6 Must Visit Historical Places In Kerala
By: Kratika Tue, 17 Aug 2021 6:00:35
Kerala, God’s Own place is indeed a tourist destination, which is most beautiful of all, and we all know it! But not everybody can boast of their knowledge of Kerala in the history of this state.
Once a centre of trade in spices, the Portuguese, Dutch and British also ruled this part of India. Kerala is now a joining place for different cultures and traditions! While these are all part of history now, on the journey to Kerala one can still experience their essence and revive history.
# Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace is also called the ‘Dutch Palace,’ which is a testimony to Kerala’s bygone era. It was built during 1555 as a gift for the King of Cochin by Portuguese princes. It was subsequently refurbished again in 1663 and then was known as the Netherlands Palace.
This quadrangular palace shows the richness of art and architecture of prehistoric Kerala, according to traditional Kerala architecture. It also houses the captivating walls of Hindu art temple and numerous portraits of the royal Kochi dynasty inspired by Portuguese architecture.
# Francis Church
St. Francis Church, also known as Fort Cochin, boast as the oldest church in the nation. A visit to this historical sight in Kerala brings you back to the late 1503s when the Indian subcontinent was home to European colonies.
It was first a wooden building dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the burial ground of the renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who last breathed in Kochi. It has been renovated over the years and centuries. It depicts the prosperity, sanctity, and harmony of the former era.
# Angelo Strong
Located in Kannur city, Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy in India, built this historic fort around 1505. The fort of Kannur or Kannur Kotta also overlooks the powerful Arab Sea and is best represented by Portuguese architecture.
Although ruled by Dutch, Indian and finally British, it still enjoys the charm of the ancient world and illustrates the glories of the golden history of Kerala. You can visit this historic place in Kerala from 08.00 to 18.00 every day if you plan a trip to Kerala.
# Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is the pride of Kerala guarding the coasts of Kasaragod and is the state’s largest historic fort! This castle once guarded the Kasarage’s Royal Palace, a glorious fort built 1650 AD with a historical architectural brilliance.
You should climb a wide floor of stairs to reach the main premises, and when you reach the top you have panoramic views of the Bekal Beach and the nearby areas. Built at the beginning, the fort provides a vivid overview of the past era of Kerala.
# Bastion Bungalow
Bastion Bungalow stands gloriously at River Road in Fort Kochi, one of Kerala’s most promising historical sites. Built before the 16th century, it is one of the oldest fortresses in Kerala, part of the historic bastion fort
Although it lasted much after its creation, the enemies remained untouched. Initially built as a sub-collector district residence by Portuguese rulers in Fort Kochi, the district has become official.
# Bolghatty Palace
An additional historic site for visitors of Kerala, the palace is a masterpiece of the Netherlands in the district of Ernakulam. Constructed in 1744 as the Dutch Governor’s official residence before the British government conquered the city.
This glorious fortress, located on an island on the Arabian Sea, has now been converted into an ancient hotel and its historic importance remains alive! By taking a ferry ride from Ernakulam jetty, visits can reach this historical marvel by enjoying its opulence while revisiting the history of Kerala again.