Kerala has a rich repertoire of historic and cultural monuments. In regions like Fort Kochi which was a trade centre for centuries,the architecture is a curious mix of typical Kerala, European, Chinese, Jewish and Arabic styles. But the most prevalent architectural style is the traditional Kerala style – nalukettu or ettukettu (four or eight sized structures with a central courtyard and verandah opening out of it)The low sloping roofs and brick walls were designed to match the climatic conditions and texture of the land Padmanabha Swamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidan styles of architecture.It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace museum: The palace was designed and built by Maharajah Swathi Thirunal balarama Varma,the poet king, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style has exquisite wood carvings and displays priceless and other articles.

The Napier Museum (Open 1000 – 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons)The Indo- Saracenic structure dating back to the 19th century,boasts a ‘natural’ air conditioning system, houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple charior and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.
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Sree Chithra Art Gallery: (Open 1000 – 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons) Located near the Napier museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Sverlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and schools of art in India.The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (63 km – 2 ½ hours. Closed on Mondays): The seat of the erstwhile rilers of Travancore,this splendid palace is situated at Thuckalai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This is a well preserved wodden palace, a glorious testimony to the traditional kerala scholl of architecture.The extra ordinary murals , exquisite floral carvings and the black glossy granite floor have withstood the test of time. Porovazhi Peruviruthy Malanada Temple: This is the only one Dhuriyodhana Temple in India. It is the symbol of ancient Draveedian culture if India.It has deep relation with the story,The Mahabharat.The festival falls on March/April(Meenam – 1st Friday to 2nd Friday) in every year.The most attraction of the festival is Kettukazhcha in connection with ‘Eduppu Kala’ ,’Eduppu Kuthira’ and also an item ‘Pallippana’ which celebrated once in twelve years. The Chandanakkuda mahotsavam of Mayyathumkara Mosque and Sasthamkotta Sastha Temple are very close to one another, reveals the communal harmony of the place. Krishnapuram Palace: Tha Palace museum is known for its collection of antique sculptures,Paintings and bronzes. The 18th century mural Gajendramoksham is the largest mural in Kerala. St.Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuquese Franciscan friars,this is India’s oldest European Church. Vasco da Gama’s mortal remains were buried here in 1524 before they were removed to Lisbon.

Santa Cruz Basilica:Dating back to 1558, this church has beautiful murals on the ceiling.

Mattanchery (Dutch) Palace: Built in 1557, the palace has on display murals depicting scenes from the Indian epics and legends, Dutch maps, period furniture and royal collections.

Synagogue: The oldest Synagogue in the Common wealth, this was constructed in 1568. Hand painted willow patterned floor tiles, Hebrew inscriptions on the stone slabs, scrolls from the Old Testament, ancient scripts on Copper plates etc are the attractions here.

Bolgatty Palace: Built by the Dutch in 1744, this palace is today a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura: The palace complex built in 1865 houses an ethno archaeological museum and Kerala’s first ever heritage museum.

Chinese Fishing Nets/ Vasco da Gama Square: The huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Rublai khan, these nets are built of teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered in to the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The Square is an ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood,tender coconut etc.