Kerala, a state located in the south-western Malabar Coast of India has a rich collection of historical buildings that reflect the history of the kingdoms and communities that ruled over it, long before it was given recognition as a state by the State Reorganisation Act in 1956. In the following paragraphs, we will take a look at 15 ancient buildings and places in Kerala architects must visit.
1. Anchuthengu Fort, Varkala | Best places to visit in Kerala
Anchuthengu Fort, also known as Anjengo Fort is located 12km off Varkala at Anjengo and was the first post of the East India Company on Malabar Coast. The grant for the site for the fort was obtained from Rani Ashure by John Brabourne in 1693 and then the construction was completed between 1696 and 1699.
Even though there were conflicts regarding the construction, the fort went on to witness many historic moments like the ‘Siege Of 1721’ and ‘Anglo-Mysore Wars’. In 1748, the East India Company reduced the status of the fort to that of a residency and then in 1810, the commercial residency was abolished and the responsibility was handed over to the Political Agent at Travancore. All these make this place a must-visit for every architect.
2. Bekal Fort, Kasargod
Built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650 AD, Bekal Fort, spread over an area increasing 40 acres in Bekal, is the largest fort in the state of Kerala. Almost three-quarters of the exterior walls being in contact with the Arabian Sea make the fort look as if it is emerging from the water and its zigzag entrances, holes on the outer walls and surrounding trenches reveal its defensive strategy.
Bekal Fort was also an important military station for Tipu Sultan who built an observation tower for the fort and also used it to lead a military expedition to capture Malabar. Visiting this place is a must for architects thoroughly invested in history.
3. Bolgatty Palace, Kochi | Best places to visit in Kerala
Located in Bolgatty Island, this palace, built in 1744 by Dutch traders is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces existing outside Holland. The striking landscaped gardens around the whole building were a later addition that added to the beauty of the complex.
The Palace was used by the commander of Dutch Malabar as a Governor’s Palace, and then it was leased to the British in 1909, who also used it as a home for governors, along with it being the seat of the British Resident of Cochin division.
After independence, the palace became a property of the state and was converted into a heritage hotel resort. This aspect will allow architects to experience the grandeur of Bolgatty Palace in its totality and hence is a must-visit for them.
4. Gundert Bungalow, Thalassery
Located amidst tall palm trees in the small town of Thalassery in the Kannur district of Kerala, the 200-year-old Gundert Bungalow used to be the residence of Dr. Hermann Gundert, a German scholar and missionary, from the year 1839 to the year 1859.
Built in the typical colonial mansion-style architecture, the bungalow stands tall as a witness to many great literary and lexicography works by the legendary scholar who resided amongst its walls. Every architect interested in taking a look at the works of Dr. Gundert and experiencing the history of the place should definitely visit.
5. Halcyon Castle, Travancore | Best places to visit in Kerala
The Halcyon Castle was built in 1932 in Travancore for the royal family of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai who used it as a family retreat. An example of the traditional architecture of Trivandrum and surrounded by an expansive lawn, this castle is a definite visit for all architects.
The castle was sold to the Indian Government in 1964 by Valiya Koil Thampuran, after which it was converted into a luxury hotel. The whole 65 acres of the property is currently owned by Ravi Pillai who has contracted with Leela Hotel Group to manage the estate.
6. Hill Palace, Tripunithura
Located in the neighbourhood of Tripunithura in Kochi and built in 1865, the Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The property, which once housed the imperial administrative office and official residence of the Cochin Maharaja, consists of 49 buildings built in the traditional architectural style that are spread across an area of 54 acres.
In this complex, one can see various different features like an archaeological museum, a pre-historic park and a children’s park and it is also the home of several rare medicinal plants. The Kerala State Archaeology Department converted the Palace into a museum and opened it up to the public, allowing all architects to visit this magnificent property.
7. Kanakakkunnu Palace,Trivandrum
Built during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal with the help of Viswabrahmin, the Kanakakkunnu Palace, located in the heart of the city of Trivandrum, is one of the last architectural vestiges of the colonial era. Boasting a Kerala-style façade, the royal family used it as the main venue for hosting banquets.
Later on, the palace was refurbished by one of Travancore’s most famous rulers, Swathi Thirunal, and tennis courts were constructed on the premises. Presently, the Palace is under the jurisdiction of the Kerala Government and houses two auditoriums, one of them being open-air, and both of them are used to host various cultural programmes. It is a must-visit for all architects.
8. Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey/ Alappuzha | Best places to visit in Kerala
Built in the 18th century in the architectural style of Kerala with gabled roof, narrow corridor and dormer windows, the Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum located in Alappuzha. This magnificent palace was built during the reign of a Travancore King, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda and is famous for housing ‘Gajendra Moksha’, the largest mural paintings that can be found in the state.
The Palace, currently maintained by the Archaeological Department of Kerala, should be visited at least once by all architects.
9. Matri Dei Cathedral, Kozhikode
Matri Dei Cathedral, also known as Mother of God Cathedral, has been built in the Roman style of architecture. Built in 1513, about 15 years after Vasco da Gama landed on the shores of Calicut, this church boasts of housing a 200-year old portrait of St. Mary.
The church was renovated a few years back where white exteriors, polished wooden doors, and bamboo shades for the massive doors were added to it. Every architect needs to visit this beautiful church.
10. Mattancherry Palace, Kochi | Best places to visit in Kerala
The Mattancherry Palace, located in Kochi, is now a museum that houses Kerala murals depicting the kings of Kochi. Built by the Portuguese in the traditional Nālukettu style, the palace was gifted to the king of Cochin in 1945. The building obtained its more popular use of ‘Dutch Palace’ after the Dutch carried out renovations and expansions after they took over it in the year 1663.
The portrait gallery, which is notable for housing some of the best existing examples of mythological murals in India, has also been under the rule of Hyder Ali and the East India Company. In 1951, the palace went through its first renovation, after which it was declared a centrally protected museum.
The palace went through a second restoration executed by the Archaeological Survey of India, to bring up the museum to an international standard while also maintaining its originality. The palace is the perfect place for architects to visit it showcases a perfect blend of colonial and traditional architecture.
