historicals

Kannur

Approx. 90 kms north of Kozhikode, was the capital of the North Kolathiri Rajas for many centuries. It was once a premier port of ancient Kerala. Marco Polo has referred to Kannur as a great Emporia of spice trade. It came into full political lime light in the 15th century with the arrival of the Portuguese.

The St. Angelo Fort built by the first Portuguese Viceroy in 1505 is a landmark of Kannur. The Fort is a massive triangular structure built on laterite with a ditch and strong flanking bastions. The Dutch captured the fort from Portuguese in 1663 and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur in 1772 from whom it was captured by the British in 1790. The British rebuilt the fort and made it their most important military station in Malabar.

Parassinikadavu Madapura Sree Muthappan Temple is an ancient pilgrim center of north Kerala, approx. 18 kms away from Kannur. This is the only temple in Kerala where Theyyam, a ritual dance is displayed almost daily - early mornings and evenings. During the period from middle-October to early-December, the performance is only during evening hours. Non-hindus are also allowed inside the temple premises.

Kochi (Cochin)

Cochin City consists of the mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Vypeen; Fort Cochin and Mattacherry. Cochin – the queen of Arabian sea – is one of most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town. Cochin’s maritime history goes back to ancient days when trade was carried out by India with the far and middle east countries.

Nedumbassery where the International airport is situated – is 30 kms away from Cochin.

Dutch Palace approx. 10 kms from Ernakulam, was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the ‘Dutch Palace’ as the Dutch renovated it during their short lived reign here. The Palace is well known for its mural paintings which are noted for their high level of excellence. These paintings represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the ‘Puthra Kameshtiyagam’ to Rama’s return to Ayodya after vanquishing king Ravana of Lanka. These paintings cover about 300 sq. ft. of wall space. In the central courtyard of the palace is the temple dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagvathi. In the Coronation hall there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of Cochin. The Palace is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Fridays and National Holidays.

Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 AD was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years after. Scrolls of Old Testament and a number ofCopper Plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved in this synagogue. The synagogue is open from 10 am to 12 noon and again from 3 pm to 5 pm.except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

St. Francis Church is the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD. Vasco de Gama who died in 1524 was buried here. Fourteen years later his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal.

Chinese Fishing Nets:  At the entrance of the Cochin harbour, these nets are fascinating sight. They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala. They were first brought to Kerala by the Chinese traders from Kublai Khan’s court.

Bolgatty Island: Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 is situated here. The palace was formerly the residence of the British Resident of Cochin. Now KTDC has converted it into a hotel.

Museum of Kerala Histroy located at Edappally aprox. 10 kms from Ernakulam is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The speciality of this museum is that the history of Kerala for the last 2000 years is exhibited and narrated with the help of light and sound.

Hill Palace Museum situated approx. 12 kms away from Ernakulam. It is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Differencet types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient lipis and collections from the Cochin Royal family are exhibited here. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm on all days except Mondays and National Holidays.

Kozhikode (Calicut)

It was the capital of the powerful Zamorins. Vasco de Gama, the first European, landed in India at Kappad near Kozhikode in 1498AD. Later the Dutch, the French and the British dominated the area. British rule was established in 1792. Calicut was one of the great ports on the west coast.

Beypore situated approx. 11 kms south of Kozhikode, at the sea mouth of Chaliyar river, was one of the chief ports of Kerala and important trade and maritime center. The boat (URU) building yard here is famous for its country crafts. It is also a major fishing harbour.

Pazhassi Raja Museum & Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum these museums are located close to each other and open to publich from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and National Holidays. Copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes and oldcoins are on display. Models of temples, megalithic monume ts like dp,pmpod custs. I,nre;;a stpmes etc/ are a;sp exjonoted in Pazhassi Raja Museum.

Kappad the historicbeach of Kappad is situated 18 kms from Kozhikode. Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese navigator landed here on 20th May, 1498 with 170 sailors. A pillar with the inscription “vasco de Gama landed here, Kappakkadavu in the year 1498” stands on the beach.

