Kerala is a place where tourists cherish a range of natural beauties, that are found in every corner of the state. Does history entice you? Do you enjoy the visit to historical monuments? Are you looking for a place to celebrate the holidays and learn the history as well? Kerala has many historical places that will tell you about great history of this state. You can find many historical monuments or archaeological wonders in Kerala and can be visit during your Kerala stay.

Kerala welcomes every year thousands of visitors with open arms and pure heart. With several historical landmarks in Kerala like temples, forts, churches, and mosques you wouldn’t be disappointed after the visit. The list of historical places in Kerala is a wonder in itself. Among all the Archaeological sites in India; Kerala holds the most places to visit. All the Monuments of Kerala are well-preserved and maintained so that it’s glorious and royalism could be shared with the upcoming generation. There are more than thirty heritage sites to visit in Kerala. Here we picked the some best historical places of Kerala, that one can’t miss while their visit to Kerala.

Kerala’s monuments are not just buildings, they narrate stories of colonial trade, dynastic rule, ancient art, and even prehistoric civilization. What makes Kerala special compared to other Indian states is the blend of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish, and Travancore heritage that coexist within short distances.

Top 14 Best Historic Places to Visit in Kerala:

1. Fort Kochi – Heart of Kochi

Fort Kochi is considered as one of the best places to visit in Kochi. It was hub of trade in old time. This place is heritage of Portuguese, well known as Fort Kochi. Don’t make thought of any fort by following its name; it has not a single fort of its own. This spot is popular among tourist for Fort Kochi beach and hotels and it highlights our history and culture. Here you will find many attractive places surrounding like Dutch Palace, the Indo-Portuguese Museum, and art center. There is footfall of tourist throughout the year, but especially in Kochi Carnival people in large number to attend this event.

• Location – Ernakulam district, Kerala
• Best Time to Visit – October to February
• How to Reach – Cochin International Airport (38 km away) is the nearest airport. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railway station.
• Stay – Budget guesthouses, heritage hotels, and boutique homestays available near Fort Kochi beach.
• Local Food – Try Kerala fish curry, appam with stew, and prawns fry in Fort Kochi cafes.
• Experience – Chinese fishing nets, colonial buildings, art cafes, and Kochi Carnival in December.
• Travel Tips – Best explored on foot or by bicycle. Carry sunscreen and water.

2. Padmanabhapuram Palace – Largest Wooden Palace of India

Padmanabhapuram palace is wooden palace situated around 64 km away from Trivandrum. This palace has wonderful architecture and excellent art. Because of its intricate carvings and amazing finishing it attracts tourist to visit here. The interior of palace is fabulous and you will find every part of the palace with variety like Dance halls, museums, dining halls. These all things are showing beautiful creativity. You must visit this place when you are on trip of Trivandrum.

Inside the palace, look for the medicinal bed made of 64 types of herbal wood, and the 300-year-old clock tower that still works. These details make Padmanabhapuram unique compared to other palaces in India.

• Location – Near Thuckalay town, about 64 km from Trivandrum
• Best Time to Visit – October to March
• How to Reach – Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (58 km). Nagercoil railway station is 17 km away.
• Stay – Hotels and guesthouses available in Nagercoil, Thuckalay, and Trivandrum.
• Timings – 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm (Monday Closed)
• Entry Fee – Rs 50 (Indian Adults), Rs 10 (Indian Children)
• Experience – Wooden carvings, murals, royal artifacts, and black granite flooring.

Read Also: Finest Tourist Places to Visit in Trivandrum with Family

3. Edakkal Caves – Popular Attraction of Wayanad

There exists in the history is marked since 1895. 1200 ft. above the sea level, Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are one of the hoariest human settlements ever revealed. The cave walls are full of pictographic illustrations and engraved design that point to the existence of antediluvian human residences in the province.

Some scholars believe these carvings may link Kerala’s prehistory with Indus Valley civilization symbols, making it one of India’s rarest archaeological connections. Carry water, as there are no shops on the trek.

• Location – Ambukuthi Hills, Wayanad district, Kerala
• Attractions – Stone Age Rock Engravings, Ancient Burial Spots
• Best Time to Visit – October to May
• Timings – 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
• How to Reach – Calicut International Airport (103 km) is the closest airport. You need to trek 45 minutes uphill to reach the caves
• Stay – Resorts, jungle stays, and homestays are available in Wayanad
• Travel Tips – Wear good trekking shoes. Avoid visiting during heavy monsoon.

Read Also: Amazing Tourist Places to Visit in Wayanad With Family for a Perfect Holiday

4. Fort Emmanuel, Kochi – First Portuguese Fort in Asia

The fort was constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese and strengthened in 1538. It was named after the Portuguese emperor, King Immanuel. It significantly facilitated in solidification the Portuguese livelihood of the region. It was a sign of the tactical association amid the Maharajah of Kochi and the Emperor of Portugal.

