Kerala is one of the southern states of India, known for its rich culture and history that dates back to the earliest ancient histories of India. Its ancient sites, showcases its rich history and culture, that rises the curiosity among the history lovers.
It is in fact home to some of the ancient temples, historic forts and palaces, offering an immersive experience. Here is a list of the popular ancient sites in Kerala that you must include in your itinerary with the help of the best inbound tour operators in India:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram)
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an ancient temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The architectural design of this temple is Dravidian architectural style with intricate carvings, depicting stories from the Hindu mythology. The main highlight of this temple is the statue of the majestic reclining Lord Vishnu statue and the treasure it comprises in its vaults, grabs the attention of the visitors from around the world. Foreign tourists specially visit this temple to know more about its history, culture and the treasure it houses.
Historical importance of this temple: This temple was built in the 8th century and is connected to the Travancore royal family.
What to observe? Intricate carvings on the stone walls of the temple, ancient murals, and the golden gopuram of the temple.
- Edakkal Caves (Wayanad)
These caves are located in Wayanad district and provide knowledge about the prehistoric era of Kerala. The caves comprises of ancient petroglyphs, dating to the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods. Do include it in your itinerary with the guidance of Tour operator India.
Historical importance of this cave: These caves were home to the humans, some 8000 years ago.
What to observe? Intricate Rock carvings of human figures, animals, and unique geometric symbols.
- Mattancherry Palace (Kochi)
Mattancherry Palace was built during the rule of the Portuguese in 1555, and it was later renovated by the Dutch rulers. The Mattancherry Palace is also called the Dutch Palace and is designed in both colonial and traditional Kerala architectural style.
Historical importance of this palace: In this palace foreign tourists will have a wonderful time having a glimpse of the artifacts and the many portraits of the Kochi royal family.
What to observe? Artifacts and the many portraits of the Kochi royal family, murals from the scenes of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, etc.
- Bekal Fort (Kasaragod)
This is the largest fort in Kerala built in the 17th-century by Shivappa Nayaka belonging to Keladi dynasty. However, this fort was taken over by Tipu Sultan. One of the highlight of this fort is that it offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Historical importance of this fort: An important point of defense, guarding the region from the invaders.
What to observe? Explore the underground tunnels, the observation tower of the fort, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
- Thrissur Pooram and Vadakkunnathan Temple (Thrissur)
This ancient temple is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the time of Thrissur Pooram festival, grand celebration takes place in this temple.
Historical importance of this temple: this temple was to be built by Parashurama, and comprises of intricate carvings.
What to observe? Have a glimpse of the beautiful murals and ancient shrines.
- Cheraman Juma Mosque (Kodungallur)
This mosque was built in 629 AD, and was the first mosque to be built in India. One of the highlight of this mosque is that it is believed to be built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad and comprises of both Islamic and Kerala architectural style.
Historical importance of this mosque: built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad and comprises of both Islamic and Kerala architectural style.
What to observe? Intricate wooden carving, comprises of both Islamic and Kerala architectural style and ancient lamps that continues to be lit till now. Do know more about the best places in Kerala with the help of Tour operator India.
- Kumarakom Backwaters and Vembanad Lake
The Kumarakom Backwaters and Vembanad Lake have been an important trade route during the ancient time. You can in fact watch the ancient settlements near the Vembanad Lake.
Historical importance of this lake: check out the main spice trade route which has been used from ancient times.
What to observe? Check out the traditional houseboats and have a houseboat cruise and visit the ancient villages located along the backwaters.
- Fort Kochi and St. Francis Church (Kochi)
This fort was built during the colonial rule in India, and has stunning buildings and cobbled streets, and near the fort shores you can see the Chinese fishing nets. The St. Francis Church was built during the colonial rule in India; it was built in 1503, and is one of the oldest churches in India.
Historical importance of this fort and church: see the influence of the Dutch, Portuguese, and British in Kerala.
What to observe? Stunning European architectural style buildings and cobbled streets, the Chinese fishing nets, and the colonial vibes.
- Thirunelli Temple (Wayanad)
This is an ancient temple is located in Brahmagiri Hills and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is perched in between the lush-green forests, hills and stunning landscape. This region is referred to as the Kashi of the South.
Historical importance of this temple: this temple is more than 1,000 years old and is even mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures.
What to observe? Lush-green forests, hills and stunning landscape, traditional rituals of the temple, and Papanasini stream located nearby.
- Hill Palace Museum (Tripunithura)
This Hill Palace was built in 1865 and was actually the residence of the royal family of Kochi. It is now converted into a museum; it houses many historical artifacts, paintings, statues, etc.
Historical importance of this museum: Know about the history of the royal family of Kochi.
What to observe? Historical artifacts, paintings, and beautiful gardens.
Other important places include Krishnapuram Palace (Kayamkulam), Attukal Bhagavathy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram), Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram), etc, that foreign tourists must include with the help of the best inbound tour operators in India.
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