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Monuments in Kerala

Jewish Synagogue : The imposing structure of this Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, when the Jews settled in Mattancherry, after their expulsion from Rahabi. The Jews built a clock tower and paved the floor synagogue with hand painted willow pattern tiles brought from China. The most important relics on the Synagogue are the impressive copper plates recording king Bhaskara Ravi Varma's 4th century decree that guaranteed the Jewish settlers domain over Cranganore . The Jewish community of Cochin dominated the spices trade from South India to the Middle East and Europe long before the Portuguese arrived in India. After the Portuguese captured the settlement of Cranganore in 1523, the Jewish community fled to Cochin where they were joined by Jews from Goa.

The Synagogue is also elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic tiles.The Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry is the oldest Synagogue in the common wealth countries. The Jewish Synagogue in Cochin has huge religious significance both in India and abroad and people from far all over the world come to have a look at this ancient treasure. This ancient Synagogue adds yet another beautiful feather to the religious heritage of the country. The Synagogue is open from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm. It remains closed on Saturdays and other Jewish holidays.

Padmanabhapuram Palace : Padmanabhapuram Palace is a magnificent wooden palace,situated 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and was built in the 16th century by Travancore rulers. The Palace is an enticing place for the lovers of art and architecture. The antique interiors of the Padmanabhapuram palace are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured décor is one of the best examples of the traditional wooden architecture of Kerala. The palace is mainly made of granite and teakwood and displays a perfect combination of clean lines and gentle angles. The Palace is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, secret underground passages, colored mica windows, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna and more. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is 65 Kms away from Trivandrum en route to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

Bekal Fort : The famous Bekal Fort in Bekal, which has a Giant key hole shaped fort is located 16 km south of Kasaragod town in Kerala. The 300 year old Bekal Fort is circular in structure and is 130 feet above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the famous Arabian Sea. The Bekkal Fort is believed to have been built in the 1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. Hyder Ali of Mysore occupied the fort in 1763 AD, followed by the Huzur of Canara and later by the British. The fort embodies memories of a vast and glorious past. The Fort also remains a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature lovers for centuries. The Bekal Fort has several underground passages, which was once used for military purposes and recently two of them are open to the public.The Fort is now in the control of Archaeological Survey of India. The Fort is believed to be built to defend any invasions of the enemies via sea route. The Bekal Fort is also famous for the famous observatory tower.

Bolghatty Palace : Bolghatty Palace is one of the most important heritage monument in Kerala, and is located in the famous Bolghatty Island near Cochin town. The beautiful Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Initially the Palaces served as the residence of Dutch Goevrner. Later it turned to be the residence of the British Governers. Now this palace is known as Hotel Bolghatty Palace and is under the administration of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Bolghatty palace is one of the major tourist attraction of Cochin and is well know for its architectural beauty. The two storied palace also serves luxury and deluxe accommodation to the tourists. The palace has an excellend environment and offers the most modern facilities like swimming pool, golf course, ayurvedic center and daily Kathakali performance. Ferry service is available to reach the Island and is just 5 minutes ride across the backwaters.

Mattancherry Palace : Mattancherry Palace is situated at Mattancherry in Ernakulam district of Kerala and was built by the Portugese. The Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace and is famous for its murals which depicts the Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas (Kings) of Kochi. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portugese in the year 1555 and was given to the Raja of Kochi as a present. Later in the year 1663, some renovations was done on the palace by the Dutch and that is the reason why Mattancherry Palace is known as the Dutch Palace. The Palace is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture with a courtyard housing a small temple. You can also see two temples on the either sides of the Mattancherry Palace. The Archaeological Survey of India is doing restoration work on the Mattacherry Palace to make raise it to international standards.

Tellicherry Fort : Tellicherry Fort is situated in Thalassery (Tellicherry), which is an ancient town in Kannur District of Kerala state. The Tellicherry Fort was built by the British East India Company in the year 1708 and the main idea behind the construction of Tellicherry Fort was to establish a strong foothold on the Malabar Coast for the British East India Company. The fort has come under various attacks in the course of time and the attack by Hyder Ali, who was the ruler of the Mysore Kingdom in 1781 did not met with success and he had to abolish his effort in controlling Malabar region. The Tellicherry Fort is known for its square shape with huge and massive walls which really speaks about its strength. The fort also has strong flanking bastions along with secret tunnels to the sea. The huge carved doors of the Tellicherry Fort provides it an amazing figure and all the features of the fort has been preserved well so far by Archaeological Survey of India.. The Tellicherry Fort is an historical monument which attracts a lot of travellers to have a look at its amazing structure and architecture.