• Location – Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district
• Best Time to Visit – October to February
• How to Reach – Same as Fort Kochi (nearest is Ernakulam railway station and Cochin airport).
• Stay – Heritage hotels and seaside homestays around Fort Kochi.
• Travel Tips – Morning or evening is best for sightseeing.

5. Kollengode Palace, Palakkad

The palace epitomizes the customary architectural style of Kerala. It has presently been transformed into a luxury inn with offering Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala as well. Numerous global travelers visit this palace for Ayurvedic treatment in natural environs.

• Location – Kollengode town, Palakkad district
• How to Reach – Coimbatore Airport (76 km) is nearest. Palakkad railway station (32 km) connects well.
• Stay – Resorts, budget hotels, and Ayurvedic wellness centers in Palakkad.
• Experience – Palace museum, traditional Kerala architecture, Ayurvedic spa.
• Travel Tips – Allocate 2-3 hours to explore. Combine visit with Nelliyampathy hills

Read Also: Best Places to Visit in Palakkad That Will Make Your Trip Amazing

6. Mattancherry Palace – One of the Glorious Monuments in Kerala

It is moreover known as Dutch Palace. Being one of the premium illustrations of the Kerala style of construction combined with colonial inspirations. Among the many historic places in Kerala, this palace holds a unique charm for travelers. It was constructed around 1545. The dual storied palace has an exquisite collection of murals. These portray some great Indian classics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Location – Mattancherry, Ernakulam district
• Timings – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Friday Closed)
• Entry Fee – Rs 5 per person
• Best Time to Visit – October to March
• How to Reach – Ernakulam railway station (11 km) is nearest.
• Stay – Heritage stays and boutique hotels in Mattancherry and Fort Kochi.
• Experience – Murals of Ramayana and Mahabharata, royal exhibits, palanquins.

7. Palakkad Fort, Palakkad – An Old Fort in Kerala

It is additionally known as Tipu’s Fort. This attractively preserved structure was a significant military base earlier. Reconstructed by Hyder Ali in the 18^thcentury, the Mysore rulers ruled over it up to the time when British rulers took command of it.

• Location – In the heart of Palakkad town, Kerala
• Timings – 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Best Time to Visit – October to March
• How to Reach – Nearest airport is Coimbatore (62 km). Palakkad railway station is just 6 km away.
• Stay – Budget hotels and lodges in Palakkad town.
• Experience – Large open grounds, Hanuman temple, colonial history.
• Travel Tips – Entry is free. Go in the morning for peaceful exploration.

8. St. Angelo Fort – Popular Attraction of Kannur

Built by Francisco de Almeida in 14th century, it is additionally famous as the Kannur Fort. The massive fort is trilateral in shape and built of laterite. The dyke, robust, parallel upholders, bullets scrapheaps, the concealed prisons and the clandestine passageways describes the evidence to the design and the scrupulous work that went into the building of this planned armed base.

• Location – Kannur, Kerala
• Timings – 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Best Time to Visit – October to March
• How to Reach – Kannur International Airport (26 km). Kannur railway station (2 km) nearby.
• Stay – Beach resorts, homestays, and hotels in Kannur town.
• Experience – Sea-facing fort walls, triangular design, colonial history.
• Travel Tips – Entry free. Evening views are beautiful.

Read Also: Places to Visit in Kannur For a Memorable Trip

9. St. Francis Church, Kochi – Oldest European Church in India

It is renowned for its spectacular structural design and setting. It holds a vital place in history. It is here that the famed voyager, Vasco-da-Gama, was formerly buried. The church is famous for its profound Dutch and Portuguese inspirations and is an architectural ace in itself.

• Location – Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district
• Timings – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday), Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Sunday Closed
• How to Reach – Same as Fort Kochi (via Ernakulam). Local buses and ferries connect easily.
• Stay – Heritage hotels and guesthouses in Fort Kochi.
• Experience – Vasco da Gama’s tomb, Dutch and Portuguese architecture.
• Travel Tips – Maintain silence. Photography allowed outside but may be restricted inside.

10. Thalassery Fort – An Ancient Monument in Thalassery

It is an ancient testament also known as Tellicherry. It is located on the Thalassery seashore on a rock-strewn precipice. The fort is now controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India and includes a considerable entry along with a lighthouse. The entry gate is enormous, adorned with fresco canvases outlining back to the 18th century present on its roof. It is supposed that Thalassery Fort was built by a blend of quicklime, white of egg and sugar toffee. An ancient mosque Odathil Palli, Jagannatha Temple, and Thiruvangadi Sri Rama Swami Temple are neighboring charms.

