great Buddha’s statue has been placed. There are more viewable features of the museum like paintings and scarce sculptures made of bronze. So now you would be interested in this beautiful and amazing museum, so come to Kerala and explore it. By air, you can land at the Thiruvananthapuram airport which is an international airport, from there, the distance is around one hundred and three kilometers, you can also land at the Cochin airport, from this airport, the distance of the palace is about one hundred thirty two kilometers. You can also come by rail; just get down at the closest railway station of the Krishnapuram palace, which is about thirty nine kilometers away.

Mannadi

• Region: Kerala State, from district Adoor about thirteen kilometers.
• Close Attractive Spots: Bhagavathy Temple
• Popular For: Veluthampi Dalawa memorial
• Major Languages: Hindi, Malayalam and English

This is Kerala state’s another beautiful and also historical monument which has been increased the beauty of Kerala state. This monument comes under the district of Adoor, the distance is about thirteen kilometers and from the Kollam, you have to cover the forty five kilometers distance. This monument is very much famous not just because of its beautiful architectural structure but it is witness of important historical moments. This monument is witness of one great person’s death. Earlier Travancore state’s diwan was a great person; he died at this Mannadi monument. He was a freedom fighter, as per the recorded history, this brave man spent last days of his life here only.

He had fight with the British Empire with a lot of courage and zeal, from long period of time. At the ending time, he decided to end his life rather than captured by the British military and faces the dishonor through the British people.  This ancient and symbol of this great person’s courage contain huge importance in the Kerala state. Kerala’s other numbers of monuments are very rich in the beauty and architecture but this Mannadi monument is a real monument, which refreshes the memory of the enthusiastic history. While roaming at this monument, you will get to see the ancient temple; this temple is very beautiful. This old temple is made by using the sculptures of stone. People of Kerala state come to this temple, to celebrate the annual festival of this Bhagavathi temple. This festival is celebrated in the month of February or sometimes it comes in March. Form this place, the Kerala state’s famous folk art and folklore institute is manages. This Bhagavathi temple is very ancient that’s why people highly believe on this temple. The tourist people who come to Kerala state, they must visit this live memory of the freedom fighter’s sacrifice. Do visit this monument, during your trip of Kerala, because this monument is unique in its history from the other monument of this Kerala.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

• Region: Kerala state, from district Thiruvananthapuram about fifty four kilometers.
• Popular For: Earlier Travancore ruler’s home
• Unique Feature: Palace made of wooden
• Architecture Structure: Kerala’s traditional architecture.

Kerala state has been covered by numbers of palaces, Padmanabhapuram palace is one of them. This is one of the beautiful palaces of the Kerala state. This structure has been located in very tiny village; the village is close to the famous Thiruvananthapuram. This is a capital city of this state. The distance between the village and Thiruvananthapuram would be around sixty five kilometers. This palace has been carved in the earlier granite fortress; the length of this fortress is about 4 kilometers. During the 1601 century, this monument had been built under the protection of the Iravi Varma Perumal. He was the earlier Travancore state’s ruler. Earlier this was the capital state, then after during the eighteenth century, it got transferred from this state to Thiruvananthapuram. This is situated at Veil hill’s foot area. if you are enthusiastic to see the actual Kerala state’s traditional architecture then this Padmanabhapuram is a best palace for you. Near by this palace, the Valli River is flowing, in which you can see this palace’s mirror image.

This palace contain many attractive features like trailing courtyard, numbers of interesting characteristics of this monument made this India’s palace. For around four hundred years, this earlier Travancore state was a ruling state. Kerala’s huge part was also under the rule of this state and also Tamil Nadu state’s western land. This state was royal family’s house in the earlier time. That’s why Kerala’s government is maintaining this monument. The architectural creation of this palace is done in the wood. This aspect made this palace unique among other numbers of palaces of Kerala. This is a glorious masterpiece of the Kerala’s traditional architecture. The entire palace is divided into different parts. This palace contains council chamber of King, at this chamber the King was handling the consultation activity with the numbers of ministers. The part of the palace is really attractive decorated place, which contain mica windows which are decorated by graceful colors. This monument’s flooring is magnificent with the dark color shade. This chamber has been built by using the blend of the various materials such as white portion of egg and burnt shells of coconut etc.

