Kerala is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, lush green forests, and breathtaking hill stations. The state has a unique culture, cuisine, and festivals, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is also home to India’s largest national park, Periyar National Park, and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments and is also home to several world-renowned yoga and meditation centres.

<h2>09. Matri Dei Cathedral</h2> The Matri Dei Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. The church has a history dating back to 1513 when the Portuguese signed a treaty with the Zamorins. With the permission of the Zamorins, the Portuguese built a factory in Kozhikode and a church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Immaculate Conception. The church was then known as Matri Dei. The church is also known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist attraction.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Architecture&nbsp;</li><li>Timings: 6 AM to 6.30 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Kappad Beach, Hilite Mall</li></ul>

<h2>10. Thalassery Fort&nbsp;</h2> Thalassery Fort is an old fort located in the town of Thalassery in the district of Kerala, India. The Tellicherry Fort overlooking the sea raises to the height of 10 m and it is oblong in plan. It had high round-holed walls, sturdy flanking bastions, and was constructed of laterite stones. The British trading post in Thalassery is thought to have been protected by the fort when it was constructed. The fort is now a popular tourist spot and is used for cultural events and festivals.Travller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;European trading centres of Kerala.</li><li>Timings: 8 AM to 5.30 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Pulli mosque, Wellesley's bungalow&nbsp;</li></ul>

<h2>11. Kollam&nbsp;</h2> Kerala, an Indian state, contains the coastal city of Kollam. A network of canals in Kerala with lush greenery can be reached via Ashtamudi Lake. The ocean may be seen from the striped Tangasseri Lighthouse from 1902. Kollam is an important commercial and trading centre of the state. Kollam Port is the second oldest port in Kerala and the third busiest port in the state. The city is home to several ancient temples and churches. It also has a vibrant cultural life and a popular beach.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Cashew industry&nbsp;</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: RP Mall, Palaruvi Falls</li></ul>

<h2>12. Hill palace&nbsp;</h2> The Hill Palace was built in 1865 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi, Sri Rama Varma. It is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and houses a collection of artefacts of the Kochi royal family. The heritage museum has a sizable collection of royal furniture, utensils, and other objects of the Kochi royal family. The complex also has a small zoo, which houses rare breeds of birds, animals, and reptiles, such as peacocks, peahens, ducks, rabbits, and cobras.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Archaeological museum</li><li>Timings: 9 AM to 4.30 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Thanneerchal Park</li></ul>

<h2>13. Krishnapuram Palace&nbsp;</h2> King Marthanda Varma of Travancore constructed the Krishnapuram Palace after conquering and annexing Odanad in the Odanad-Travancore War of 1746. It is built in the architectural style of Kerala with a gabled roof, narrow corridor, and dormer windows, near the Krishnaswamy Temple at Krishnapuram. The palace is maintained by the Archaeological Department of Kerala and contains exhibits of the Travancore royal family. It is also famous for its large pond within the palace complex.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Museum</li><li>Timings: 9 AM to 4.30 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Sasthamkotta Lake, Thangassery Beach</li></ul>

<h2>14. Pazhassiraja Museum&nbsp;</h2> The Pazhassiraja Museum is a museum located in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. It was established in 1976 and is the only museum in Kerala devoted to the history and culture of the region. The museum is dedicated to the life and times of the legendary Pazhassiraja, the 18th-century ruler of the region. The museum houses a large collection of artefacts related to Pazhassiraja, including coins, weapons, manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Artefacts</li><li>Timings: 9 AM to 4.30 PM&nbsp;</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Salkara Restaurant</li></ul>

<h2>15. Pallipuram Fort&nbsp;</h2> Pallipuram Fort is located in the Pallipuram village of Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503 and is the oldest fort in India built by Europeans. The Pallipuram Fort is hexagonal, and this structure is known as the ‘ayikkotta’ or ‘ricotta’. The floor of the fort at the lowest level is at a height of 5 feet from the ground. The fort also houses a well that was used to provide fresh water to the fort. The fort is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Architecture&nbsp;</li><li>Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Dutch palace, Cherai beach</li></ul>

<h2>16. Peralassery&nbsp;</h2> Peralassery is a small village located in the Kannur district of Kerala, India. This town of Peralassery is known for its Peralassery Subrahmanya Temple. It is believed that on their way to Lanka to free Goddess Sita, Lord Ram, and Lord Laxman, stopped at the temple for a while and left a bangle there. The village is known for its forests, paddy fields, and bird watching. The nearest towns are Payyannur, Valapattanam, and Taliparamba.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Temple</li><li>Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Makrery temple</li></ul>

<h2>17. Anchuthengu Fort&nbsp;</h2> Anchuthengu Fort is an old fort located near Anchuthengu. The fort was built in the 17th century. The popular Muthalapozhi Lake is situated close to the Fort. The fort is protected by National Heritage monuments. It is a popular tourist destination and provides a stunning view of the backwaters.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Trading</li><li>Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple</li></ul>