• Location – Thalassery town, Kannur district
• Timings – 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Best Time to Visit – November to February
• How to Reach – Kannur International Airport (25 km). Thalassery railway station is just 1 km away.
• Stay – Hotels and homestays in Thalassery town.
• Experience – Fort entrance, lighthouse, and coastal views.
• Travel Tips – Free entry. Combine with local temples and Odathil Palli mosque nearby.

11. Jewish Synagogue – Oldest Active Synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations

The Jewish Synagogue is built in 1568 in the Fort Cochin. This place has its own historical significance that is preserved till today. The most important attractions of Synagogue are the copper plates, blue Chinese tiles, gold and silver crowns, and many others. The combination of these provides the enthralling sight to its visitors. Tourists can visit this engrossing spot every day of the week, except Saturday. After the formation of a Jewish State in Israel, the majority of Jews moved to this state, only a few people, 17 Jews are still in Cochin.

• Location – Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi
• Timings – 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10 am to 2 pm (Friday), Saturday closed
• How to Reach – Ernakulam railway station (12 km).
• Stay – Homestays and boutique hotels in Jew Town and Fort Kochi.
• Experience – Hand-painted Chinese tiles, gold crowns, copper plates.
• Travel Tips – Closed on Saturdays. Photography not allowed inside.

12. Bekal Fort – Biggest Fort in Kerala

Bekal fort is the biggest fort of Kerala and considered as about 300 years old fort. Among the many historical monuments of Kerala, Bekal Fort holds a special place due to its massive structure and scenic coastal location. As per the resources, this fort was constructed by the Sivappa Naik in 1650s. Sivappa Naik was belonged to the Ikkeri dynasty and later on this fort was moved to the Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan, and Britishers rule.

Climb up to the observation tower for a 360° panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and nearby villages. The waves crashing against the fort walls create a mesmerizing backdrop for photography.

• Location – Kasaragod district, Kerala
• Timings – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Best Time to Visit – October to March
• How to Reach – Mangalore Airport (76 km). Kasaragod railway station is 17 km away.
• Stay – Resorts and beachside hotels near Bekal.
• Experience – Keyhole-shaped fort, Arabian Sea view, sunset point.
• Travel Tips – Best explored in the evening. Carry water as the fort area is large.

13. Bastion’s Bungalow – One of the Oldest Dutch Heritage Sites in India

This bungalow was built in 1667 AD with the Indo-European style of architecture. This Bastion Bungalow, an official residence of the sub collector of Ernakulam, has received its name from the site where it is found, i.e. the Stromberg Bastion. The bastion’s bungalow was amazingly designed into the circular structure, tiled roof, wooden verandah, and many more. There is a network of secret tunnels in this building, but none of them has been found till today.

• Location – Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district
• Timings – 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Monday Closed)
• How to Reach – Same as Fort Kochi (via Ernakulam).
• Stay – Colonial-style heritage hotels and homestays in Fort Kochi.
• Experience – Circular design, tiled roof, wooden verandah, colonial charm.
• Travel Tips – Entry may be limited as it houses government offices.

14. Vadakkunnathan Temple – An Ancient Hindu Temple of Thrissur District

This is one of the largest temples of the state Kerala with the area of 10 acres. This religious temple, dedicated to the Lord Shiva was built by the creator of Kerala Parsurama. The amazing features of this temple include the Mahalingam of Shiva, which can never be seen because it is covered with the huge amount of ghee. The celebration of the Thrissur Pooram festival is another important attraction of this temple.

• Location – Thrissur city, Kerala
• Timings – 4:00 am to 11:00 am, 5:00 pm to 8:20 pm
• Best Time to Visit – October to May
• How to Reach – Cochin International Airport (51 km). Thrissur railway station is just 2 km away.
• Stay – Hotels and lodges available in Thrissur town.
• Experience – Murals, Lord Shiva’s lingam covered with ghee, Thrissur Pooram celebration.
• Travel Tips – Non-Hindus cannot enter sanctum. Temple opens early morning and evening.

Read Also: Best Places to Visit in Thrissur with Family for an Unforgettable One Day Trip

Other Important Historic Places in Kerala:

Apart from these monuments, Kerala has many other beautiful historic and religious monuments like Chottanikkara Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Guruvayoor Temple, Cheraman Juma Masjid, St. Sebastian Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Mattanchery Palace, Koyikkal Palace, Vasco house, Mannadi, Koder House and many others.

Conclusion:

Amazed with the information? What are you waiting for? Plan a family trip to Kerala and let them understand the glorious past of Kerala by visiting these fantastic Archaeological sites in India. And worry not! Even if history doesn’t attract you; Kerala will not disappoint you at any moment of your trip with its natural beauty and hospitality.

Apart from these, you can also find some best Kerala tourist destinations that can help you to plan your itinerary. As always, whenever you need any help to plan your Kerala historical places tour package, contact us now. We can plan your customized tour at best price ever.

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