The Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865, the Palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, sprawled over 52 acres of beautifully landscaped terraced land which houses a deer park and facilities for horse riding. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here. In the Ethno - Archaeological Museum are oil-paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, belongings of the Kochi royal family and royal furniture including the simhasana (throne).
Also exhibited are over 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China. Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock cut weapons from the stone ages, wooden temple models, plaster cast models of objects from Mohanjadaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum also houses a gallery of contemporary art.

Location : 10 kms from Ernakulam town, Central Kerala.
Visiting hours : 9.00 to 12.30 hrs. and 14.00 to 16.30 hrs.
on all days except Mondays.
Highlights : Kerala's first heritage museum. Royal collections of the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi.

This majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. The palace is built in the Travancore architectural style. This is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. It will be closed on Mondays.

Guruvayur, aptly called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in India. The idol of the famous Sri Krishna Temple here is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. Everyday, endless waves of men, women and children pour in for darshan (audience) of Lord Guruvayur (Lord Krishna). Besides pilgrims and tourists, brides and grooms with hundreds of guests flock here daily to get their weddings solemnized.

The Guruvayur Temple is unique, as it is not built in the typical South Indian style of temple architecture. For example, its architecture is not massive or grand but simple in keeping with the style of Kerala houses. Its four gateways lead to the main gopuram (where the idol is installed), protected by a slopping terracotta roof made of Mangalore tiles. Again, in true Kerala style, the temple owns 36 mighty elephants that live at Punnathur Fort, 4 km north of the temple.

Portuguese missionaries established one of the most important pilgrim centres of the Christians in Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, 22 kms; north of Alleppey. This church is near Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.

Churches of Kerala present a lovely sight that should not be missed by a visitor. St. Sebastian Church is considered to be an important pilgrim centre for the Christians of the state. Situated 22 kms north of Alleppey, this church was built by the Portuguese missionaries. St. Sebastian Church is very close to Sherthallai. Every year in the month of January, a grand feast of St. Sebastian is organized here which is visited by a lot of people. This 11 day feast of St. Sebastian, held generally in the second week of January has now become a well known event in the map of tourists visiting the place.

Tourists coming to witness the festival of St. Sebastian are able to witness some rituals, which appear pretty peculiar for the first time to them. Urulu nercha, where the devotees crawl a large stretch, from the church to the beach on their knees make the tourists gape wide eyed. This ritual is a way of showing respect to St. Sebastian. Many devotees also offer silver and gold replicas of bows, arrows and human limbs to have divine blessings. For many pilgrims coming to this place, the visit remains incomplete without a dip in the tank of St. Sebastian Church. This holy dip is considered to be very auspicious by a majority of these people. In brief, St. Sebastian Church stands for an emblem of religious unanimity.

Aranmula Temple, in Pathanamthitta district, is famous as one of the five temple towns of Kerala. There are other temples besides Aranmula, which are devoted to Lord Krishna and are located at Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha. Lord Parthasarathy is the presiding deity of the Aranmula temple. There are five ancient shrines around Chengannur, sanctified by the Pandavas. One of them is Aranmula pilgrimage of Kochi. It is said that this temple has existed since the time of Mahabharata. In Cochin, Aranmula temple comes alive during the time of Onam festival when snake boat races are held in this temple. The temple premises is decorated beautifully and is thronged by thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers and cheer for those participating in the boat race.

Aranmula temple is famous for its Aranmula "kannadi", which is basically a mirror engulfed by some exquisite metal works. "Kannadi" is Malayalam for mirror and this kind of mirror work is found exclusively in Aranmula and nowhere in the world. If you happen to visit Aranmula, buy these beautiful mirrors that are available in all shapes and sizes. The Aranmula Temple is famous for its murals, which were carved out during the 18th century. Infact, many foreign tourists come here and stay for a long time to learn the culture of Kerala. It is a soul satisfying experience and one that you shall never forget in your life.

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam) north of Trichur, 29km away, near the Shornore Railway Junction. Mahakavi Vallathol founded Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, in 1930. It's main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the traditional art form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali.Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar, in Cheruthuruthy with its new building complex the Natyagraha. The old Kerala Kalamandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi of Poet Vallathol, the founder of the institution, is in the premises of the old Kalamandalam.It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal.

Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor is the first mosque in India. It was built in 629 A.D. and resembles a temple in appearance. It is situated. This was rebuilt recently

Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town, this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Built in AD 629 , this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort.

