Top 5 Architectural Wonders In Kerala
Kerala is a land of mystery, with each and every city spilling out of many such mysteries. Kerala is famous for its beautiful backwaters, stunning beaches and wildlife sanctuaries. While there are the usual places you are supposed to go to when you visit Kerala tour, there are some architectural wonders, which not many may know of or miss visiting. The masterful work of the architects and craftsmen who created these architectural wonders are imbibed with Kerala’s traditional heritage and modern culture. But if you’re planning a trip to Kerala, then these five must-see places in Kerala should not be missed under any circumstances:
Bekal Fort:
If you are in search of monuments in Kerala, then Bekal Fort should be on your list. Bekal Fort is a large fort overlooking the Arabian Sea, located in Kerala. This Fort truly offers fascinating surroundings and is ideal for spending some beautiful time amidst serenity. There is also a mosque and a Hanuman temple at the entrance so that you can indulge your religious side. Visiting Bekal Fort will be an unforgettable experience for you.
There is no better preserved Fort than the one in Kasaragod, bordered by a magnificent beach. The historic Bekal Fort resembles a giant keyhole and dates back to the 17th century. Until a few centuries ago, the towers of this landmark monument were occupied by gigantic cannons which offered a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea.
In the Fort area is an old mosque believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the king of Mysore. As the Fort changed hands over time, it passed through the hands of Kadampa rulers, Tipu Sultan, the Vijayanagara Empire, and finally, the British East India Company.
Fort Bekal and its surrounding scenic areas are becoming an internationally famous tourist destination and ideal shooting locations for filmmakers.
Jewish Synagogue:
In Old Cochin, this magnificent structure is known as the “Mattancherry synagogue”. This mosque was built in 1568 by Jews of Spanish descent who called themselves Sephardic. It is still considered as one of the best monuments in Kerala. The Mattancherry temple and the synagogue share a wall, it’s a fantastic combination of Jewish and Hindu cultures. Gold and copper-plated crowns and relics cover the walls of four complexes. The synagogue and Jew Town in Cochin must be visited by anyone visiting that city.
The cultural melting pot of Kerala could best be described as Fort Kochi. There are perhaps no other geographical entities like this one because of its cultural representations. The ancient port city of Fort Kochi has welcomed hundreds of people over the centuries, whether they come from other parts of India or from far away countries like the Middle East and Europe.
Francis church
Francis church is situated in Fort Kochi .In addition to being famous for its European architecture, the St. Francis Church has historical significance due to its European construction. He was buried on the same grounds in the same building where Vasco da Gama would have been buried in 1524 after discovering the sea route from Europe to India. It has been decided that the remains should be moved to Lisbon. It is still possible to find the gravestone there. According to the Protected Monuments Act of 1923, this church became a protected monument 1923.
Padhmanabhaswamy Temple
Padhmanabhaswamy temple, influenced by Dravidian culture, is significant to Hindus. Padmanabha Swamy resides as Lord Vishnu in this majestic Gopuram. Artistic carvings, murals, and sculptures decorate the temple. The temple has nine entrances, representing something about the human body. Thiruvananthapuram is the place of worship. Padhmanabhaswamy temple along with the Sree Padmanabhapuram Palace are must-see places in Kerala. A unique feature is its intricacies, which are made in a Kerala style.
Lord Vishnu’s temple is situated inside the East Fort of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala in India. The architecture here combines Kerala and Dravidian elements. It’s considered to be the richest temple in the world.
As far back as the 8th century, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has been revered as a sacred place. Divya Desam means “city of worship” in Sanskrit and is one of 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India. The Vedic texts mention such Divya desams as the holiest dwellings of Lord Vishnu in the Tamil works of Tamil Azhvars and ancient Hindu scriptures. This area contains a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu riding on the snake Anantha, which is considered the temple’s presiding deity.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple today is the result of significant renovations carried out by Marthanda Varma, a renowned Travancore king. Murajapam and Bhadra Deepam were the festivals that Marthanda Varma introduced to the temple before he became a priest. There is still a tradition of conducting Murajapam in the temple every six years, which is the continuous chanting of prayers.
Hill Palace
There’s a massive museum in Kerala called Hill Palace. The site houses relics that belonged to Kochi’s royal family. This is a collection of 49 buildings built with traditional Indian architecture. Ettukkettu style architecture is displayed in this palace, making the place a classic place for architectural inspiration. This place is fantastic as one of the best Kerala sight seeing places!
The Hill Palace Museum is about 10 km from Kochi. It’s where the erstwhile rulers of Kochi used to live. Built in 1865, now it’s Kerala’s first heritage museum and a full-fledged ethnoarchaeological museum. A total of 49 buildings make up the palace complex, and they’re all built-in Kerala style. There are 52 acres of terraced terrain around it.
A museum dedicated to the Kochi royal family features oil paintings, stencils, sculptures, and manuscripts. The museum also contains ancient ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstones), Thoppikkallu (hood stones), laterite memorials and wooden memorials dating back to ancient civilisations of Indus Valley and Harappa. Contemporary art is displayed in a gallery on site. As a result of having such valuable and significant relics here, we are proud.
Conclusion
When it comes to visiting architectural marvels, you have plenty of options available in Kerala. It’s the natural landscape coupled with its rich architectural history that makes Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is important to mention, though, that the purpose of visiting these architectural wonders isn’t just to see how they look; they come with a rich history, and they deserve to be preserved, so visiting these places at least once in your lifetime is highly recommended. Plan your Kerala trip, but don’t fail to make it to these 5 architectural monuments in Kerala.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular tourist spot in Kerala?
Among the top tourist attractions in Kerala, Alleppey Backwaters deserve the top spot.
2. Which is the most beautiful place in Kerala?
There is no doubt that Munnar is the most beautiful place in Kerala. Munnar is an enchanting hill station in Kerala that’s blessed with thriving vegetation and stunning natural landscapes.
3. Which is the best architecture in Kerala?
The Sree Padmanabhapuram Palace, located in the heart of the city, is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture.
4. How does Kerala differ from other places?
Kerala is well known for its diverse topography, unspoiled beaches, tranquil backwaters, art forms, and spices. Also known for its tea plantations, houseboats, extraordinary ecotourism, Ayurvedic treatments, and spectacular architecture.