The next part of the palace is Thai Kottaram means the palace of mother. During the middle of sixteenth century the Thai Kottaram had been constructed. The designing style is like Kerala state’s traditional architecture. This part of the palace is very old than the whole Padmanabhapuram palace. This portion contains courtyard which is known as a Nalukettu. This courtyard has 4 pillars and also roofs. On Mother Palace’s south side, there is an Ekantha Mandapam. This is also one of the delightful portions of the palace. This structure is called as Chamber of Solitude. This chamber is decorated by the designing of woodcarving, in this carving the artisans had been used the floral pattern designs. In the ancient time, palace’s compulsory had the separate but beautiful section for the entertainment, because at that time they didn’t have the various facilities for the entertainment. Like this, in the Padmanabhapuram palace also, there is an individual separate section of the performances, which is known as Nataksala. When the King Swathi Thirunal was living in the palace, at that time, this performance section was constructed. This hall has been supported by the strong pillars of the granite and decorated by black color flooring. This hall’s wooden decoration has the small holes, through which the royal women used to see the performances.

The central building of this palace is more attractive and beautiful than the other parts of the palace. Within 4 storied structures this central structure is divided. This central part is like a heart of this palace. This palace’s top floor is called as Upparikka Malika. This is a worship hall, where the royal King used to worship the god. This is a private hall, only for the King. The precious murals which were available during the eighteenth century it has been used to decorate the top floor’s wall. There are plenty of rooms, below side of worship hall. Here you will get to see the ancient art form bedspread, which has been used to decoration work of palace. This bedspread was given by the Dutch merchant as a gift, this decorative item contain about sixty four forms of medical and herbal woods. This palace’s around every wall is constructed in this way that, King was using it to preserve the weapons, daggers and swords with safety. Another portion of the palace is Thekee Kottaram. From the southern side’s palace, this palace got this name. As per the recorded history, this portion is as old as Mother palace. At the current time, this construction is transferred in the museum. Here you will get to see the articles which were used in the palace in the ancient time. while roaming in palace, you will get the chance to see the stone and wooden sculptures, different types of weapons which King was using in the war time, paintings of Travancore time, brass lamps, huge mirrors, old style furniture, wooden cot which made by using the sixty four pieces of wood, Chinese style jars, variety of medicinal trees and various weapons, daggers and also swords. Rather than the mentioned structures of Padmanabhapuram palace, here you will also get to see the clock tower, huge hall, secret passage and also bathing pond. Visiting this huge and beautiful palace is actually a magnificent experience, so don’t miss it while your trip of Kerala state.

Vasco House

• Region: Kerala state, Ernakulam
• Constructed In: During the Eighteenth Century
• Relevance: Vasco Da Gama’s house
• Major Language: Hindi, Malayalam and English

From the name of the monument, you must have been got the idea about the monument. This is one of the interesting monument and historically important. As per the historical record, this monument was a residential house of the great sailor Vasco Da Gama. This is also very ancient house which belongs to the Kochi’s Portuguese. The location of this monument is at Ernakulam in Kerala. This monument is situated over the rose street. While the sixteenth century, this Vasco Da Gama’s monument was constructed. The architectural style of this house is like a archetypal European, the balcony part of this house is actually reflect the older time and the windows with glass panes.

This monument has the touch of great sailor who founded the nation. To see the older structure and style of building, you must visit this monument.

Bolgatty Palace

• Region: Kerala, Kochi
• Popular For: 1744
• Made By: Dutch
• Currently Use: KTDC hotel

This is a very elegant and graceful monument of Kerala, which is situated on the island of Bolgatty. This place is near Cochin’s costal line. You can very easily reach this place, with the support of the ferry facilities; this facility is especially offered to tourists like you. For your convenience and comfort, there are many facilities provided to you. This historical palace is now transformed into a heritage hotel. This Bolgatty palace has a very exciting golf course; which looks attractive because of the beautiful and delightful surrounding. During the historical time, this palace was used by the Governor of British empire, this palace was their house. During the year 1744 the Dutch made this Bolgatty palace. Till the 21st century, this ancient monument was maintained in good condition; this monument is under the responsibility of tourism department of Kerala state. This heritage is situated amidst greenery. The scenery around this Palace is included by wide green trees and bushes. Till now, the older charm of this monument is glowing. The inside structure of the palace is not less than a modern style house. The rooms are very nicely furnished, which is joined to the bathroom, to every room of the palace. This huge and stylized palace has various suites; as per different tastes and needs of the people. There are also luxurious facilities for the comfortable living; it also consist of individual cottage. You surely forget the modern system of the city house, after visiting this amazing Bolgatty palace.

