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Monuments
No other state in India has such a rich heritage as Kerala has. It's past is entwined with periods of tumult and tranquil. This green strip, several times, was soaked in blood when forces, domestic and alien, fought for supremacy. Religions, Christianity and Islam made their entry into Indian subcontinent via this coast.
Hill Palace Museum
This museum showcases wealth and prosperity of erstwhile royal family of Cochin. Including the king's throne and crown. Also on display are other trapping of royalty like majestic beds, paintings, carving and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also known for the nearby Chottanikkara Temple and the Tripunithura Temple. Its 13 kms from the Cochin City.
Mattancherry Palace
Also known as Dutch Palace. Built by Portuguese and handed over to Cochin Raja in 1555 AD and it was renamed as Mattancherry Palace in 1663, when the Dutch spruced up the palace. However, neither did Portuguese nor Dutch stay in the palace.
Jewish Synagogue
Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568 and the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth is at Mattancherry. Chinese hand-painted tiles are another attraction. Finely-wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons are also displayed. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. A few Jew families are still residing in Kochi and its suburbs reciprocating the love and affection of this land. Besides, preserving the Synagogue is also their mission. Years back, hundreds of families were here, but for them the calls of roots were irresistible. Visitors permitted from 10 am to 12 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays
Kuthiramalika
This palace was built by Tamil sculptures from Thanchavore. Pillars carved on single stone and exquisitely designed roofs enhance the beauty of the palace. A striking monument of 122 horses is attached to the palace. Hence derived the name Kuthiramalika (kuthira means horse)
Kankakunnu Palace
Situated on a hillock in the museum compound in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city. This imposing, fine-looking mansion of the Travancore Rajas is a stunning piece of architectural excellence of yore.
Padmanbhapuram Palace
Manor of erstwhile Venad kings, Padmanabhapuram palace is a 16 the century marvel on wood. It flaunts the dexterity of Kerala's master carpenters. Carved wooden ceilings, slatted shuttered windows, intricate interlocking beams, sculpted door panels and pagoda like tiled roofs stand testimony to the deftness of architectures. Intricate carvings, murals and exquisite wall paintings reflect the prolific talent of the sculptors and painters who enjoyed the patronage of Travancore kings.
Bekal
The largest and the best preserved coastal fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort, is 14 km off Kasargode, North Kerala. The pristine Bakel beach along with the fort is being groomed into an international tourist destination. The fort has historical as well as archeological significance.
Edakkal Cave
Atop Ambukutty Hills near Ambalavayal in Wayanadu is Edakkal Caves. Two caves, formed by a split in a mammoth rock- one roofed over by other- make up the Edakkal caves. For decades the caves have been the haven of archeologists. Ancient carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions are supposed to be of pre-historic period. The stone walls also have pictures of human beings and instruments. Archaeologists consider this as one of the earliest centers of human habitation.
A 1500-acre Reserve Forest also houses as many as 200 stone age monuments. Down town Ambalavayal has a heritage museum, first of its kind in the state. It has a rare collection of instruments and curios shedding light to life, centuries back.
Napier Museum
Gem of architectural exuberance, perfectly blending Chinese and Mughal styles with Kerala's traditional structural design. The ethereal beauty to the structure was added with the magical brush up of Chisholm, a 19th century architect.
Shri Chitra Art Gallery
Masterpieces of Raja Ravi Varma, illustrious artist of Kerala are paraded in a different section. His works include a number of portraits of Maharajahs and members of royal family, distinguished British residents and prominent figures. A browsing of the pictures would give one a ballpark picture of who is who of Kerala history.
St.Francis Church
The first European Church in India. Churches elsewhere in the country were modeled after this Portuguese construction. A mute witness to the watershed events in this coastal town, for past five centuries.
Vasco De Gama, the legendary navigator from Lisbon, died at Kochi during his second voyage to Kerala. he was laid to rest in the St. Francis Church on Christmas eve 1524. Years later, his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal. The sepulcher is still preserved in the church hall and is open for visitors.
Art Museum
Among art pieces and curios displayed in the museum include wood carvings, ancient jewellery pieces and figures depicting Kathakali, the majestic dance drama. Metal sculptures and traditional Kerala lamps are also showcased.
Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy was founded by Malayalam Poet Vallathol in 1930. Main objective was to revive, preserve and develop ancient and traditional art form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali.
Kalamandalam has been the nursery of Kerala's renowned Kathakali artistes. Hundreds of boys and girls are undergoing training in various branches of performing arts such as Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal. Many foreigners captivated by the language of Kathakali and other art forms are joining the training sessions. Koothambalam attached to the Kalamandalam is a major attraction.
