23 Best Heritage Sites & Historical Places near Kochi (Cochin)

23 Best Heritage Sites & Historical Places near Kochi (Cochin)

Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, is one of the popular destinations in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of 2 day trip near Bangalore. It is about 139 km from Bangalore. With its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, Mysore is one of the top heritage sites in India.

Often called the City of Palaces, Mysore still retains its old-world charm with its palaces, heritage buildings, traditions, and temples. Mysore Palace is among the must include places in your Mysore tour packages. Apart from the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore Zoo, Srirangapatna, and Brindavan Gardens are the most famous places to visit in Mysore.

The royal city of Mysore Dussehra is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations. The month-long Dussehra celebrations, with its colorful processions, fireworks, and the beautifully lighted palace, give an enchanting look to the city. Mysore can also be visited as part of Coorg tour packages. If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is best way to explore ...

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Distance from Kochi: 345 Kms

Situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is the third-largest city in Tamilnadu and one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in India. The city is situated about 209 km from Coimbatore and 464 km from Chennai.

Also referred to as Athens of the East, Madhurai is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. Madurai was the seat of power of the Pandyan Empire. Often considered the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, Madurai is one of the top places to visit in tamilnadu. The city is very well known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple, among the most visited temple in South India tour packages.

Meenakshi Temple, also known as Madurai Meenakshi, is the biggest landmark of Madurai and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple has stunning architecture and a significant testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. Along with Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other important places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages.

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Distance from Kochi: 262 Kms

Srirangam, the beautiful river island, is one of the prominent places of pilgrimage in South India, and among the must include places in Tamil Nadu tour packages. About 13 km from Trichy, and 136 km from Madurai, it holds great cultural and religious significance in South India.

Nestled between the Kaveri River and Kollidam River, Srirangam is home to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, the world's grandest operational Hindu shrine. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, and among the must-include places in Srirangam tour. Jambukeswarar temple, Uthamar Kovil, Uraiyur Vekkali Amman Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Kumara Vayalur Temple, Gunaseelam Temple, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, and the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple, etc. are some other tourist places in Srirangam.

The Chithirai car festival, Vasantotsavam, Jyeshtaabhishekam, Pavitrotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Teppostavam are the popular festivals celebrated in Srirangam, Srirangam can be visited as part of Trichy packages as well.

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Distance from Kochi: 392 Kms

Thrissur, also known as Trichur, is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Kerala, and among the must include places in Kerala tour packages. Situated about 81 km from Kochi, and 279 km from Trivandrum, this is one of the ideal weekend getaways from Kochi & Coimbatore.

Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual, and religious leanings throughout history. Vadakkumnathan temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu temple, and Guruvayur Temple, Our Lady of Lourdes Syro-Malabar Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, Thrissur Zoo, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, and Kerala Kalamandalam are the most popular tourist places in Thrissur.

Thrissur hosts the world-famous Thrissur Pooram, the most colorful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. UNESCO has awarded Thrissur Pooram as the most spectacular festival event on the planet. It is one of the best experience things to do in Kerala as part of Thrissur packages. Thrissur is also the hometown of the great Hindu Saint, Adi Shankara.

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Distance from Kochi: 81 Kms

Srirangapatna or Srirangapattana is a historical town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. About 18 km from Mysore, and 124 km from Bangalore, it is among the popular tourist places in Karnataka owing to its cultural, religious, and historic importance.

Srirangapatna is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore. The entire town is surrounded by the river Kaveri to form a river island. Srirangapatna is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat (Palace of Tipu Sultan) and Gumbaz (Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan) & Sangama are the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages.

Laksha Deepotsava, Ratha Sapthami, and Brahmotsavam are the famous festivals celebrated with much fanfare at Srirangapatna.

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Distance from Kochi: 364 Kms

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls, Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism.

Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple comprises three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors.

The Somnathpur temple is famous for its elaborate and ...

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Distance from Kochi: 378 Kms

Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is the 4th largest city in Tamilnadu and among the must include places in Tamilnadu tour packages. It is located about 133 km from Madurai and 334 km from Chennai.

Tiruchirappalli is home to numerous historical monuments and temples that attract tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the country throughout the year. The city played a critical role in the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) between the British and the French East India companies. Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in South India is situated near Trichy. Rockfort Temple, Jambukeshwar Temple, Uraiyur, Mariamman Temple, Government Museum and the St John's Church are some of the top places to visit as part of Trichy tour packages.