<h2>18. Poonjar Palace&nbsp;</h2> The Poonjar Palace is a royal palace situated in Poonjar, Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It was built in the 16th century by the rulers of the erstwhile Poonjar Kingdom. The palace is a spectacular example of the traditional Kerala style of architecture and is renowned for its exquisite carvings and sculptures. The palace is also home to several antiques, including furniture, weapons, statues, paintings, and other artifacts. The palace is managed by the Poonjar Royal Family and is open to the public. Several visitors frequent it every year.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Architecture</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Idukku Falls</li></ul>

<h2>01. Mattancherry Palace</h2> The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a palace located in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. It was built by the Portuguese in 1545.&nbsp;The palace was a gift from the Portuguese to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. The palace is a blend of Dutch and Kerala architecture and has a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It houses many rare murals and exhibits of the Cochin Rajas and their lifestyle. The palace also has a temple dedicated to Lord Pazhayannur Bhagavati, the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.&nbsp;Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Architecture</li><li>Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Jew Street, Pazhayannur Bhagavathi Temple</li></ul>

Kerala is a land of cultural diversity and historical significance. From ancient temples and churches to forts and palaces, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. The plethora of historical sites in Kerala is a testimony to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region. From the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to the timeless beauty of the Bekal Fort in Kasargod, there is no shortage of fascinating places to explore and experience. Kerala is truly a paradise for history buffs and travelers alike.

<h2>02. Fort Kochi</h2>﻿In the Indian state of Kerala, the city of Kochi contains the area known as Fort Kochi. It is a well-liked tourist destination and a location with historical value. Old colonial structures, chapels, and well-known Chinese fishing nets may be found in Fort Kochi. Numerous museums, art galleries, and other attractions are also located there. The region is renowned for having a thriving nightlife with lots of pubs and eateries. This charming city is filled with European buildings and has a general atmosphere that constantly serves as a reminder of the colonial powers who once governed the area.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Attractions like the Santa Cruz Basilica</li><li>Timings: 9.30 AM to 7 PM</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Other places to visit: Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort</li></ul>

<h2>03. Bekal Fort</h2> Bekal Fort is a large and well-preserved fort in the town of Bekal, Kerala, India. It is situated on a headland that overlooks the Arabian Sea and is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in the region. The fort was built in 1650 by the &nbsp;Shivappa Nayaka, who ruled the region before being conquered by the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort was later taken over by the Mysore Sultans and then the British. It is now a popular tourist destination and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Military station</li><li>Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach</li></ul>

<h2>04. Edakkal Caves</h2>﻿The Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The caves are situated 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level. The caves contain Neolithic and Mesolithic pictorial writings believed to date to at least 6,000 BCE, from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from South India.&nbsp;Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Pictorial drawings and engravings</li><li>Timings: 8.30 AM to 4 PM</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Soochipara Waterfalls, Kuruvadweep</li></ul>

<h2>05. Palakkad Fort</h2>﻿Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu's Fort, is a fort in Palakkad town, Kerala, India. It was built by Hyder Ali in 1766 AD and remains one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala. The fort has a fascinating history and is a popular tourist destination. The fort is in the shape of a square and is supported by walls and bastions which are square-shaped as well. There is an open-air auditorium here as well, which is known as Rappadi. The fort also has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The fort is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for:&nbsp;Hanuman temple</li><li>Timings: 8 AM to 5.30 M</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Dhoni Waterfalls, Malampuzha Dam</li></ul>

<h2>06. Shakthan Thampuran Palace</h2> Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a palace located in Thrissur City in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city and is known for its grandeur and architectural beauty. The palace was built in 1795 by Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi. The striking feature of this palace is that it consists of a shrine for the God of serpents known as Serpent Grove (Sarpakavu).Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Thrissur Pooram festival</li><li>Timings: 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Zoo and Museum&nbsp;</li></ul>

<h2>07. The Bolgatty Palace</h2> The Bolgatty Palace is a palace located on Bolgatty Island in Kochi, Kerala, India. It was built by the Dutch in 1744 and is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. The palace is now a heritage hotel and resort operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). It offers a range of accommodation options, including cottages, villas, and a heritage wing. The palace also houses a swimming pool, an Ayurvedic centre, and a 9-hole golf course. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and visitors can also enjoy boat rides on the backwaters of Kochi.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Architecture&nbsp;</li><li>Timings: Open 24 hrs&nbsp;</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit:&nbsp;Ayurveda Sanctum, Ayturville</li></ul>

<h2>08. Sultan Bathery</h2> Sultan Bathery is a small town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is known for its scenic beauty, lush green forests, and wildlife. The town is home to several temples, churches, and other religious sites. Additionally, it is a well-liked location for trekking and adventurous pursuits. The town has excellent rail and road connections to various regions of Kerala and India. There were twelve historic Jain alleys in and around the town, which was formerly known as "Ganapathi Vattam." Later, Sulthan Bathery became the name by which the town was known.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Edakkal caves and a legendary Jain temple</li><li>Timings: Open 24 hrs&nbsp;</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Assumption Forane church, Muthanga wildlife sanctuary&nbsp;</li></ul>

Top 18 Historical Sites in Kerala for a Must-Visit Tour

India > Kerala

Khushi Agarwal 17 Apr 2026

Explore in Kerala

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