The monuments of Kerala have well preserved the history and culture of the state. Popularly known as `God`s own country`, the state of Kerala has a rich array of historical and religious monuments that dot the lush landscape of this beautiful state and make it a travellers paradise.

The state of Kerala is a tropical paradise with beautiful lush green vegetation, waving palms, the backwaters, sun, sea and surf .Modern day Kerala was created in 1956 along linguistic lines. It has been under the rule of a number of different dynasties including the Cheras, the Ays, the Pandyan rulers, the Kulashekar dynasty and later the British. Marthanda Varma is said to be the father of modern Kerala as the state grew and developed to a great extent under him. Kerala being located on the seacoast was the centre for trade and commerce. As a result a number of different merchants from West Europe, Southern Asia etc established close ties and settlements here. Thus in the monuments of Kerala is seen reflected not only the grandeur of the various dynasties that held sway here but also many outside influences that entered India via Kerala.

The monuments of Kerala are chiefly constructed in the traditional style of nallukettu or ettukettu-four or eight sided structures with a central courtyard and walls opening out. However, in regions like fort Kochi which has seen a great mix and confluence of cultures, the architecture is a curious mix of typical Kerala, European, Chinese, Jewish and Arabic styles. The various monuments of Kerala include temples, churches, palaces, mosques, forts and mansions.

Chief among the monuments of historical interest are the Bolghatty palace, Alwaye palace, Mattencherry palace, Krishnapuram Palace, Bekal Fort, Hill palace museum, Arrakal palace and Kannur fort, Chittur Garumadam and many more.

Prevalent in Kerala is a happy blend of various religions-Hindu, Christian, Muslim as well as Jewish. This is mainly due to the location of Kerala on the seacoast which made it the landing site for various merchant ships from all over the world. They went on to settle and set up their own places of worship here, particularly the missionaries from different parts of the world. Thus among the monuments of Kerala one can find a heterogeneity of worship in the Chottanikkara Temple, Guruvayoor Temple, Sabbatical Temple, Vadakkumnathan Temple, Cheraman Juma Masjid, Saint Sebastian Church, The Churches at Muttuchira, Aranmula Temple and Jewish Synagogue among others.

Thus, the monuments of Kerala are varied in their style, significance and history. All of them contribute towards making Kerala a real tourist`s delight.