5 popular heritage sites in Kerala to bookmark

Kerala is a verdant, evergreen state with breathtaking scenery, where you would delightfully spend long hours outdoors even without realising it. Besides the beautiful natural setting, Kerala has a rich cultural history that includes some of the most attractive temples, historic buildings and monuments offering glimpses into its colourful past. Kerala has something for everyone, from architectural wonders, beaches, natural landscapes, and whatnot. Here, we have listed some of the must-visit historical sites in Kerala.

One of the most recognizable spots in Kerala, and a UNESCO World Heritage site to boot, is the Western Ghats range known locally as Sahyadri. Spanning over 140,000 square km across several Indian states including Kerala, the Ghats provide you breathtaking mountain landscapes and is also inhabited with numerous national parks, tiger reserves, protected wildlife sanctuaries as well as trekking routes. Both the nature lover and explorer in you will find plenty of biodiversity to discover, as well.

It's an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the holiest pilgrim centres in Kerala. The temple is for Hindus only, and men enter the shrine bare-chested, while women have a dress code. This temple, with its exquisite carvings and architectural majesty, is a coveted destination for travellers seeking to explore the religious and cultural heritage of Kerala.

The Edakkal Caves are another interesting place to bookmark. This archaeological wonder is located in Wayanad, and perched atop Ambukuthi Mala. These 4,000-ft-high natural caves were found in 1890 by Fred Fawcett, and are well-known for their prehistoric drawings and carvings. A visit to the caves will offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

Nestled beside the Arabian Sea, Bekal Fort is Kerala's largest, with an area spreading across 40 acres. Constructed more than three centuries ago by the 16th-century ruler of the Ikkeri dynasty, Sivappa Naik, this one-time military bastion is a major historical attraction and offers picturesque sea views.

This 600-year-old palace, built by the Poonjar Rajas, showcases Kerala’s traditional wooden architecture. The palace also houses a museum filled with exquisite artefacts, including carved furniture, antique lamps, and sculptures, offering a glimpse into Kerala's regal past.