Kerala, “God’s own country”, is gifted with nature’s immense treasure. But very few people are aware of its historical heritage. If you explore the state with a little inquisitiveness, you will be astonished to know that the place is marveled with several historical architectural monuments. The monuments in Kerala are iconic representations of the dynasties and the rulers of the past years.
The historic monuments in Kerala, comprising palaces and forts, bear a tale behind their existence, linked to the yesteryears. They are symbolic in portraying the culture of the region and the professions people indulged in long, long years ago. Exploring these heritage monuments in Kerala will take you beyond beaches and backwaters, into the heart of a civilization shaped by kings, colonial powers, and centuries of craftsmanship.
Without further ado, let us embark on a virtual tour, exploring the famous monuments in Kerala.
1.Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is one of the prominent historic monuments in Kerala, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is the largest fort in the state and is frequently visited by the travelers from all over India and abroad. The location of the fort along with its structural glamor is a treat to the eyes. Spanning across a massive area of 40 acres of land, you will love to watch the fort emerging out of the seas. History says that the fort has been built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka of Kerala.
The fort has been designed essentially for defense from attacks across the sea. You will find trenches and meandering entrance, suggestive of the mechanism adopted for the prevention. The walls are high, about 15 feet above the ground, and have holes in them, meant to be kept for two purposes. The ones at the top for targeting a longer distance and the lower ones to target the enemy nearer to the fort. The beauty of the fort is its array of steps that lead to an observation tower. The tower was constructed by the famous Tipu Sultan and offers amazing scenic views of the Kerala coastline and other towns nearby. The entire fort is surrounded by a moat. The moat is now dry but in the past it was filled with water to prevent the enemy from entering into the fort. In addition, there used to be a water tank and well inside the fort to serve water for the residents inside the fort.
How to reach:
You can reach Bekal fort by air, rail, and water. If you are traveling by road, then there are public and private buses as well as cabs available for transport. For travel by rail, the nearest railway stations are Kotikulam, Bekal fort and Kanhangad railway stations. And if you are traveling by air, the nearest airports are Mangalore airport, Calicut airport, and Kannur airport at a distance of 71 km, 195 km and 101 km respectively.
ALSO SEE-Best time to Visit Bekal
2.Thalessery Fort
The fort belongs to the British colonial era in the Kannur district of Kerala. Nestled at a height of about 10 meters from the sea level, the location has been specifically selected for protection against any external attacks. The view from the fort is truly amazing, being right near the sea. The majority of the tourists prefer visiting the fort and spend a few moments at its vicinity.
Built in 1703, following the architectural design styles of Portuguese, Dutch and British, it is thrilling to explore the fort. The exquisite sculptures on its doors, the massive walls, and the secret tunnels add to the charm of the fort. There is a lighthouse, a courtyard as well as underground chambers. Inside the fort, there is a mini museum where you can find the coins, sculptures and other artefacts of the British era. There is a specific time for visiting the fort, so follow it, it’s between 8 AM and 5:30 PM daily.
How to reach:
Thalassey fort is accessible by air, rail, and water. If you are traveling by road, then there are public and private buses as well as cabs available for transport. For travel by rail, the nearest railway station is at Thalassery and the nearest airports are Calicut airport, and Kannur airport.
ALSO SEE – Best Places to visit in North Kerala no travel guide will tell you about
3. Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is an iconic landmark in Kerala with its grandeur symbolizing the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era. The area surrounding the fort is a small city, quaint and charming. The view of the sea waters and the golden beach from the fort, is something you must never miss. Walking past the fort and its surrounding areas will leave behind a soothing experience.
The town linked to it is dotted with small shops, curated streets, and many beautiful buildings. You can spend a quiet time at this place while watching the setting sun cast a golden glow across the horizon. The beach is a nice place to sit and relax while engaging in some sports activities, or even walk around past the sea waters. The locals often come for morning and evening walks or spend a weekend at this place.
How to reach:
Kochi airport is the nearest if you are traveling by air. There are two railway stations nearby, Ernakulam North and Ernakulam South. For people traveling by road, there are plenty of buses and cabs to opt for.
ALSO SEE- Top 15 Places To Visit In Kochi Kerala (UPDATED )
4. Anjuthengu Fort
The East India Company constructed one of the oldest monuments in Kerala, Anjuthengu Fort during the 17th Century. The main purpose of its establishment was to promote the trade of cotton clothes, spices, cash crops, and pepper. The ships arriving from England were signalled to stop at the fort. Situated amid coconut groves and at the vicinity of the Varkala beach, the fort offers astonishing views of the Arabian Sea and the backwaters of Anjengo.
Alongside the fort, there is a warehouse, a church, and a cemetery. You can visit the church named St. Francis Xavier’s church, it was built in the 18th century. The other significant part of the fort is its bastions, four of which had mounted eight 18-pounder guns. Between the bastions there are walls where there used to be more than seven guns. More than 400 Europeans were stationed inside the fort. There were more pounder guns inside the fort and pointed towards the sea as a protection from the invaders.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram and the nearest railway station is at Kadakkavur. Buses and cabs are available in plenty.
ALSO SEE- Top 10 Tourist Places In Trivandrum For One Day Trip
5. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Constructed in the 17th century by King Kulasekhara Perumal, the palace is one of the most beautiful monuments in Kerala representing the traditional architectural design of the region. The palace earned its name when King Marthaanda Verma rebuilt it and dedicated it to Sree Padmanabha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Located at the banks of the river Valli, the palace is an epitome of beauty.
As you enter into the palace, you will witness several chambers or parts of the palace, uniquely designed for the purpose. The mother’s palace or the Thai Kottaram and the Southern palace of the Thekke Kottaram are the main halls or chambers of the building. At the centre stands a mansion with four storeys. You can also find the council chamber or the Mantrasahala where the King used to host his meetings. In addition, there is a Natakshala, Indira Vilasom or guest house, the clock tower, a secret passage and many other artefacts of the ruling dynasties. The best part of the palace is the Uppirikka Malika, a complex of grandeur where the royal treasury of Travancore was kept preserved.
ALSO SEE – 9 Famous Palaces in Kerala You Must Visit
How to reach:
The palace is near Kanyakumari, a bit away from Kerala. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram and the nearest railway station is Nagarcoil.
Rich history and culture of Kerala is deeply embedded in its forts, palaces, and colonial landmarks that echo stories of valor, trade, and royalty. These monuments are not just architectural marvels. Monuments are timeless storytellers of the cultural legacy and historical evolution of Kerala. From coastal defense forts like Bekal and Thalassery to the intricate wooden elegance of Padmanabhapuram Palace, each of the monuments in Kerala offers a unique glimpse into the history and legacy. Don’t just visit Kerala for backwaters and beaches—discover its forgotten chapters.