Palakkad

Situated approx. 80 kms north east of Trichur, this place has lot to offer: Fort: the Tipu’s for which dates back to 1766 AD is situated in the very heart of the town and is one of the best preserved forts in Kerala. It was constructed by HyderAli of Mysore. The fort was taken over by British in 1790 and is now protected by the Archeiological Survey of India

Malampuzha Dam is a beautiful picnic spot on the lower hills of the western ghats and is situated approx. 12 kms from Palakkad. There are lush green laws, innumerable flower beds, glittering pools, fountains and avenues in the nearby Gardens. The Rose Garden here has about a hundred verieties of roses. A beautiful RockGarden is constructed inside the Malampuzha garden. An arial Ropeway running across the garden is also provided here.

Madurai

situated on the banks of river Vaigai, is one of India’smost ancient cities with a history dating back to the 6th century. It was the capcital of the Pandyan empire in the 14th century. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning and the last of the Tamil Sangams (Academies) flourished here nearly 2000 years ago. Airport is 12 kms from the city.

Meenakshi Temple: This temple is the main attraction of Madurai with a history of 2000 years to the times when Madurai was the capital of Pandya Kings. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Viswanatha Nayak and substantially built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple. Each of its twelve towers has a height of 45 to 50 metres. The temple is open from 5.30 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 9.30 pm. The Thousand Pillared Mandapam of the temple has 985 beautifully sculptured pillars. The temple art museum is housed here. The entry time is from 9 am to 5 pm.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal : This indo-Sarcenic Palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The most imposing remnant is a huge Audience Hall opening into a courtyard with elaborately ornamented arches.

Gandhi Museum: This institution is a 300 year old palace dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi to promote study and appreciation of Mahatma’s teachings. There is picture gallery, a library, personal memorables of the Mahatma and an exhibit of South Indian handicrafts and village industries. The Govt. Museum and Tamil Culture also functions in the complex. Timing 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5.30pm.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: This enormous temple tank 5 kms from Meenakshi temple is fed by water from the Vaiga river. The tank has a mandapam at the center enshrining Lord Vigneshwara. A colourful float festival is held in this tank every year on Thaipoosam day (Jan.Feb.)

Thirupparankundrum: 8 kms. south of Madurai, this temple is 350 years old. Its innermost shrine is cut out ona solid rock.

Azhagar Koil: 21 kms. from Madurai, this Vishnu temple is on a picturesque hill.

Kodungallur

Also known as Cranganore – 50 kms away from Ernakulam, it was earlier a premier sea port on India’s west coast. It was the capital of Cheraman Perumals. It is believed that St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus who came to India in 52 AD landed at Kottappuram near here. A shrine to commemorate the advent of the Apostle was erected in in 1952.

Cheraman Juma Masjid: The first mosque in India is situated 2 kms away from Kodungallur town. It was built in 629 AD and resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. Ancient Portuguese Fort and Thiruvanchikulam temple are also situated here.

Vidhan soudha

this is located at the northern boundary of Cubbon Park and houses the Karnataka State Legislature, and Govt. Secretariat. This building built of solid granite in Neo-Dravidian style of Architecture is floodhit on Sunday even and on public holidays. Visitors allowed after office hours.

Lalbagh Gardens: Tsituated 2 kms south east of the city market, this 240 acre botanical garden is the loveliest and most popular tourist spot in Bangaloe. It ws laid out in the 1760 by Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan. Lalbagh is full of terraced lawns and contains many centuries old trees and rare tropical and subtropical plants. There are also lovely lakes, lotus pools and rose beds. The beautiful Glass House is located amidst this garden where flower shows are held during Jan. and Aug. every year.

Cubbon Park and Museum: This park opposite to Vidhan Soudha is an extensive stretch of flowring trees. This was laid out in the year 1864 and covers an area of 120 hectares. The Red Gothic building which houses the public Library, the High Court, the Govt. Museum and the industrial Museum are located here.

