16 Must-Visit Heritage Places In Kerala for an Unforgettable Trip
On India’s tropical Malabar Coast resides Kerala, an evergreen state famous for its breathtaking scenic views and palm-lined beaches. With the beach beauty and tropical shows, the state also embraces some of the most beautiful and ancient monuments and temples worth visiting. Take a look at our list of heritage places in Kerala, including the Western Ghats. Each and every place in Kerala is just beautiful, serene, and amazing. Some of these places are architectural marvels, while some are just naturally occurring marvels.
16 Heritage Places In Kerala to Add to Your Travel List
Take a look through the list of age-old monuments and breathtaking ancient places which would make your trip in Kerala a memorable one!
- The Western Ghats
- Anchuthengu Fort
- Krishnapuram Palace
- Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple
- St Mary’s Forane Church
- Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb
- Thalassery Fort
- Anantha Padmanabha Temple
- Edakkal Caves
- Kappad Beach
- Bekal Fort
- St. Francis Church
- Dutch Palace
- Poonjar Palace
- Napier Museum
- Aryankavu
1. The Western Ghats
Also known in the name of Sahyadri, the Western Ghats are the famous mountain range in Kerela, which is spread over an area of 140,000 square kilometres, passing through the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. It is one of the most famous UNESCO heritage sites in Kerala, offering a heavenly view from the mountains, and is home to a large number of national parks, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, trekking points, and plantations.
Location: Western Ghats, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala
Timings: NA
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2. Anchuthengu Fort
Image Credit: Prasanthvembayam for Wikimedia Commons
Located 32 km from the Trivandrum Central Railway Station, the Anchuthengu fort is also known as the Anjengo Fort. It was the first creation of the East Indian Company in Kerela back in the 16th century. While you are here, admire the architecture of one of the ancient heritage sites in Kerala while standing on the shores of the Anchuthengu beach.
Location: Anchuthengu, Kerala
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
3. Krishnapuram Palace
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Once home to Marthanda Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore is now a palace with no origin and age. The ancient palace represents Kerala-like architecture, which looks very intricate and detailed. Today, you will find an archaeological museum with a palace with many wonderful masterpieces. It is one of the many heritage places in Kerala that you can visit for a nice photo session.
Location: Dist, Kayamkulam, Oachira Rd, Near, Krishnapuram, Kerala
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays.
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4. Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple
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The Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple is one of the top historical places and monuments in Kerala. It is a must-visit for Lord Shiva worshippers. The three-foot-long Shivalinga is protected in a small cave with four walls and attracts worshippers from all around. The remarkable architecture and age-old designs make it a preserved monument by the Archaeological Department.
Location: Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Kerala
Timings: NA
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5. St Mary’s Forane Church
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Created in 105 AD, St Mary’s Forane Church tells the tale of Mother Mary, who asked a few children to build a church in the place where it stands today. The church represents the Virgin Mary and a cross inscribed on granite stones. It is worth visiting while you explore some of the best historical places in Kerala and Karnataka.
Location: Kuravilangad Church Junction Kuravilangad Post, Kerala
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8 PM
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6. Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb
Image Credit: Ravanan Kannur for Wikimedia Commons
Constructed as the memorial of the ‘Lion of Kerala’, Veera Pazhassi Raja, a descendant of the Kottayam family, the Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb narrates the history of Veera’s cremation after he was shot by the British. You will also find the Pazhassi museum near the sword, which is believed to have been used by Pazhassi Raja.
Location: Mananthavady, Kerala
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Monday.
7. Thalassery Fort
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The Thalassery Fort is another historical sight you will find at the Thalassery town in the Kannur district of Kerala. Under the Archaeological Survey of India, the Thalassery fort attracts plenty of viewers from around Kerala. The fort is square in shape and has large walls inscribed with intricate designs and details. Nearby Thalassery, you will find the Odathil Palli, the Jagannatha temple and Thiruvangadi Sri Rama Swami Temple.
Location: Thalassery New Bus Stand, Near Kanyakumari – Panvel Highway, Pilakool, Thalassery, Kerala
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
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8. Anantha Padmanabha Temple
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The Anantha Padmanabha Temple, also known as the Padmanabhaswamy temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Some points to remember while visiting this temple are that it is only made for Hindus and does not allow men with shirts or clothes above the waist. The intricate designs and details are something worthy of being captured in this temple.
Location: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings: 4:15 AM to 11:45 AM & 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM.