Tiruchirappalli is internationally known for a brand of cheroot known as the Trichinopoly cigar. The city is very popular for its cigars, handloom saris and stone-studded jewelry, Pith models, and cheroots. According to the National Urban Sanitation Policy (2010), Tiruchirappalli was one of the ten cleanest cities in India.

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Distance from Kochi: 391 Kms

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is one of the popular places of href='/tamilnadu/heritage' target='_blank'>heritage in Tamilnadu as it has a rich historical heritage and is a prism of ancient as well as the modern south Indian civilizations. It is situated about 170 km from Madurai, and 326 km from Chennai. Situated on the banks of River Cauvery, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Madurai tour packages.

The city was once the stronghold of the historic Cholas. Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural and religious centers of South India. Thanjavur is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola in the year 1010 AD. Also known as the Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the most important heritage sites in India. The temple is considered to be one of the best specimens of South Indian temple architecture and among the must-visit places as part of Thanjavur tour packages.

Apart from Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur and the surrounding areas have several important tourist attractions like Thanjavur Palace, Kumbakonam, Darasuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thiruvaiyaru, Thirubuvanam, etc.

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Distance from Kochi: 447 Kms

Halebidu is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka. About 34 km from Chikmagalur, and 211 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Halebidu is famous for the beautiful Hoysala Temples of Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara built in 1121 AD. These are the most important places to visit as part of Halebidu tour packages. Hoysaleswara Temple is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other two being the Belur temple & Somnathpur temple. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Halebidu is one of best places to visit near Bangalore.

Another popular place to visit in Halebidu is the Kedareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by King Ballala II, it was decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style.

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Distance from Kochi: 467 Kms

Belur is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka. It was the early capital of the powerful Hoysala Empire on the banks of River Yagachi. About 25 km from Chikmagalur, and 217 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Belur is renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple built by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, it is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Sri Chennakesava Temple is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur holiday packages.

Standing on a star-shaped platform, Sri Chennakesava Temple is known for its intricate sculptures and friezes. There are about 48 pillars of various sizes, shapes, and designs, bearing testimony to remarkable artistry. The main highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari or The lady with the mirror. Yagachi Dam, Halebidu, and Narasimha Pillar are the other tourist places in Belur.

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Distance from Kochi: 476 Kms

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages. With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are importantplaces to visit in Shravanabelagola.

Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages.

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Distance from Kochi: 419 Kms

Kasargod is a coastal town in Kerala. About 48 km from Mangalore, 110 km from Coorg, and 369 km from Bangalore, it is one of the least explored tourist places in Kerala, and among the famous places to visit near Mangalore.

Kasaragod packages are a mix of majestic forts, lofty hills, meandering rivers, and golden beaches. Bekal Fort, among the popular places of heritage in Kerala, Bekal Fort Beach, Pallikere Beach, Kappil Beach, and Kanwatheertha Beach are the popular tourist places in Kasaragod.

Besides, Kasargod is also blessed with a dozen estuaries as 14 rivers crisscross the district that nourishing the verdant landscape. Kasaragod can also be visited along with Coorg tour packages.

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Distance from Kochi: 363 Kms

At a distance of 20 Kms from Kozhikode Railway Station, Kappad beach is one of the most charming Kerala beaches and also one of the best Kerala tourist places. Vasco da Gama landed on Indian soil on 27th May 1498 at Kappad beach along with 170 men.

There is a monument on the beach that commemorates the landmark event of Vasco da Gama's arrival. This marked the beginning of a new era in the relationship between the Indians and the Portuguese which lasted for 4 to 5 centuries.

The beach is ideal for relaxing and playing around with sand. Devi Temple, which is believed to be 800 years old, is situated on top of a rock near the beach. Karappula River at Elathur close to the beach is a good place for boating. Sunset is a great site to watch here, in the combination of Sea and River.

This place is very close to NH17 towards Mangalore. It is connected by frequent buses from Kozhikode.

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Distance from Kochi: 183 Kms

At a distance of about 12 km from Varkala & 32 km from Trivandrum, Anjengo Fort, also called Anchuthengu Fort is an ancient fort situated at Anchuthengu village in Kerala. It is one of the famous places of heritage in Kerala, and among the must-visit places for history buffs as part of Trivandrum tour packages.

Located on the outskirts of Varkala, Anjengo Fort was built in the 17th century by the British East India Company when it chose Anjengo to make its first trade settlement in Kerala. The word 'Anjuthengu' means five coconut palms and legend has it that a small area of five coconut trees was given to the British on rent by the Queen of Attingal and that is how the fort got its name. The fort served as the first signaling station for ships arriving from Britain.

