Kerala Monuments - Famous Historical Places, Forts & Palaces



List of names of Famous Historical Forts / Palaces / Places of Kerala State


Here you can find list of names and information on historical forts / palaces/ places / monuments in Kerala, India. These famous monuments of Kerala state are most visited and most sought after best tourist places. You can also find images of Kerala monuments / places / forts / palaces.


Alappuzha Monuments, Kerala »


Krishnapuram Palace is a 16th century architectural marvel built by the 'Princely Travancore clans' in the Kerala State. It is well known for its murals, underground secret passage and scenically surrounded with natural stunners. It is located near Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam junction, Alappuzha District, Kerala State of South India. This palace is functioning as museum now for catering heritage monument tours in India.


Ernakulam Monuments, Kerala »


Bastion Bungalow is located at River Rd, Fort Kochi, Ernakulum of Kerala State. This Bungalow is built in the colonial times of (1667 AD) when Kerala's beauty was discovered by Vascoda Gama, which attracted the Dutch, Portages and later by British in the 'God's own Country'. This bungalow is a mix of European Architecture in Kerala. It is a heritage edifice in fort Koch, and it has vast historical and touristic importance as cultural place.



David Hall is situated at St Francis Church Road, Opposite Parade Ground, Fort Kochi, Ernakulum, and Kerala State in south India. It is a Dutch cultural place of importance for the colonial period of 1690's to the present days. It is now an art gallery and place for cultural activity. This place is a tourist spot in the fort Kochi area. To reach here, one must come to south India.



Fort Kochi is the western most region in Ernakulum District, having the major parts of its land are covered with Vembanadu Lake back waters and the Arabian Sea, This place is the first place of contact by the tourist visiting here to go for backwater tour. The Ernakulum district which is also known as Cochin and Kochi is the central part of Kerala State in South India.



Hill Palace Museum is located at, Karingachira Village, Mulanthuruthy Taluk, Tripunithura, Ernakulum District, Kerala State in peninsular India. It is the largest Palace and museum in Kerala. This museum is an arts and cultural heritage place to be visited, if you are in Cochin. It was also the Royal Palace of the Kochi Maharajas. To reach here on must come to the Cochin City. To reach here one must travel towards south India.



Alwaye Palace is situated in the city Kochi, Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala. The city is one of the vital places in terms of the tourism sector as large number of visitors turn up every year in this particular region. The Alwaye monument is glorious in its own terms owing to magnificence and rich ancient heritage, but now owing to its importance, it has been renovated, where one can soak in the glorious hospitality enjoying the rich cultural splendor of the era gone by.



Bolgatty Palace is located at Mulavukadu Island, Kochi, Kerala State in India. It is the Dutch Palace built in (1744 AD) in Mulavukadu Island on the backwaters of Vembanadu Lake. It is a single Island with unique palace and gardens worth visiting. It is an Inter National tourist destination in Cochin. This palace is now a heritage hotel which caters back water boat house tourism in Cochin. To locate here, one can reach by rail, roads, flights and sea.



Chendamangalam Fort is built on the citadel of Chendamangalam, this is a typical traditional architectural form prevailed in those days existed with colonial designs. It is believed that the Prodigious and the Dutch's initially invited the fort palace plans with the erstwhile rulers of Malabar. Who, later agreed to build this fort on the hilltop of Chendamangalam Villages, which is a little mount.



Fort Immanuel is the Dutch fortification built on the Kochi mainland's adjoining with the backwaters and the Arabian Sea. This for was built in the era 1503 AD by the Portugal colonialist who came here to trade with India. This was the first fort built in this region, hence forth the area surrounded it was called as Fort Kochi by its local peoples there on. This for added the beauty of Arabian Sea and its backwaters around this fort.



Indo Portuguese Museum is located inside the Bishop House, Bishop Kureethara Road, Fort Kochi, Cochin City, Ernakulum District, Kerala State, India. It is the Christian art type of museum depicting the Portugal social and cultural impact on the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' i.e. 'Cochin City'. This is a museum of European cultural importance representing the colonial periods of the Portugal's in Kerala State from (1501 AD to 1950's).



