Monuments in Kerala
| Sree Padmanbha
Swami temple (Thiruvananthapuram) |
| |
|
 The 19th
century English architecture, Chisholm, threw in a few touches ended up with a
building that is guaranteed to leave u a smiling at its electric charm. The
interior is every bit as intriguing as the exterior with pink, and bobby
blue stripes, alternating with stripes of yellow and cherry red, scalloped
arches of a banana yellow, elaborately carved balconies, the whole linked
together with red and white lattice work. and mock friezes. the
collections are as varied and electric as the building and you will spend
a pleasant few hours strolling through them. |
| Cheruthuruthy
(Kerala Kalamandalam) |
|
|
|
 Kerala
Kalamandalam at cheruthuruthy , was founded by Malayalam Poet Vallathol in 1930.
Main objective was to revive, preserve and develop ancient and traditional art
form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali. Kalamandalam has been the nursery of
Kerala's renowned kathakali artistes. Hundreds of boys and girls are undergoing
training in various branches of performing arts such as Mohiniyattom,
Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal. Many foreigners captivated by the language of
Kathakali and other art forms are joining the training sessions. Koothambalam
attached to the Kalamandalam is a major attraction. The Samadhi (tomb) of the
founder-poet is in the premises of the Kalamandalam on the banks of River
Bharathapuzha. |
| Fort St Angelo |
| |
|
 Etched
against the blue skyline, the imposing walls of fort St. Angelo, remain as the
monument to the portuguese adventure on the malabar coast. The fort st Angelo is
a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The first viceroy
of India built the fort in 1050 AD. after obtaining the consent of the kolathiri
Raja. It changed hands to the dutch the to Aliraja of arakkal and finally to the
British. the fort also offers a vintage view of picturesque Mappila bay Harbour
and the Arakkal Mosque. |
| Guruvayoor Temple |
| |
|
 Thrissur
is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32 kms away. It is among India's
most important pilgrimage centers and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South.
The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to
date prior to the 16th century. Tradition has it that the temple was created by
Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of the Winds. The temple is
dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and
the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka.It is
at this temple that Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known
Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. The temple is renowned for its healing
powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana'
offering of flowers to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana pooja' or 'Thulabharam'
where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or
coconuts. Not surprisingly, Guruvayur is the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam',
the first feeding ceremony of child. |
| Tipu's fort |
| |
|
The
Tipu's Fort, also known as Palakkad Fort, stands in the heart of Palakkad town.
Palakkad is a small town on the lower edges of the Sahyadri ranges of the
Western Ghats, with patches of dense forests and crisscrossed with rivers.
One of the well preserved forts in south India, Tipu's Fort was constructed in
1766 AD and is today a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of
India. The sober majesty of the laterite walls of the fort reminds one of the
old tales of valour and courage. |
| Mattancherry Palace |
| |
|
 Built by
the Portuguese in 1555. the Dutch renovated this palace in 1663, hence its
alternative name, The Dutch Palace. The two storey quadrangular building
surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The astonishing murals
depicting scene from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and puranic legends, are one of
the wonders of India. |
| Kalamandalam |
| |
|
 Kerala
Kalamandalam at cheruthuruthy, was founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol. Its
main objective is to receive, preserve and develop the ancient and traditional
art form of kerala, particularly Kathakali. Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is
functioning at Vallathol nagar. the old kerala is still at cheruthuruthy on the
shore of Naila river. the samadhi of poet Vallathol, the founder of this famous
institution is in the premises of the old Kalamandalam. Its in the academy that
the best of kerala' s Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. the
institute also offers training in Music, drama and other dance forms including '
Mohiniyattom ', koodiyattom and ' Ottam Thullal '. |
| Malik Deenar
Mosque |
| |
|
Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as a center of Islam
on the west coast. The historic Malik Deenar Juma Masjid built in the typical
Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik ibin Deenar. The Juma
Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district is
located at Thalankara. |
|
