Kerala has a rich repertoire of historic and cultural monuments, which represent
a unique amalgam of various styles of architecture. Nalukettu is the main
architectural style though in regions like Fort Kochi, a curious mix of European,
Chinese, Jewish and Arabic styles are evident in the architecture.
Some of the important monuments are--
Jewish Synagogue
Jewish Synagogue the oldest Synagogue in the common wealth countries , which
recorded the grants of privilege, bequeathed by the Kochi rulers.It was built
in 1568 AD.
Bastion Bungalow
Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get
its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old,
Dutch fort. Though it has been said that a network of secret tunnels runs
beneath the bungalow, none has been found till now.
Hill Palace
Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family was built in
1865. Consisting of 49 buildings, the palace is built in the Traditional Architectural
Style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land.
Bolghatty Palace
A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty
Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD .The palace is two-storeyed and contains
well-decorated bed chambers, a huge lounge wherein historical portraits are
displayed. The ferry ride from the mainland Ernakulam to the island is a pleasurable
experience. There is a golf course to boot.
Gundert Bunglow
Gundert's Bungalow is on the out skirts of Thalaserry. It is a historically
significant place for all lovers of Malayalam Language.
Some of the well known temples are--
Padmanabha Swami Temple
Tiruvanandapuram (Trivandrum) gets its name from the grand Anantapadmanabhaswamy
temple, enshrining the tutelary deity - Anantapadmanabha of the Travancore
kingdom. It is one of the grandest temples of Kerala, exhibiting an amalgamation
of Dravidian and Kerala temple architectural styles. It is a temple vibrant
with tradition, having been associated for years with the arts and music.
Mannaarsaala Temple
The Mannaarsaala temple dedicated to Naga Devatas is located in the middle
of a large grove dedicated to serpents. There are several hundred granite
images of snakes covering this area.
Chengannur Bhagawati temple
This temple is regarded as the Shakti peetham related to the legend of Daksha's
sacrifice and Sati's self immolation. Legend has it that the reproductive
organ from Sati's body fell here, after her corpse was cut into several pieces
by Vishnu's discus.
Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in South India
during the festival season in the months of November, December and January.
Sabarimala enshrines Sastha or Aiyappan . Sastha is a popular deity in Kerala.
Ambalappuzaha Temple
Ambalappuzaha Temple is located south of Aalappuzha and is rich in legend
and tradition. Krishna is worshipped here as Unnikrishna or the child, although
the image enshrined here is that of Parthasarathi.