9. Edakkal Caves
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Located on the top of Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavalayal in Wayanad are Edakkal Caves, two natural caves known for their heritage importance. The caves, located at an altitude of 4000 feet, were discovered by Fred Fawcett in 1890 during his hunting trip. The name ‘Edakkal’ means ‘a stone in between’ and is quite an amazing place to visit. The views of the hills of Wayanad and surrounding peaks are nothing less than marvellous.
Location: Nenmeni, Kerala
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
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10. Kappad Beach
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Kappad Beach is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Kerala and is one of the most charming beaches in Kerala. In 1498, Vasco da Gama landed on Indian soil at Kappad Beach along with 170 men, and a monument commemorating that event is on the beach. This marked the beginning of an era of new relationships between the Indians and the Portuguese. The beach is the perfect place to relax and play around.
Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
Timings: NA
11. Bekal Fort
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Situated in Bekal, Kerala, the Bekal Fort stands tall along the shores of the Arabian Sea. It is the biggest fort in Kerala; it is so huge that it covers 40 acres of land. The fort is said to be more than 300 years old. It was built by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty during the 1650s.
Location: Kasaragod Road, PO Bekal Fort, Beside Bekal Fort Railway Station Dist, Bekal, Kerala
Timings: 8 AM to 5.30 PM
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12. St. Francis Church
Image Credit: Ranjith Siji for Wikimedia Commons
St. Francis Church is famous for being the first European Church built in India. It is located on Parade Road and was originally called Santo Antonio, the Patron Saint of Portugal. The church reflects the history and struggle of Europeans in India from 15th to 20th Century. Originally, the church was made of wood but was later rebuilt in stone.
Location: Head Post Office, Saint Francis Church Road Opp, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
Timings: 7 AM to 6.30 PM
13. Dutch Palace
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Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is a palace built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It is located in Mattancherry near the Jewish Synagogue. In 1663, the palace took the Dutch name as the Dutch carried out renovations and extensions.
Location: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
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14. Poonjar Palace
Image Credit: Ganesh Mohan T for Wikimedia Commons
The Poonjar Rajas built Poonjar Palace and is approximately 600 years old. The Poonjar Palace is made out of wood and the architecture of the palace is reminiscent of Kerala’s tradition. The Palace houses a museum that showcases a collection of exquisite furniture, a boat carved out of a single piece of wood, chandeliers, lamps, sculptures and more.
Location: Poonjar Palace, Panachippara, Poonjar, Kerala
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
15. Napier Museum
Image Credit: Prasanth Prakash for Wikimedia Commons
If you are a lover of art and architecture, then you are going to love visiting the Napier Museum. It is one of the best museums in Kerala. Built in the Anglo-Saracen architectural style, the Gothic roof and minarets are imposing. Admire the bronze idols, stone carvings, ancient ornaments, and artefacts on display. You will also find beautiful artwork and paintings by renowned artists like Nicholas Roerich and Raja Ravi Verma.
Location: Napier Museum Rd, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Timings: 10 am–4:45 pm most days, 1–4:45 pm on Wednesdays, and closed on Mondays
16. Aryankavu
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Aryankavu is one of the most spiritual heritage places in Kerala. It is widely known for its temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. What fascinates the travellers are the mural paintings hanging on the pillars and walls. The Mandala Puja organized in December makes Aryankavu one of the famous Kerala tourist places. Apart from this, travelers can also visit Palavari waterfalls which is situated 5 km from Aryankavu is another attraction.
Location: Aryankavu, Kollam, Kerala
Timings: NA
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These were the ancient heritage places in Kerala that provided their visitors with rich cultural tales and remarkable architecture. Add these to your list, and make sure to visit all these age-old places on your trip to Kerala. Happy Traveling!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Places In Kerala
Here are some of the most famous historical monuments of Kerala: - Bekal Fort - Anjuthengu Fort - Dutch Palace - Padmanabhapuram Palace - Thalassery fort
The UNESCO recognized world heritage sites are located in the Western Ghats of Kerala including the Agasthyamalai, Periyar and Annamalai region.
Kerala's heritage includes ancient dynasties, festivals like Onam, Vishu, and Thrissur Pooram, Performing Arts like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, indigenous forms of martial arts as well as architecture. Which is the first heritage beach in Kerala?
Kappad Beach in Kozhikode is a historic beach in Kerala. Others include Munakkal Beach and Varkala Papanasam Beach. What is the most famous heritage site in Kerala?
The Sahyadri mountain range, better known as the Western Ghats, are a UNESCO recognised heritage site in Kerala, and are quite possibly the most popular one. Which are the historical monuments in Kerala?
How many World Heritage Sites are there in Kerala?
What is the heritage of Kerala?
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