Jewish Synagogue is situated in Synagogue Lane, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry Island, Cochin City, Ernakulam District, Kerala State in India. Synagogue is the worship place for the Jewish community. The Jewish Synagogue built at Mattancherry is the rear and ancient Synagogue in India, functioning till today in its high honor by the Jew peoples settled in Cochin. This Synagogue is the major first visit list of any foreign tourist coming to the Queen of Arabian Sea.



The Paliam Palace was used by the royal ministers of Kochi over the years. It is a two storey monument with a ground floor. It reflects the picture of both the Dutch and local infrastructure of Kerela. The minimum ornamentation within the fort add maximum beauty to the palace. The interior of the building has staircase made mainly of teakwood. The walls inside the building is quite thick which has expanded openings in it.



Koder House is a century old unique mansion built by an eminent Jewish personal named Samuel S. Koder. This mansion is an important landmark in Fort Kochi area, for its mix of Indo European architecture. This house is a symbol of colonial period in the Kerala's history. It is on the, Tower Road, Fort Kochi, Cochin City, Ernakulum District of Kerala State in India.



Maritime Museum is located in K.J. Herschel Road, Veli, Fort Kochi, Ernakulum District of Kerala State in India. This museum depicts the Indian history in its water ways from day back to the Indus valley civilization to the present days of modern equipped Indian Navy. This is in the campus of INS Dronacharya, which is the naval base of Fort Kochi.



Mattancherry Palace is located near the Kappalandimukku junction, Mattancherry, Cochin City, Ernakulum District of Kerala State in India. This palace is built by Portuguese in the early 16th century in the Mattancherry Island areas, surrounded by Vembanadu Kayal and the Arabian Sea. This palace is a protected ancient monument for its rich Kerala and colonial culture prevailed here from 1501 AD.



Old Harbour House is located at Park Tower Road, Fort Kochi, Ernakulum District in Kerala State of south India. It is and heritage bungalow built by the Dutch's, 300 years ago. This bungalow was an important place for the colonialist of Kochi. Now the old Harbor House is a boutique hotel. It is the oldest hotel in Fort Kochi, still serving hospitality to the tourist visiting Cochin.



Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is a typical Kerala architectural edifice built in the 18th century by the Kochi Royals. This was the royal guest house in those days. It is build with woods, granite stone, laterite stone, tiles, rock dusts, lime stones and tartars. This Durbar House is occupied in the centre of vast garden ground. Its foundations are topped by granites stones and raised up by laterite stones in the entire structures. The entire roofs are covered with terracotta tiles.



Pierce Leslie Bungalow is a 19th century mansion built by the Pierce Leslie &Co who was a Coffee Bean trader of British India period. This bungalow was the official office, which is located at the beach Road, Fort Kochi, Ernakulum District, Kerala State in South of India. This mansion is a brilliant art work of European and Kerala architecture on the backwaters of Vembanadu Lake area alongside the Arabian Sea.



Chinese Fishing Nets are the most commonly seen fishing apparatus in the backwaters of Kerala. These nets, impressively add its beauty to the Gods Own Country here. These are introduced by a Chinese traveler and explorer, who landed in Kochi on the way to India from South China Sea. This has a special history to make this Ernakulum, to be called in the name of Cochin in Kerala History.



Vasco House was the house of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, who has created history in making European contact South Asia. This led to international trading and the birth of Colonialism in the South Eastern Asian countries. He arrived first on the sea shore of Calicut in 1498 AD. On his 4th voyage to India he stayed in the Portugal house built at Fort Kochi, where he breathed his last breath on 25th Dec 1524 due to malaria.



Pallipuram Fort is a great Island fort in Kochi (Cochin), built by the Portugal in the advent of 16th century AD. It is the only fort, which is in its shape till today in India. This for is a popular fort for having six side fortification, which is visited by tourist daily at Pallipuram P.O, Vyppin Taluk, Ernakulum District, Kerala State of South India.