Not just the construction attracts the tourist, but this structure, the ambience and environment of this historical palace makes you  relax. There are some fun games to enjoy yourself such as Swimming pool, Kathakali performance, small golf course and center of Ayurveda. Choose any mode of Transports; this place is very well connected with the all transport mediums like rail, air and road. There are 3 stations where you can get down to reach at this place such as Ernakulam town, Cochin harbor and also junction of Ernakulam. After arriving at any of these railway stations you can come to the Bolgatty palace through the local transport vehicles. Through air, get down at international airport of Cochin. From this airport, the distance is about twenty two kilometers. By road, it is easier, because it is linked with the main city of Kerala. Choice is yours, just reach this place, all your tiredness will quickly vanish after looking at the beauty of the monument.

Hill Palace

• Region: Kerala state, from district Kochi, about ten kilometers
• Major Attractive Feature: First and fore most heritage museum of Kerala
• Constructed In: 1865
• Visiting timing: Except Monday, any day from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.

This historical monument of the Kerala state was a residential house of the royal family of the Kochi region. This royal monument was built during the year of 1865. From the region Kochi, this palace was constructed around ten kilometers. This entire monument contains about forty nine building structures. The construction pattern of this ancient monument is very much traditional type of architecture; and it has terraced land of about fifty two acres, which is at the surrounding area of the palace. In the various types of floral plants in the Kerala state, the plants which are very healthy and beneficial for the health, these rare types of plants grew up here. This historical museum is a one of the main attractive characteristics of the Kerala state. Within Kerala, you will also get to see very much beautiful Ethnoarchaeology monuments.

This heritage palace consists about 13 number of galleries, on the inside portion of the palace. These galleries showcases the oil based paintings, stone sculptures, murals, and also paintings which belongs to the nineteenth century. There are also sculptures made of inscriptions, plaster of Paris, coins and manuscripts, from the royal family of Kochi, these artifacts are connected. There are some very many royal and historical items like Simhasana, means the King’s respectful chair and Paliath Achans gallery. Here you will get to see plenty beautiful ancient art work such as pottery; there are almost two hundred various types of potteries; you wont get to see this kind of historical items which will you get here only. There are sculptural vases made of ceramic which belongs to the outside countries such as Kudakkallu, Japan and China. After seeing all this royal and artistic masterpieces, you will really feel that you might be reached in the earlier century. In the Hill palace, there are cuts of rock caves which are linked to the iron time, thoppikkallu, which is known for the tomb stone, memorials and stone hood, various types of temple models made of wood.

The surrounding area of the palace is very much huge, which used to offer the other activities also. There are palace’s surrounding area include horse riding activities and also the Deer park. As riding a horse is believed to be very royal and rich, that’s why here you can fulfill your wish of riding on the horse. The entire atmosphere of the Hill palace is very much peaceful and pleasant, which actually gives the feel of royal monument. Keep in mind the visiting timings of the monument that is from the 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, except Monday. Within the palace, there is very interesting and delightful gallery especially for the women, because it is an ornaments and crown gallery, which was started in the year 2001. There is around one ninety seven ornaments item. The very beautiful and attractive stones are used in the golden jewellery and also the rich crown. Visiting this museum is actually worthy, because of the perseverance and beauty of the historical material. During the Kerala trip don’t forget to come, this Hill palace and experienced the royal environment.

Koder House

• Region: Kerala state, Ernakulam
• Style of Architecture: European – Indian architecture
• Constructed By: Samuel Koder
• Different Features: bridge made of wood and chess board style

This is a one more Kerala state’s beautiful monument which was built by the Samuel Koder, during the year of 1808. It is a master piece example of the conversion from the colonial type of architecture to the Indo European. This monument contains many characteristics such as tiles of floor, veranda seats, bricks of red color, bridge of wood, the tiles of this monument are in the patter of the chess board. There is bridge of wood which is used to link the two different structures beyond the street which is unique feature of this monument.

