Palaces of Kerala

Kerala is a historic land, and has been the major centres from traders, Portuguese, Dutch, British and erstwhile dynasties of South India. Although those rulers are no more, but they have left behind a rich legacy for the generations to come. Even today you can have a fine glimpse of the bygone era by visiting the important palaces of Kerala. Built on the lines of typical Keralan style mansion - the Nalukettu, the palaces of Kerala draw the art and architecture lovers from far and wide. In fact, you can feel the royal spelndour by paying a visit to the exquisite palaces of Kerala. Some of the famous palaces of Kerala include:

Mattancherry Palace - One of the famous palaces of Kerala, the palace lies at Mattancherry, just 10 km from Ernakulam. Construed by the Portuguese in 1557 the Palace was gifted to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. Later the Dutch occupied the palace and renovated it in 1663. A double storeyed building, Mattancherry Palace stands by the serene Kochi backwaters.

Built like the typical Kerala style mansion - the Nalukettu – the palace has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sqft of its walls. The murals depict themes from the Hindu epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Matthancherry Palace also houses royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

Poonjar Palace - A magnificent palace, Poonjar Palace is situated in Kottayam district in central Kerala. Poonjar Palace describes the story of glorious past and has a fine collection of antiques, rock cut lamps, sculptures etc. Here you can also see exquisite furniture including a palanquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Shiva), grain measures, statues and weapons.

Padmanabhapuram Palace - Padmanabhapuram Palace is located 64 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, at Thuckalay in the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu. Although the palace is situated in Tamil Nadu, but it comes under the purview of the Government of Kerala. Built in the 16th century, the wooden palace is a major attraction for any lover of art and architecture. The old palace of the Maharajas of the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom (1550 to 1750 AD) is an excellent specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. Highlights of the palace include intricate rosewood carvings, sculptured décor and 17th and 18th century murals.

Chendamangalam - Situated about 42 km Ernakulam town, Chendamangalam is mainly known for a church, a temple, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue. Set in close proximity, these religious structures present a perfect example of the ancient Indian tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Apart from these religious structures, Chendamangalam is famous for the Paliam Palace. Once the residence of the Paliath Achans, the prime ministers of the Maharajas of Kochi, the palace provide a fine glimpse the architectural splendour of Kerala. Paliam Palace has a good collection of historic documents and relics. Also interesting site at Chendamangalam is the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.

Koyikkal Palace - Koyikkal Palace lies at Nedumangad, about 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The palace was originally built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family who ruled the land between 1677 and 1684. A double stroreyed traditional Keralan mansion, the palace now houses Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology.

The Folklore Museum has a rich collection of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc. While the Numismatics Museum exhibits the coins belonging to different parts of the world as well as to different eras. Among the exhibits are some of the oldest coins of Kerala - Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen, Kaliyugarayan Panam etc. Coins namely Amaida, Karsha, Rasi and Sreekrishna Rasi are some of the famous coins on display inside the Numismatics Museum.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow (Mansion) – Once the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, Pierce Leslie Bungalow is known for its charming beauty. Founded in the year 1862, this mansion reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. A fine specimen of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this bungalow has characteristic features such as wooden panels that form the roof of the ground floor. Arched doorways, carved doors, well decorated rooms and waterfront verandahs are other attractions of Pierce Leslie Bungalow

Some Hidden Attractions of Kerala

Kerala is full of tourist attractions including both natural and man-made as well. In fact, each and every region of Kerala is a tourist destination in itself. Beaches, backwaters, waterfalls, wildlife, temples, palaces, lakes etc. are some of the major attractions of Kerala. Besides, the state has a number of hidden attraction, mostly unknown among the visitors. Hence, I am providing a brief overview of some of the hidden jewells of Kerala below that include wildlife sanctuaries, museums, churches, temples etc.

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary – Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 20 km east of Mananthavady in Wayanad district of Kerala. Set on elevated picturesque mountainous plateu in the Western Ghats, the wildlife sanctuary is a place of great interest to nature lovers. Considered amongst the most picturesque locales of Kerala, Begur has a wealth of diverse species of plants and animals. Here you can spot a variety of wildanimals and interesting plant species.

Bolghatty Island - Bolghatty Island is located close to the historic town of Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district. The island is known for the magnificent Bolghatty Palace. Built in 1744 by the Dutch government and later taken over by the British, now the palace is operational as a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Archaeological Museum – A major attraction for archaeologist, the Archaeological Museum is located near the Thrissur Zoo, just 2 km from Thrissur town. The musuem houses a gallery of murals from all over Kerala and preserves a rare treasure of Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal (manuscripts on dry palm leaves), megaliths (earthen pots, urns) etc. Besides, the temple models cast in Plaster of Paris are excellent representations of the ancient temples in Kerala. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all weekdays except Mondays and national holidays.

Arakkal Kettu - Arakkal Kettu palace complex lies 3 km from Kannur, opposite Ayikaara Mapilla Bay. Once the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, Arakkal Kettu is the only Muslim Royal Family of Kerala. Now the palace complex is converted into a museum and under the control of the Archaeological and Tourism Department of Kerala. In the museum you can see a fine display of numerous artefacts and heirlooms belonging to the Rajas.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary – Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 35 km from Thalasserry and 60 km from Kannur town. The wildlife sanctuary sprawl over 5 sq kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. Katti Betta is the highest peak here rising to a height of 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests cover, the wildlife sanctuary provides natural habitat to a vast variety of flora and fauna. Here you can spot herds of deer, elephant, boar, bison. leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels. Aralam village is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. The farm is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple – Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is located 15 km south of Alappuzha. Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is renowned for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. In this temple Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Ottanthullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple.

Ananthapura Lake Temple (Kasargod) – The only lake temple in Kerala, Ananthapura Lake temple lies 30 km from Bekal. Built in the 9th century the temple is the original abode of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. An old crocodile at the temple pond, believed to be 150 year old is a major attraction here.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum - Set 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district, the museum is a favoured place for historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. The archaeological museum has one of Kerala's largest collections of the remnants of an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. In fact, the exhibits in the museum are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad during the 2nd century A.D. You can see clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios in the museum. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Aruvithira Church - Located 11 km from Kottayam, Aruvithira Church is believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas. Aruvithira Church is also one of the Keralan churches which collects the huge amount of monetary offerings during the festival days. Every year the annual feast is celebrated here on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of April.

Arthunkal Church - One of the important churches of Kerala, Arthunkal Church is situated 22 km north of Alappuzha. Here the St. Sebastian’s Church is an important pilgrim centre for Christians. Each year, the annual festival of Arthunkal Perunnal is celebrated here in January.