Kannur Monuments, Kerala »


Arakkal kettu (Arrakkal Palace) is a particular monument turned museum that was used a part of the residence by the royal family of Arakkal. In the present day scenario the monument is used by the Family Trust of the Arakkal. The place was renovated by the government of Kerala in the year 2005 to attract tourists. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) looks after and maintains the museum.



Gundert Bungalow is located at Koduvally, Thalassery Taluk, Kannur District, of Kerala State in South of Indian peninsula. This was the bungalow were a German missionary named 'Dr. Herman Gundert' stayed here for 20 years in research work on cultural and social activities. This bungalow is famous for his literary works and workshops of this scholar. This is a unique bungalow of touristic importance in Kannur District.



Kannur Fort also called as St. Angelo's Fort is a magnificent fort standing in the cost of Arabian Sea for more than 600 years. It was the first fort built by the Portugal, who came here as spice traders and named it the St. Angelo Fort of Cananore of the Malabar Coast. It is just 3 Km from the Kannur main town towards the west of cantonment area of Kannur District, Kerala State in India. It is a heritage monument of India under Sea Fort category.



Tellicherry is located in Tallassery, which is in the town Kannur District, Kerala. The fort is positioned in the rocky cliff of the Talaasseri beach, and s about 22kms away from Kannur district. The Fort is under the supervision of the Archeological Survey of India, though it is said that some of its part is collapsed but still is at an easy state to visit, as it is well maintained. Against the insurgence with Pazhassi Raja, the fort was used by Lord Wellesley.


Kasaragod Monuments, Kerala »


In the contemporary world, a major part of the economies of nations are reliant on the tourism and hospitality sector. Historical significance of a place plays a major part in developing its tourism sector. Kerala is one of such places that have rich historical background owing to the presence of numerous historical monuments. One of such monuments is the Bekal fort that is located in the northern part of the state.



Chandragiri Fort is located near Melparamba, Kalnad, Kasaragod District, Kerala State in India. This majestic fort was built by the local clans of Kolathunadu kings in the 17the century AD. This is a Hilltop fort having a scenic back drop of Payaswini River. This is also an adventure spot in Kasargod having touristic values all around the fort. To reach here one has to come to Kasargod, which is the northern most district of Kerala State, adjoining with Karnataka State.



Hosdurg Fort is a largest fortification built on a citadel mount in Kanchankad. This fort is totally constructed with mount clay bricks. Theses bricks are broken from the lower layers of Western Ghats, which are normally a semi sold clay type. These are cut into large brick shape and used in construction from those days. These bricks were used in fortification, since it was very difficult to destroy by any hard weapons or by the canon blast.


Kottayam Monuments, Kerala »


Poonjar Palace is one of the ancient structures, standing splendidly in the high ranges of Western Ghats, at Kottayam District of Kerala State, India. According to historians, this palace traces back to more than 850 years. It is the only, existing ancient marvel of history and architecture of the Chera's and the Pandiya's dynasty in the Dravidian region.


Palakkad Monuments, Kerala »


Kunchan Smarakam Fort is situated at Killikurissi Mangalam, Lakkidi Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State in India. This is the fort built in the memory of the famous Malayalam ancient poet and performer artist named 'Kunchan Nambiar 1705 Ad to 1770 Ad'. This fort is in his village named Killikurissi Mangalam, which is a national monument for preserving the 'Thullal' art form of Kerala State.



In the Southern part of India, we can find The Tipu Sultan Fort which is also popularly known as Palakkad Fort. This Fort is one of the ancient Forts which are located in the center of the Palakkad town, Kerala. In the year 1766 ACE, the Fort came into construction, and it was started by Haider Ali. The construction in well maintained by the Archeological survey of India and is declared as one of the best conserved Forts of Kerala.


Pathanamthitta Monuments, Kerala »


The palace has followed the local Kerela architectural style which can mainly be seen in the use of bamboos and mud while constructing the palace. There is a temple at the rear end of the palace known as Valiyakoikkal Dharma Sastha temple which is known to be built by Pandalam rulers organizes a special puja in the 28th day of January every year where ornaments used by the royal family are presented.



