Kerala Monumental Beauties
Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor.Juma masjid was the first mosque in India.
It was built in 629 A.D. and resembles a temple in appearance but is a mosque.
This was rebuilt recently as certain parts were damaged due to natural catastrophes.
Bolghatty Palace
This particular palace was built by the Dutch in the year 1744, in Ernakulam
on an island, off Cochin in the Arabian Sea. This building is considered to
be huge and magnificent towering over and definitely a site to see for every
tourist. It was also the Governor’s palace at one point of time and later
it served as the residence for the Britishers when they were in power. As
of now, this monumental structure is converted into one of the most prestigious
hotels that is managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Alwaye palace
This palace seems to be resting at a very peaceful and serene place just infront
of the meandering periyar river.Nothing could be more exhilarating when you
enter this place with the river just besides. This old palace building is
now The Alwaye Guest House, which is one of the most prestigious in Kerala.
Aranmula Temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna is another pilgrim place for Hindus. The temple
Aranmula can be reached from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram via the
Kottayam route.The attraction here is the snake boat races held as part of
the Uthrettathi festival in August/September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made
mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi".
Cheruthuruthy
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
revive if necessary the tradition and culture in this type of art form.
Bekkal Fort
One is mistaken if he thinks Kerala is only on the greener side and doesnot
have forts like most of thye north Indian states have.But one such large and
well preserved fort in Kerala,is the Bekkal Fort, in Kasarkode,which is 16
km south on the National Highway. The beautiful Bakkel beach with the historic
and archaeologically significant fort in the background is now being developed,
into an international tourist destination.An old mosque near the fort is believed
to have been built by the Mysore forces. After the British overthrew him,
the fort came under the East India Company.
St. Sebastian Church
Churches are a sight not be missed if you are a visitor for the first time
to this lovely state.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.The Christian community also lives with
pride in this state which offers a mix of culture and tradition for them too.
Sebastian Church is near Sherthallai. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here
every January.
Guruvayur
Religion is another flavour of life.Here the people are staunch devotees of
the God Vishnu and also other God and Goddesses.Thrissur is a good base for
a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32 kms away. It is among India's most important
pilgrimage centers and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. Supporting
this flavor are many other temples like the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which
attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century.
Tradition has it that Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of
the Winds created the temple. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here
as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Though located at Thuckalai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, (65 kms
south of Thiruvananthapuram) this former palace of Travancore is a splendid
example of Kerala architecture. It is a highly protected and well-preserved
monument of the Kerala State Archaeology Department. The palace is noted for
its excellent wood architecture and murals.These wood work has immense value
as far as craftsmen ship is concerned.
The Churches or Muttuchira (Kottayam)
Situated on the MC Road, between Vaikom and Kaduthuruthi, Muttuchira has an
interesting conglomeration of three churches of different periods built in
the same compound.This is an unique site that is found here as there are three
periods that come into contact and the differences are seen. These churches
display distinctive features of the evolution of Church architecture in Kerala,
the oldest of which is a typical example of Neo-Boroque style.
Krishnapuram Palace
This is also another very priced and protected monument of the state of Kerala.
A former palace of Travancore kings, it was built in the 18th century at Krishnapuram
in Kayamkulam.This monument is often referred to as a miniature model of Padmanabhapuram
Palace.
Nedumangad Palace
This 18th century palace known as Koikkal Kottaram is situated about 14 Kms
from Thiruvananthapuram at Nedumangad.The palace today houses a small museum.
Mattancheri Palace
This palace was originally built for the Raja of Kochi in1552 AD by the Portugese
people who ruled then in their times of trade and commerce.But posterity remembers
this monument as the Dutch Palace, mainly because it was renovated and re-built
by the Dutch East India Company. The palace has beautiful display of murals
and artifacts supporting the craftsmanship at that period of time.
Palace and Jewish Synagogue (Mattancherry)
It was built in 1568 AD, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper
plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Kerala rulers Bhaskara
Varma in A.D 1000 and the exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles are of interest.
The most amazing factor in this creation is the different display of tiles
in the synagogue where no two tiles are alike and are two hundred years old.
There are also several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the
synagogue by various patrons.
Hill Palace Museum (Ernakulam)
This museum displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family
of Cochin, including the king's throne and crown. Also on display are the
other things of royalty like the majestic beds, which the kings and the queens
used, paintings, carving and samples of epigraphy.
Arackal Palace & Kannur Fort
The Arackal Palace is the sole Royal household of Muslims in Kerala.It is
located at Kannur. The Arackkal Family was known as Arackkal Beevi.
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