Built by the Dutch in 1744, the Bolghatty palace in Ernakulam is on an island, off Cochin in the Arabian Sea. The building was once a Governor's palace for the Dutch and later the home of the British Residents. Today, this is one of the prestigious hotels of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

One of the oldest Dutch palaces in Kerala came into existence in 1774, which now has been transformed into a heritage palace of Kochi. It is widely preferred by the tourists nationwide. Bolghatty Palace is a finest choice for making holidays memorable and for optimum fun and joy. This heritage Palace consists of 16 well-organized rooms, 6 waterfront cottages and 4 palace suits. The accommodation is well furnished & organized in a way to make guests comfortable. Regular facilities like running hot & cold water, laundry, and transport system is available. In addition to these, other requisite facilities such as indoor recreation centre, boat club, horse riding, and swimming pool are also available. A multi cuisine dinning hall serves delicious and hygienic food.

Vasco House is the main tourist attraction in Kerala and is supposed to have been the erstwhile residence of Vasco Da Gama and his companions. Vasco da Gama came to India as a navigator. He suddenly landed at Kochi in the year 1498 and took it to be Indies Isle and from there the name India has been derived. He had been a Portuguese and a very merciless person as regards to the disciplines is concerned.

But god saturated this man with substantial talent and merit, so that he went back with sufficient information about the Indians. In India he set up a land for his people and this is the famous Vasco House in the port of Kochi. In Kochi he constructed the reputed Vasco House that still stands to the amazement of the millions of people who wander at the splendor of the building. It has glass paned windows that remind us of the European lifestyles, and the balconies indicate the unique blend of Ethnicity and European ness. The Vasco House overlooks the Parade Ground, and it is one of the oldest Houses in Fort Kochi.

This is a large mansion that was established in the year 1862 and this Bungalow reflects the amalgamation of the traditional Indian, Portuguese and the Dutch Style of architectures. The roof is made up of wood panels, which is above the ground floor and there is also the vaulted entrance, carved doors and expansive chambers.

The additional attraction of this building is the cascade balcony. Wood as we all know had a primary role in those days while buildings were constructed and it was used widely. Carved doors were the symbol of elegance and authority and so, numerous heritage buildings were endowed with carved doors that would enhance the inherent charm of the buildings.

You can thus enjoy the Pierce Leslie Bungalow which stands now as a grand epitome of cultural amalgamation. Kerala is a land of pristine backwater and verdant coconut plantations. Amidst the natural grandeur stands the unique building also known as the Pierce Leslie Bungalow. Come to Kerala to enjoy the charm of this structure. The unique Pierce Leslie Bungalow stands in Kerala to induce its charm and put a new feather to its colorful crown.

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm"

While you see the exquisite Mattanchery Palace you would feel that the greatness of the palace lies in the enthusiastic zeal of the beholder who conceived it. Constructed by the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century, the splendid Mattanchery Palace was ultimately taken over by the Dutch in the year 1663, and then the Palace ultimately went into the hands of the Rajahs of Cochin. They renovated the Palace to a large extent. It is however worthwhile to mention over here that the palace was primarily reconstructed and improvements made by the earlier residents of the Palace, namely the Dutch.

There is an acute touch of pulsating splendor in the making of the Mattanchery Palace; the bed chamber of this Palace consists of the entire story of the Ramayana painted on the wall as fresco. Outside the bed chamber there is the traditional Keralean style of floor construction which consists of polished black Marble. It is in fact a mixture of smoldered coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices, and egg whites. While it is closed on the national holidays and Fridays, you can visit here on any other day.

Koyikkal Palace has been erected for Umayamma Rani. She belonged to the Venad Royal Family and who reigned from 1677-1684. The double storied palace has been erected in an ethnic style and today it is the most exquisite Museums that houses folklore materials after being confiscated by the Department of Archeology in India.

The Koyikkal Palace is located few kilometers from the Ponmudi Hill Station, and Courtalam Waterfalls. The Numismatics Museum is the most elegant fraction that can be enjoyed by the tourists and it is one of the most exclusive Museums in the country. In the Folklore Museum you shall find some of the marvelous collection of musical instruments like Chandravalayam which is not found else where in the country, and Nanthuni.

The former is said to be the musical accompaniment of Sri Ram who wandered in the jungles according to the wishes of his father. The later is an instrument which is played after a good harvest and enjoyed with dance and drinks. Wide ranges of kitchen equipments like the brassware, earthenware and also other kitchen wares are found in the Numismatic Museum.

Old manuscripts, Thaliyola, and anklets, Chilambu, are also exhibited in the Museum. The Kettuvillaku is an auspicious lamp that is usually lit during the festivals in the Bhagwathi Temple. Different kinds of gold coins are on display at the Numismatics Museum. They are rare and unique of their kinds.