Nedumpuram Palace is located in Tiruvalla Taluk, Pathanamthitta District in Kerala State of South India. It is a Vintage palace belonged to Kulasekhara dynasty and the Valluvanad royal clans resided here for a longer period of time. It is tourist destination in Thiruvalla with natural scenic beauty surrounded by this palace.


Thiruvananthapuram Monuments, Kerala »


It was evident that the architecture of the fort has the influence of the western style. The fort was quite different in terms of shape, size and design as compared to other monuments in Kerala. The fort was surrounded with high walls since it was used extensively during war to store the armoury of military. The fort has numerous lookout points from where the great view of the island can be witnessed.



Napier Museum also called as Government Art Museum in Trivandrum is a cultural place of arts and crafts occupied in a large scenic landscape in the heart of the city which includes a zoo and heritage monument date backed to 18th century AD. This is a great place for history buffs, art and crafts lovers, students and scholars. It has one of the largest collections of antiques of Kerala history.



Halcyon Castle also known as Kovalam Palace is located at Kovalam Beach area, Trivandrum District, Kerala State, stationed south of Indian peninsula, adjoining the Arabian Sea. It is the last modern castle built in Kerala by the Princely states of Travancore (presently called as Thiruvananthapuram). This castle is a glory of Travancore and the British-India's last few decades in India.



Koyikkal Palace is located close to Nedumangad KSRTC Bus terminus, Trivandrum District in Kerala State of India. It is an ancient place built in the 17th century AD by the Venad Thamburanl clans, who ruled this area in the year 1677 to 1684. It is an historic monument of social and cultural values in the Kerala State from its golden times with European Imperialists influences.



Priyadarshini Museum is located in Kerala, India as a sovereign institution owned and managed by the state government in the present day. It is positioned within the site of 'Kerala State Science and Technology'. The Museum initiated its operations from the year 1994 in Thiruvananthapuram city. A planetarium named Priyadarsini Planetarium is attached with the museum.



The monument was primarily built following the local architectural style of Kerela. However, the influence of the modern day architecture over the monument could also not be ignored especially in its interior design and garden area. The staircase within the structure are quire grand and depicts the influence of other historical monuments in Kerela. There is a large and spacious assembly hall within the structure that can accommodate a large number of government officials at a time in time of political meetings.



Kowdiar Palace is situated on State Highway No.2, Then Mala Road on Kowdiar at Trivandrum District of Kerala State, India. It is the largest palace of the princely Travancore clans, who still resides in this magnificent structure. It is an important landmark in Trivandrum and a must to see if you are in Trivandrum. The public entry is restricted and one can see from the outside areas only.



Kanakakunnu Palace is the guest house and entertainment center for the Travancore royal princely state. It is the latest and the last Kottaram built by the royal Travancore Kings in the early 20th century. This was the busiest place in Trivandrum before and after the Indian independence for social and cultural activities. This palace is sited on a small hilltop with natural picturesque beauty.


Thrissur Monuments, Kerala »


Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a particular monument in Kerela that is specifically located in the Thrissur region. The palace was renamed as 'Vadakkekara Palace' after it was refurbished in Kerala-Dutch architectural design. The credit of constructing the palace is provided Ramavarma Thampuran of Cochin. The palace is preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Department of India i.e. ASI.



Kottappuram Fort is situated at Methala Village, Moothakunnam Road, Kodungalloor Taluk, Thrissur District of Kerala State in India. This fort is a standing symbol of European Colonialism in the Malabar Coast of Kerala. This fort is built on the surface of a lagoon area, which adds its natural beauty with the Arabian Sea and the Periyar River adjoining.


Wayanad Monuments, Kerala »


The Ambalavayal Museum, also known as the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is located in the Wayanad region of Kerala in Wayanad district. It is believed that the museum has the largest number of collections of the remnants of the ancient past. The antiques within the museums belong right from the 2nd century of the human history as well as items that are from Neolothic Age to the 17th century.



Edakkal Caves are the rear hill caves found in the Western Ghats, found in the adjoining borders of south Kerala. This is a controversial cave among the historians and the archeologists. It is an historical and ancient wonder which are still untraceable for its origin and culture. Still it is believed to be a 7th to 5th century BC, by natural formation, due to some catastrophic effects.