The construction of the fort was commenced in the year 1696, and was completed in 1699. While construction was ongoing the Dutch lobbied the Rani against the fort's construction, as it would impact adversely on their trade on the Malabar coast. She ordered Brabourne to stop building but he ignored her orders. The Rani then tried to starve out the British by cutting off supplies; but as they could be supplied from the sea, the land blockade proved ineffectual. She then sent an armed force against Brabourne but he defeated it and peace was arranged. The fort played an important role in the Anglo-Mysore ...

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Distance from Kochi: 189 Kms

At a distance of 49 km from Alappuzha, the Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha in Kerala. It is one of the prominent places of heritage in Kerala, and among the must -include places in Alleppey tour packages.

Situated on NH47 between Alappuzha and Kollam, the Krishnapuram Palace was built in the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 AD) of Travancore kingdom.
The Palace is a rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture, with gabled roofs, narrow corridors, and dormer windows. Among the most famous heritage sites near Kochi, the palace is situated on the top of a small hill and is surrounded by a terraced garden with fountains, ponds, and lawns. Other attractions here include the beautifully landscaped garden in the palace compound that is home to a variety of flora, and a newly built Buddha Mandapam, which houses a recently recovered statue of Lord Buddha.

Currently, the palace houses an archaeological museum maintained by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. The museum houses exhibits that belonged to the Palace and its former occupant, the Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma. Stone and wood sculptures, copies of Mural paintings, coins, megalithic remains, stone inscriptions, etc. are preserved and protected in this museum.

The most fascinating exhibit ...

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Distance from Kochi: 110 Kms

At a distance of 38 km from Kochi & 36 Kms from Thrissur, Kodungallur, also known as Cranganore is a historical town located in Thrissur district on NH17 between Kochi and Kozhikode. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Kochi and also an ideal getaway from Kochi for a short trip.

Kodungallur was the capital of Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera Ruler in the 7th century AD. Kodungallur is home for several important historical monuments:

- Bhagawati Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala with history of above 2000 years and was mentioned in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha
- Thomas the Apostle of Jesus is believed to have landed in Kodungallur with his followers in the year 52 AD. This place has become the earliest Syrian Christian centre of Malabar. Monuments built in the memory of Thomas still exist here, including St. Thomas Church.
- Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque built in India in mid 6th century AD, by Malik Ibn Dinar, the follower of Prophet Muhammad
- A fort built by the Portuguese in 1523, which was later captured by Tipu Sultan of Mysore

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Distance from Kochi: 32 Kms

At a distance of 15 Km from Pathanamthitta, 53 Km from Alappuzha & 57 Km from Kumarakom, Aranmula is a Aranmula Snake Boat Race, also known as Aranmula Vallamkali is a popular boat race held in the never ending Kerala Backwaters. This is an annual boat race held in Aranmula district of Kerala during the Onam festival in the month of August-September. It is also known as Uthrittathi Boat Race.

Aranmula Vallamkali owes its origin to the Sri Parthasarathy Temple situated on the banks of the Pamba River. The Vallamkali, associated with the annual festival of Sri Parthasarathy, is usually held on the last two days of the festival. The event that attracts tourists from all over the world is conducted not to win any trophy or prize but to celebrate the anniversary of the Sri Krishna idol installation, the main deity at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. It is conducted in the Pamba River in front of the temple to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna.

The snake boats assemble near the Parthasarathy Temple before the race begins. Festivities take over the whole town as well as the waters. The boat race is famous worldwide and has become an icon of Kerala, attracting thousands of tourists every year during the festival of Onam.

This annual boat race during Onam attracts tourists from all over India and the world. The snake boats are called 'Palliyodams' ...

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Distance from Kochi: 116 Kms

At a distance of 6 km from Thiruvalla, & 29 km from Pathanamthitta, Trikkukkudi Rock-Cut Temple is an ancient temple carved on a massive rock located at Kaviyoor near Thiruvalla in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is one of the popular heritage sites near Trivandrum, and among the best places to visit near Pathanamthitta.

Dedicated to Lord Siva, Trikkukkudi Rock-Cut Temple is an 8th-century Rock-Cut temple built in Pallava style of architecture and a place of great archeological importance. This temple is one of the three rock-cut temples in Kerala. It is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department.

This temple is situated on the banks of the River Manimala. The architecture & sculptures of the temple are unique and famous. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the Lord Siva represented in the form of Sivalinga which is about three feet high and carved out of rock. The shrine also has idols of Ganapathi, Maharshi, and Dwarapalakas. Another noted shrine in Kaviyoor is the Hanuman Temple which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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Distance from Kochi: 104 Kms

At a distance of 20 Kms from Kottayam, St.Mary's Forane Church (also known as Martha Mariam Church) is located in Kuravilangad, on the way to Muvattupuzha.