Mananthavady

• Region: Kerala state, from Kalpetta’s north east part, about thirty two kilometers
• Relevance: Pazhassi Raja’s tomb
• Altitude Location: Over the sea level, around five hundred meters
• Major Languages: Hindi, Malayalam and English.

Kerala state’s Kalpetta district this historical monument has been situated. From this district area, it is around thirty two kilometers. This Mananthavadi monument is landed over the western ghat, the location of this monument is one very high place that’s why the attitude location of the structure is about five hundred meter over the level of sea. Within the Kerala, there is very beautiful scenery of the Mananthavady forest which is full of nature beauty. This Kerala’s monument contains much importance through historical way. Because this was a residential house of the Pazhassi Raja. He was the regional chieftain, he was very much popular because of his Guerrilla tactics which was not acceptable from the British empire, till his last breath, he was using this tactics.

Pazhassi Raja’s tomb was called by the Kerala state’s Lion; this is known as a symbolical memory of the leader of the Valiant. This leader committed suicide at that time, the reason behind his suicide was, he didn’t want to capture himself from the British Empire. Here you will get to see the cave called Pulpally, in this cave the King Pazhassi was escape till he didn’t catch by the empire of British. This is very unique monument, than other monuments of the Kerala state.

Mattancherry Palace

• Region: Kerala, Ernakulam
• Construct By: Portuguese
• Popular as: Dutch Palace
• Constructed In: 1555.

This is one of the important and beautiful palaces of Kerala’s Kochi region. This palace is very popular by the name of Dutch palace. During the year of 1555, Mattancherry palace was built; the historical story behind this monument is hat this architectural structure was gifted to Kochi region’s Raja, his name was Kerala Varma. After some time, the Dutch empire did some renovation in this Mattancherry palace, in 1663; from that time this palace is called by the name of Dutch palace. Because this monument was used by the Kochi’s king; that why the look of this palace is very much rich and loyal. When you will enter inside the palace, the first characteristic which will capture your attention will be surely palace’s designed ceiling and also mural paintings.

The shape of this historical monument is rectangle which had been made in the style of the Nalukettu. This is very traditional types of architectural style. This Mattancherry palace’s roof is colored in brown and walls by white colors. At the center of this palace, there is a huge courtyard. There is a temple of Pazhayannur Bhagavathy which is placed in the courtyard; royal families used to worship this goddess in earlier time. There are a couple of temples on two sides of the Mattancherry palace; one is of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. On the architectural design of this palace is very much dominated by the European types of architecture; it is much detailed, in the chambers and arches. The whole attractive design and architecture is a fine blend of Kerala and colonial architecture.

There are 2 arches, which are placed on the palace’s compound; it has been built in the Portuguese style. The ceiling of the Mattancherry palace is designed by using the brass cups. The flooring of this palace is decorated by using the blend of lime, egg whites, shell of coconut, plant juices and charcoal. The flooring looks similar to the black color marble; this type of flooring is a traditional style. Mural work has been used to design the walls of the palace. This type of art is used in the Hindu religion’s shrine; this mural art has modern art and also spirituality. This art is actually very interesting and amazing, it has different shades of color. After entering inside the Mattancherry palace, one must see the King’s bedroom, it is actually marvelous; you will be shocked, by seeing such a beautiful bedroom; this bedroom is known as Palliyara in the ancient time. The ceiling area of this room is made of wood.

The walls of the room are wrapped by the colorful and eye catching paintings, there are almost forty eight paintings in the King’s bedroom. These paintings look like, they are expressing the story of historical Ramayana. The paintings are in such a good condition that they look like they are new but these paintings are very much old, these paintings are belongs to the sixteenth century. There are also some paintings which are depicting Lord Krishna’s Lila. Some part of the palace which has been renovated by the Dutch empire such as hall and upper side rooms also include the paintings of mural art, these painting has pictures of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, Lord Shiva and Parvathi. After seeing each and every aspect of the palace, which still look like new, you will definitely feel how carefully, these old but valuable things are preserved. Nowadays, you won’t get to see historical things, even if you will get it, it won’t be in perfect condition, so make hurry and come to this historical but tremendously rich monument.