Monuments and Palaces of Kerala

Bolghatty Palace 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.

Cheraman Juma Masjid
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

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 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.

Alwaye palace
The Alwaye palace is situated on the banks of the Periyar River with beautiful circular verandas overlooking the river. This old palace building is now The Alwaye Guest House, which is one of the loveliest in this State.

Aranmula Temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna is another pilgrim place for Hindus. The temple Aranmula can be reached from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. A major attraction are 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".

St. Sebastian Church
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.