Top 10 Historical Places in Kerala Awaiting Your Arrival

The lush state of Kerala in South India is known for its pristine natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere. The large number of stunning, imposing temples in the state amid greenery has earned Kerala the title of ‘God's own Country’. But only few people know about the contributions the state has made to the history and culture of India. 

You can learn many fascinating stories of the state’s historic past by visiting just Kerala. Get mesmerised by the history and beauty of old structures and iconic monuments in Kerala. 

In this blog find a complete list of top 10 historical places in Kerala and easily go about making your Kerala itinerary!

List of top 10 historical places in Kerala

• Kollam City

Kollam holds the top spot among the list of well-known historical sites in Kerala for a reason. The town’s historical buildings, natural treasures and rich history are the reasons why Kollam is at the top here. Kollam is one of the oldest ports in the Arabian Sea and a prominent spice trading centre with a history dating to the 9th century. Visit the notable undiscovered jewels of the city like Rameshwara Temple, Anandavalleswaram Temple, Pullichira Church and Thevally Palace on your Kerala trip. 

Kollam is the entry point to Kerala's backwaters and a city famous for its magnificent beaches. Why not stroll through time at the Fort in the city before relaxing by the beach? Also, the cashew industry in India is based out of Kollam. 

• Pathanamthitta Town

Pathanamthitta in Kerala is rich in spirituality and mysticism. Visit this unspoiled paradise with gorgeous mountain ranges, clear rivers and vast coconut orchards on your trip to Kerala. The pilgrimage centre of Sabarimala that is home to numerous historic temples is located in the Pathanamthitta district. 

The three rivers in the town have fashioned an amazing topography of lowlands, midlands and hills. Pathanamthitta is renowned for its culture, a part of which is the delicate metal mirror art called Aranmula Kannadi. You can watch the purest form of the art—vastu vidya—in action in the town's heritage hamlet called Vassthu Vidya Gurukulam.

• Krishnapuram Palace, near Alleppey

The Krishnapuram Palace located between Alappuzha and Kollam at Kayamkulam is both a palace and a museum. It is one of the top historical places in Kerala well-known among tourists. Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma of the Travancore kingdom built the Krishnapuram Palace in the 18th century. Today, the palace houses the archaeological museum that is maintained by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. 

With its confined spaces, gabled roofs and dormer windows, the Palace is a distinct example of Keralan architecture. Visit this palace perched atop a small hill and encircled by a terraced garden while in Kerala. You can stay at the nearby Club Mahindra Arookutty Resort in Alleppey while visiting the Palace.

• Martha Mariam Church, near Kottayam

St. Mary's Forane Church or Martha Mariam Church situated near Kuravilangad is one of the historical monuments in Kerala. Built in 105 AD, the church installed a 48-foot single-block granite cross in front of it in about 1597. Three imposing bells were transported from Germany in 1911.

It is said that Mother Mary instructed a group of local youngsters to erect a church where a miraculous spring bubbles up even today. You can find a stone statue of Virgin Mary in the church. 

• Poonjar Palace, near Kottayam

Poonjar Palace is a 600-year-old palace located in Poonjar, close to Kottayam. It is a well-known historical site and a top tourist attraction in Kottayam. Built by Poonjar Rajas, the palace is a magnificent example of the imperial grandeur of the past. Evoking the style of ancient Keralan architecture, the entire palace is constructed of wood. A unique assortment of antiques and furniture like sculptures, grain measurers, opulent chandeliers, jewellery boxes, palm leaf engravings and weaponry are showcased at the palace.

• Aranmula, near Pathanamthitta

Aranmula is a famous boat race held in the never-ending backwaters of Kerala. Also known as Aranmula Vallamkali and Uthrattathi, the boat race takes place every year in Aranmula during the Onam celebrations in August and September. The race conducted to celebrate the anniversary of Sri Krishna idol installation attracts tourists from across the world.

Witness the boat race that has become an icon of Kerala in Onam here. You can stay at a nearby resort Ramada in Alappuzha.

• Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple, Kaviyoor, near Pathanamthitta

Trikkukkudi Rock-Cut Temple is an ancient temple that is carved on a large rock. It is one of the well-known historical monuments in Kerala. The temple dedicated to Lord Siva is made in the Pallava style of architecture. One of Kerala's three rock-cut temples, Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple is a site of significant archaeological value conserved by the Archaeological Department.

Another noted temple in Kaviyoor is the Hanuman Temple built in the gable style of architecture located on a small hillock.

• Vizhinjam Cave Temple, near Thiruvananthapuram

The Vizhinjam Cave Temple is another one of Kerala's rock cut cave temples. Housing a statue of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthy, the cave temple is a small but significant ancient temple carved from a granite rock. The most alluring features of the temple are the half-finished carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on its exterior walls. Visit the site to see if the engravings evoke in you a sense of mystery.

Stay at the magnificent Club Mahindra Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram.

• Kottukal Cave Temple, Kollam

Kottukal Cave Temple is the third of the gorgeous rock-cut temples in Kerala. One of the earliest examples of the state’s ancient heritage, the unique temple seems to resemble a resting elephant. The temple constructed during the sixth and eighth centuries combines two chambers carved out of a single enormous rock. It houses Hanuman, Lord Ganapathy, Shivalinga and Nandi Bull. 

• Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram

The former governor of Madras, John Napier gave the museum its name. The charming structure also called as Thiruvananthapuram Art Museum is the product of the innovative ideas of English architect Chisholm of profusion of gables and turrets combining many construction types. 

Napier Museum is a vault of magnificent artworks displaying rare and authentic relics like ivory carvings, jewellery, stone sculptures and bronze idols from the eleventh through the eighteenth centuries. 

Travel to these historical places to visit in Kerala on your next trip to South India. Visit the amazing historical places in Kerala as you understand the culture of the historic city.