Constructed in the year of 105 AD, this Church belongs to the diocese of Palai. It is believed that Mother Mary appeared to a few children in this area and asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous spring emerged, which exists even today. The church was built and a statue of the Virgin Mary carved from granite is installed here. A 48 feet single block granite cross is located in front of the church, which was erected around 1597. Three majestic bells of Kuravilangad were brought from Germany in 1911.

The main festival of the church called 'Moonnu Nompu', celebrated for 3 days in the month of xx. Thousands of devotees from all parts of Kerala participate in the festival.

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Distance from Kochi: 53 Kms

At a distance of 2 km from Erattupetta, and 41 km from Kottayam, Poonjar Palace is a 600 years old Palace situated at Poonjar village near Kottayam. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Kerala, and among the most famous tourist places in Kottayam.

The Poonjar Palace in Meenachil taluk was built by Poonjar Rajas and is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. The palace is entirely made out of wood, reflecting the traditional Kerala architecture. The palace is adorned with a fascinating collection of various types of furniture and antiques which includes grand chandeliers, jewelry boxes, statues, grain measurer, weapons, and palm leaf engravings. Tourists will also see a beautiful sculpture of Nataraja, a palanquin, and a thoni for Ayurvedic massages crafted out of a single piece of wood as part of Kottayam sightseeing packages.

The replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple nearby the Palace is another attraction. The walls of this temple have sculptures with warfare stories from the Puranas. However, the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out on the stonewalls of the Sastha Temple nearby. But it is closed for visitors.

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Distance from Kochi: 91 Kms

At a distance of 42 km Chidambaram, 76 km from Thanjavur, 110 km from Trichy & 268 km from Chennai, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historical town situated near Chidambaram. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Tamilnadu, and among the must visit places during Chidambaram tour.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of Cholas during the reign of Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. This historical town is home to the renowned Brihadeeswarar Temple. It was built by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola. This temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Great Living Chola Temples'.

Rajendra Chola I has established this temple after his great victories in Northern India. He was originally called Madurantakan and assumed the title of Rajendra during his coronation and continued to rule along with his father Rajaraja-I for a while. Gangai Konda Cholapuram is regarded as the reproduction of the Brihadisvara Temple that was built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam in the Southern part of India.

Among the top Chidambaram tourist places, the temple was located at the center of the Gangai Konda Cholapuram and occupies around 6 acres of ...

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Distance from Kochi: 470 Kms

About Bylakuppe Golden Temple


At a distance of 5 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Cauvery Nisargadhama, 34 km from Madikeri, and 87 km from Mysore, the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery situated in Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Bylakuppe is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala and is among the most popular places to visit in Coorg.

History of Golden Temple


Bylakuppe is a Tibetan refugee settlement area established by Lugsum Samdupling in 1961 and Dickyi Larson in 1969. It was an amalgamation of about twenty villages that came together to be called the town of Bylakuppe. The main tourist attraction here is the magnificent Namdroling Monastery. Popularly called as Golden Temple, the Namdroling Monastery was established by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. This is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa, a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, in the world and is home to a sangha community of over 5000 monks and nuns.

The architecture of the Golden Temple


The Golden Temple complex is huge and it houses 40 feet high-gilded images of Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), Buddha Sakyamuni, and Amitayus. The temple tower is highly ornate. The outer walls flanking the doorway are decorated with huge colorful murals. The doors, red in color, have huge gold knockers and a thick plaited ...

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Distance from Kochi: 381 Kms

At a distance of 35 Kms from Kanyakumari, 53 Kms from Trivandrum & 700 Kms from Chennai (situated on Trivandrum - Kanyakumari road), Padmanabhapuram is an ancient historical town surrounded by a fort with an area of 187 acres. The ancient capital of Travancore might be constructed before AD 1601. The palace with an area of seven acres, is situated in the very centre on the Padmanabhapuram Fort, amidst hills, dales and rivers.

The fort which was built with mud originally was dismantled and reconstructed with granite by Maharaja Marthanda Varma. The height of the walls varies from 15 ft to 24 ft according to the inclination of the ground.

Entry Fee Rs 25 for Adult & Rs 10 for Children. Closed on Mondays.
Fees for Foreigners : Adult Rs 200 & Children Rs 50
Video and Camera Fee are Rs 1500 & Rs 25 Respectively
Separate fee for Car parking

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Distance from Kochi: 272 Kms

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