Welcome
to South India and experience the untouched delightful South by invasions throughout
its history. South India and the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other
regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devoutees.
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.
On the cultural front, the state had diligently designed several art forms for
the country's cultural mosaic. A root-conscious people of the state have preserved
their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments
and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved
conscientiously. A Kerala touring will leave you marvel at the exquisite architecture
manifested in palatial mansions and monuments. Hanging around the ruins of dilapidated
forts, temples would help you splash deep into the rich past of the state.
Alwaye Palace : On the banks of River Periyar stands imposing Alwaye(
now Aluva) palace ruminating over a past, long and eventful. One of the finest
palaces in the state with beautiful circular.
Bekal Fort : 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.
Bolghatty Palace : Built by the Dutch in 1744, this palace is on an island,
off Cochin in the Arabian Sea. Earlier Dutch and later British used the palace
as Governor's residence.
Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam) : One of the most revered places
for the traditional art forms of Kerala, the Kalamandalam is the cradle of Kathakali
training in India. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali
- the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally
renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here.
Edakkal Cave, Wayanad : Atop Ambukutty Hills near Ambalavayal in Wayanad
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.
The Hill Palace Museum : The Hill Palace, the official residence of the
Kochi royal family, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built
in 1865, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the trational architectural
style of Kerala, sprawled over 52 acres of beautifully landscaped terraced land
which houses a deer park and facilities for horse riding.
Kanakakkunnu 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.
Karumadikuttan : A 10th century, black granite statute of Budha, founder
of Buddhism. The statue is known as Karumadikkuttan is situated 3 km east of
Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha. Legends are woven around this idol.
Kaviyoor Stone temple : A temple of historical and archeological significance,
Kaviyoor is on the banks of River Manimala. The stone figuress here are considered
to be the earliest specimen of stone culture.
Koyikkal Palace : A 15th century palace. Situated between Ponmudi hill
station and Kuttalam waterfalls. The manor was the official residence o Umayamma
Rani of the Venad royal family.
Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam : The Krishnapuram Palace is a rare specimen
of the Kerala style of architecture - complete with gabled roofs, narrow corridors
and dormer windows. Residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom, the age of
the palace is unknown.