A Venetian coin named Amaida believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ is present for display at the Museum. Moreover, Rasi, the world's smallest coin is on display at the Museum, and we can also see the Laxmi Narayana silver coins at the Numismatics Museum. The 374 varieties of Gold coins at the Museum is a really interesting event.

"Human potential, though not always apparent, is there waiting to be discovered and invited forth."

This human potential lies in a dormant state inside the soul of man and only when it is provoked with a shock, then it comes out like a blazing knife-edge. The potential of Human kind is best exhibited in the construction of the Krishnapuram Palace that consists of large number of frescoes, Antique Bronze construction and Paintings.

The theme of the frescoes is an elephant saluting the Lord Vishnu. The other gods and goddesses pay homage to the duo and also bless the king Gajendra for his devotion to the benevolent Lord Vishnu. This elephant is supposed to be the elephant king, named Gajendra.

As Lord Vishnu is the assumed God of the Kayamkulam Dynasty, king Gajendra is supposed to belong to this dynasty. At present the additional Buddha Mandapam has been added to the Krishnapura, Palace and so, the entire structure looks all the more charismatic and graceful. This is a museum that holds exclusive items made of gold, bronze and copper.

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it for the first time or the last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory."

If you want to retain some of the glorious instants of your life then you must visit Bekal Palace. Bekal would be the superb memory for you, and you would like to cherish that all along your life. Bekal Fort is a spectacular beach destination in India.

The Bekal Fort is a 300 years old fabulous Monument in Kerala, with its vibrant charm and the pristine aquamarine expanse of the Backwater reflects the heritage of Kerala. The strong tradition comes alive with the immaculate Bekal Seashore, breathing the ancient breath, still staying with its children to say a few words about the past that it experienced. Bekal Fort is the colossal and the most fresh-looking forts in India.

It has been constructed by the Ikkeri dynasty. Later it was occupied by Hyder Ali of Mysore, and then by Tipu Sultan. Just at the foyer of the Fort there is the Anjanaya Temple. It is dedicated to the Lord of the Winds also known as Sri Hanuman.

There is a seaside pathway along the Fort and one can have a splendid view of the sea once he peers down from the terraces of the Fort. Due to the historical significance this place has been confiscated by the Archeological Survey Department of India.

So, Bekal is now a special Tourism area. Bekal Fort is especially attractive for the Sea Citadel, Dissident Subway and the Observation Tower. The walls of the fort had been advantageously designed for defense purposes.

"The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it."

While you work very hard and let aside all your hopes and aspirations, there remains an opportunity for you to attain glory after you task is completed and this is conspicuous in the Alwaye Palace. As is said in the Mahabharata by Lord Krishna, "do thy work without worrying about the result", the glory of human being lies in the implementation of work rather than in the preponderance on result. The Alwaye Palace is the unique specimen of the architectural talent in India, and the manifestation of that talent in work.

On the banks of the River Periyar stands the exclusive Alwaye Palace. This is a splendid palace that has now been turned into a Five Star Guest House. The beautiful globular balcony overlooks the meandering Periyar River and while you rest at the exquisite loggia, you shall remember all the pleasant moments of your life. Such is the charm of the place. It is located 15 kilometers from Kochi on the National Highway, so the Kochi International Airport is nearby and your access to Alwaye Palace would be easy.

The Arakkal Palace is the sole Royal household of Muslims in Kerala.It is located at Kannur. The Arakkal Family was known as Arakkal Beevi,who could also be invested with sovereignity if she happened to be older than the senior male member of the family. The fort built by the Portugese stands nearby.

Arakkal Palace is just 3 kilometers from the town of Kannur. It is a famous Fort owned by the Arakkal Family that had been the only Muslim Royal Family in Kerala, and they were the rulers of the coastal Kerala as well as parts of the Lakswadeep Island.

The Arakkal family followed the Matrimonial descent; by this method the members of the family were given in marriage to the other members so that the family property is not flown out and in order to retain the ancestral property of the family.

They followed the patriarchal system and the male members of the family were the supreme head and the females had to take their permission before they did any task. This was the rule and everyone followed it. The male rulers were usually called the Ali Rajahs and the female queens were known as the Arakkal Beevis.

The Kannur Fort was constructed in the year 1505 AD and after that it was confiscated by the Dutch from the ownership of the Portuguese. In the year 1790 the British took the fort from the Dutch and a tunnel was constructed underneath the fort that would communicate with the Thalassery Fort. This sea route used to provide protection to the soldiers when they were attacked by enemies. This sea route is unique and well conceives and is the main source of inspiration for the Bollywood Hindi Film Quayamat where the hero directs the police forces to a subway from where they could rescue a lot of hijacked people.