The Govt. Museum: situated at Kasturba road, this is one of the oldest museums, established in the yar 1868. Specimens of works of antiquity and ancient art such as sculptures, coins and inscriptions found from different parts of Karnataka are displayed here. The museum has an attractive collection of specimens of archeological and natural history, mumismatics, enthology, art and industrial art. Open daily except Wednesdays and public holidays 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Mysore

Mysore was the capital city of old Mysore state and is 140 kms away from Bangalore.

Maharaja’s Palace: Built during 1911-12, in the indo sarcenic style at a cost of rs.42 lakhs, the palace is a spectacular monument. It was the seat of Maharajas of Mysore. The palace has a magnificent durbar hall with gold throne weighing 200 kmg. Inlaid with precious stones. There are also beautifully carved wooden doors and mosaic floors. The palace is richly illuminated on Sunday nights, mostly. Open from10.30 am till 5.30 pm. Entrance fee applicable.

Chamundi Hills: 10 kms from Mysore by road, this temple atop the hill is dedicated to Chamundeswari, the Consort of Lord Siva. The temple stands 1062 metres above sea level and can be reached by climbing up the 1000 steps. Entry time is 6 am to 1.30 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Brindavan Gardens: 19 kms. from Mysore, these ornamental gardens are situated at the base of the Krishnaraja Sagar dam across Cauvery river. Illumination (mostly Sundays only) timings 7pm to 9pm. Entrance fee applicable.

Srirangapattanam: 16 kms from Mysore, on the Bangalore road, stands the ruins of the capital of Hyder Ali and Tippu Sulthan. It is an island town encircled by river Cuavery.

Somnathpur: 45 kms from Mysore (138 kms from Bangalore; 55 kms from Srirangapattanam) has a temple built by the Hoysala King Narashima III in 1268 AD. The temple walls depit scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Bhagavatha and the life and times of the Hoysala Kings.

Thiruchirappally

situated on the banks of river Cauvery, the city was a Chola citadel from the Sangam ge. The Pandyas and the Pallavas held sway over this region for short periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the historic Rock Fort which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th century. Airport is 7 kms away from the city.

Rock Fort Temple: The temple is in the center of the city and at a height of 83 mtrs and can be reached by climbing 437 steps cut into a tunnel through the rock. There is a Vinayaka temple on the top. Sree Thayumanaswamy temple halfway to the top is dedicated to Lord Siva and two Pallava Kings.

Sri Rangam: 10 kms. from Trichy, it is known for its Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Ranganathaswamy. The temple has 21 magnificent towers surrounded by seven walls which were built around th 13th and 14th centuries.

Tiruvanaikkaval, St. Johns Church and the Museum are other places of interest.

Padmanabhapuram palace

54 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram (on way to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu) this palace was once the royal residence of the Travancore kings before they shifted the capital from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvanthapuram. An old fort is situated here. The wooden palace contains 17th and18th century murals. The construction of this palace is typical of the native architectural idioms and fascinating example of art and craftsmanship

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): Capital of the State of Kerala with magnificent structuresbuilt on seven hills with ancient and modern style of architecture. Many important cultural institutions, palaces, art galleries, beaches and temples are located here. Airport is just 6 kms away from the city.

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple: This temple dedicated to LordVishnu was renovated by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1733. The temple is a fine specimen of South Indian and Dravidian architecture.

Kuthiramalika Museum:It is located next to Sree Padmanabhaswami temple. The building itself is unique in its Keralan architecture. It is closed on Mondays.

Napier Museum: It has a good collection of bronzes, historical ornaments, temple chariots and ivory carvings. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm except on Wednesday mornings and Mondays.

Zoo: It is situated near the Napier Museum and is one of the best zoos in south India. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm except Mondays.

Kovalam: Situated approx. 16 kms south of Trivandrum city is one of the best beaches in India. The location affords facilities for safe sea bath. A rocky promountary jutting into the sea render the beach safe for sea bathing even in the roughest weather.

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