Archaeological sites in Kerala are ancient historical spots which provide refuge to numerous evidences of civilizations which might have been existent over 3000 years ago. Some archaeologists are of the view that Kerala possesses a large number of archaeological sites, which are yet waiting to be discovered. The Aryankavu-Thenmala-Kulathupuzha Arippa belt in Kollam District bears some of the most spectacular ruins of prehistoric period, particularly from the Iron Age, along with Buddhist relics from different portions of the area which were previously forgotten and the regions where excavations were not permitted. At Kulathupuzha, instances of iron smelting have been found, which might date back to 1400 BC, apart from two rock-cut Buddhist temples which belong to above 2000 years. Ariyannur Umbrellas, Cherpu, Eddakal Caves, Kollengode Palace, Mattancherry Palace, St. Thomas Fort at Tangasseri, Vizhinjam Rock Caves, William Fort, Tellicherry Fort and several others.
Ariyannur Umbrellas
Located in Thrissur District of Kerala, Ariyannur Umbrellas is an interesting Megalith burial site of the prehistoric age. It is existent within the jurisdiction of Kandanassery Panchayat. It was proclaimed as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in the year 1951. Locally termed as `Kudaikkallu`, Ariyannur consists of six umbrella stones or mushroom stones, and their appearance is unique. Out of the six stones, two are broken.
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves which are present at Edakkal, about 25 km away from Kalpetta in Wayanad District, near Western Ghats. These historical caves are situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres above mean sea level, on Ambukutty Mala, close to a trade route near the mountains of Mysore. This trade route connected the Malabar Coast with the mountains of Mysore. Pictorial writings dating back to 6000 BC were present inside the caves, which suggest some evidences of ancient civilization.
Kollengode Palace
Situated in Thrissur, Kerala, Kollengode Palace was constructed by Vasudeva Raja, the ruler of Kollengode, during the year 1904. This palace was then passed on to his daughter. The Department of Archaeology had collected the property and transformed it into a museum during 1975. Presently, the possessions and articles utilized by Vasudeva Raja are exhibited. The architectural style follows that of Kerala architecture, fused with western styles. Today, this beautiful palace includes the Mural Art Museum within its premises.
Tellicherry Fort
Tellicherry Fort is based in Thalassery and is a town in Kannur District, created by the British East India Company during 1708. It was built with an aim to create a strong political impact on the Malabar Coast. Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore kingdom was unable to capture this fort, in the year 1781. Beautifully carved large doors, massive walls, square fort, strong bastions and secret tunnels leading to the sea were some of the features of Tellicherry Fort. Currently, this monument is conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India or ASI.
Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple
Known as one of the oldest temples of southern India, Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Temple is belitved to have been erected by Lord Parasurama and is present on the banks of Karamana River, beside Thiruvallam in Thiruvananthapuram. It is about 6 km away from Kovalam Beach and 5 kms from Trivandrum. This temple was created during the 12th and 13th century and has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Department of Kerala and is supervised by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Vizhinjam Rock Caves
Unique rock-cut sculptures belonging to the 18th century are the major attractions of the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves which are present at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi is present in a granite cave while the exteriors of the cave portray incomplete relics of Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Parvati. It is located at a distance of nearly 17 kms from the main city. Historical evidences prove that Vizhinjam was a capital of the Ay chieftains who reigned over the southern portions of Kerala during the 8th century.
Other Archaeological Sites in Kerala
Kerala boasts of numerable other archaeological sites which involve Bekal Fort, Kadavallur, Palakkad Fort, St. Francis Church, Kochi, St. Angelo`s Fort, Thovarimala Ezhuthupara, Wadakkancherry and several others.
