Historical Places in Kerala that  Must Visit in 2024

Kerala is the most popular destination in India, tourists can visit from all over the world. Apart from natural beauty, it is a land of historical monuments. Kerala has a history of thousands of years which shows a glimpse of its glorious past. The “god’s own country” is the unique blend of tradition and rich and diverse culture. During the Kerala trip, you must explore the historical places of  Kerala that give you a chance to explore thousands of years back the rich culture and tradition of Kerala. Kerala every monument reflects the rich history of the state waiting for travellers to explore.

List of famous historical places in Kerala

Let’s explore the historical and architectural significance of Kerala with the top 10 historical places in Kerala.

1. Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace also known as The Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese in 1555, was a gift to Maharajah of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma. This palace shows a blend of traditional Kerala and colonial architectural styles with an open central courtyard surrounded by a veranda on all four sides. The entrance of the Dutch Palace shows the design of wooden carvings. During the exploration of the palace, you will see the mural paintings, the walls of the palace are adorned with these mural paintings. Apart from the Kerala architecture, Tourists can see the European elements in the design of the Dutch Palace. The Architecture and design of the palace make it an important historical place in Kerala and are also included on a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Inside the Dutch Palace, there is a temple, dedicated to the deity Pazhayannur Bhagavati. It is a place to visit in Kerala to see Kerala’s glorious past.

2. Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, located in the Kasaragod district. It was built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka of Bednore.  The forts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Bekal Fort Beach and the Arabian Sea, It is an ideal destination for both history buffs and nature lovers. Its Unique Architecture and design make it a popular attraction and historical tourist place in Kerala. Apart from Historical monuments, It is a prominent location for various Indian films.

3. Anjuthengu Fort

Anjuthengu Fort is one of the oldest European forts in India. It is also known as Anchuthengu Fort. This Fort was established by the British East India Company in the 17th century with the European style of architecture. The fort offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Anjengo backwaters. The Fort includes a cemetery, a chapel, and a warehouse, The chapel also known as St. Francis Xavier’s Church, was built in the 18th century, which adds to the cultural significance of the site. All these things make the best historical places of South Kerala and give a chance to explore India’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

4. Padmanabhapuram Palace

The Padmanabhapuram Palace famous for its architectural design represents the traditional Kerala style of architecture. This ancient palace is 65 Km away from Thiruvananthapuram, The Capital of Kerala. This Palace is made of wood showing amazing art and craftsmanship. Mantrasala, also known as the council chamber is the primary attraction of the palace where the King held important meetings with his ministers. Queen’s Mother Palace, also known as Thai Kottaram One of the other prominent parts of the  Padmanabhapuram Palace. It was built in 1550, which is the oldest part of the palace, So this is a well-known historical place in Kerala.

5. The Hill Palace

The Hill Palace is a well-known and largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, The Capital of Kerala. This palace was an official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin. It was built in 1865 and has 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style which is spread over 54 acres. Tourists can explore the archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park, a children’s park, and more. The museum shows a vast collection of artifacts, royal possessions, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts, It’s such a worthy historical place to visit in Kerala.

6. Thalassery Fort

Thalassery Fort is known as Tellicherry Fort, a historical monument of Kerala which is located in Thalassery town of Kerala. This Fort was built in 1708 by the East India Company. It plays the most vital role in the military and It shows the British, Dutch, and Portuguese architectural styles. The Fort has a Small Museum showcasing the artifacts of the history of the fort, old coins, sculptures, and more. The Thalassery Fort played a significant role in Kerala history and Now it is the main attraction as a cultural and historical heritage of the region.

7. Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is one of the most famous historical places in Kerala known for its architectural elegance and cultural significance. It is a great example of traditional Kerala architecture including roofs, narrow corridors, and dormer windows. One of the primary attractions of the Krishnapuram Palace is mural paintings. Krishnapuram Palace also has a museum showcasing antique sculptures, paintings, weapons, and household items.

8. Napier Museum

Napier Museum is the only natural history museum of Kerala. It was established in 1855 and showcased the unique architecture of Kerala. The Napier Museum houses are examples of archaeological collections and offer traditional Kerala art forms, including Kathakali models.

9. Bolghatty Palace

Bolghatty Palace surrounded by lush greenery offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the backwaters. It was built by the Dutch in 1744. Now it is a heritage hotel operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Tourists can reach by a short boat ride making it a unique experience. The colonial architecture, beautiful surroundings, and historical significance make it worth a historical place to visit in Kerala.

10. Palakkad Fort

Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu Sultan Fort. It was built in 1766 AD by Hyder Ali and It is now under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. This Fort holds significant historical and architectural importance and a chance to explore the European architectural style. The Palakkad Fort also offers some other attractions including the Hanuman temple, a martyr’s column, Anjaneya Swami Temple, Vatika Shilavatika, and a sub-jail. The fort also has a granary, one of the largest in Asia. Due to the most famous historical place in Kerala, tourists come here from all over the world.

Before Visiting Kerala, Explore the Kerala Holiday Package for a hassle-free experience.