5 Places You Must Visit in Kerala to Experience its Culture

There is a lot more to this southern state than just the lush green hills and the backwaters. Kerala has a culture that is deeply rooted in its traditions, and you will find a whole world of experiences when you enter one of its many museums. Kerala’s rich history and culture can be experienced by anyone who takes the time to venture outside of the tourist hotspots like Kumarakom, Thekkady, or any of the other famous hill stations. By leaving those areas you get to see another side of Kerala and experience its culture in a way that no guidebook or article could ever explain. There are many places in this small state that are filled with historical significance and an abundance of art and architecture, which makes them perfect for anyone looking to discover more about Kerala.

Athan Shri Muthu Marham, Calicut

Athan Shri Muthu Marham is the oldest mosque in Kerala and is also known as the Jumma Palli. The mosque was built in the 15th century, but the original structure was replaced by the current one in the 17th century. The mosque is open to all and welcomes tourists, making it a great place to experience Kerala’s culture. The mosque is unique in its design, as the structure is a combination of Kerala and Persian architecture. The mosque is covered in a blue tile and contains four fluted roofs. To the east of the mosque is a large rectangular tank, where worshippers perform their ablutions before prayer.

Fort Cochin

An experience of Kerala’s culture and history can also be found at Fort Cochin. The fort was once an important trading port and also served as the capital of the region during different periods of history. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all ruled Cochin, and the architecture of the fort reflects this past. The most popular tourist sites in the fort are the Chinese Fishing Nets, the Paradesi Synagogue, the St. Francis Church, and the Portuguese Museum. You can also take a tour of the Willingdon Island and the Chinese Fishing Nets. These places give an insight into the history of the region and are definitely worth a visit.

Guruvayoor Temple

Kerala is famous for its Hindu temples, making the Guruvayoor Temple an excellent place to experience the state’s culture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshiped here as Guruvayurappan. You can visit the temple and experience Kerala’s culture by watching the ritualistic ceremonies and visiting the temple’s many shrines. The temple is very colorful, and the architecture includes wooden carvings and ornate designs. The temple also has a golden roof, making it a very unique place. You can visit the temple at any time during the day and also attend a special prayer ceremony at night. This ceremony is known as the Arattu and is held every night during the month of March.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

If you are interested in Kerala’s history, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is the place to visit. It was once the state of Travancore’s Southern Palace, and now it is a popular tourist attraction. The palace was built in the 16th century, and it is worth visiting because it is one of the rare examples of an architectural style that was common in Kerala during that time. The architecture is very ornate, and the palace’s wooden carvings are especially beautiful. The palace also has a museum that contains many rare artifacts and items of historical significance. You can learn about Kerala’s history at the museum and also view the items that are still used today.

St. Thomas Church, Thiruvankoor

The St. Thomas Church in Thiruvankoor is an old Christian church built in the 16th century. The church is very unique in its design because it is one of the very few places in Kerala where you can see a fusion of Portuguese and Syrian architectural styles. The church was built by the Portuguese and was later renovated by the Syrian Christians. It is now one of the most famous churches in Kerala and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. You can visit the church and experience Kerala’s culture by watching the services that are held there. You can also visit the church at any time during the day and view the many artifacts and relics that are kept there.

Conclusion

Kerala is a state filled with history and culture, making it a great place to visit. There are many places that you can visit to experience the state’s culture and history, making it easy to get an authentic experience. You can visit any of the five places mentioned above to get an insight into Kerala’s culture. You can also visit any of the other attractions in Kerala to experience its culture. The southern state of Kerala has a lot to offer, and it is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.