Kerala has had a long line of rulers and armies that have shaped the state's culture and architecture over the centuries. Several important Palaces and palaces still exist to this day as reminders of a bygone era. Below are all the historical Palaces and palaces that are worth visiting.

Arakkal Kottaram

Arakkal Palace is located 2 km from the city of Kannur. The palace is now a museum owned by the Arakkala family trust. The Arakkal family was the only ruling Islamic dynasty in Kerala. Also known as Arakkal kettu, building is a complex of residential buildings, mosques, administrative block, trade centre etc. There are two traditional mosques, one gate way with an imposing bell tower and some residential buildings. The double storey traditional style administrative block in the complex was constructed during the eighteenth century. A large courtyard in the center of a complex of large interconnected buildings. This yard is used for prayer. The buildings were built according to the local architectural style of stone and wood.. The exhibits of the museum shed light on the maritime trade relations of the ancient Arakkal family. The exhibits contain evidence of a connection between Europe and colonial times. These include treasure chests, basic chests, old telephones, swords, daggers, telescopes and versions of the Quran.

Aranmula Palace

Aranmula Kottaram is a palace located on the banks of the Pampa River in Aranmula. It is situated in front of Aranmula Sree Parthasarathi Temple. The palace was built more than 200 years ago. It is one of the oldest palaces in Kerala, built in the Nalukett architectural style, based on Thachu Sastra, or the Science of Carpentry and Traditional Vasthu. This palace is known as Aranmula Vadakke Kottaram. Aranmula vadakke kottaram was the mid-way halting place of the holy journey "Thiruvabharana Ghoshayathra"( A ritual of sabarimala temple and pandalam palace) at Aranmula.

Ariyittuvazhcha Kottaram

Ariyittuvazhcha Kovilakam is a building in Mattancherry which was used for the ceremonies of Ariiittuvazhcha ceremonies in the ancient kingdom of Kochi. Ariyittuvazhcha is a coronation ceremony performed by Maharaja of Cochin kingdom. The building is made with brick and wood and the roof is covered with pieces of baked clay. The building opens only for the coronation ceremony of Emperor of Kochi. Now this building is a state protected monument of Kerala.

Bastion Bungalow

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The Bastion Bungalow was built by the Indo-European style in 1667 and is named after the site of the old Dutch fortress, Boston Stromberg. It is one of the oldest buildings in Kerala. The building is ideal for a circular wall structure with a tiled ceiling and a separate wooden gallery on the front floor. A network of secret tunnels is said to have passed through the huts, but nothing was found. The Government of Kerala converted the Boston Bungalow into a Heritage Museum and opened it to the public in February 2016. The Kerala Archaeological Department has declared the bungalows as protected monuments. Boston Bungalow Ground exhibits sculptures by 10 Kerala artists. There are two colonial cannons on the balcony of the Bastion Bungalow.

Bolgatty Palace

The Bolgatti Palace a Dutch mansion which was built in 1744, located at Kochi. It is divided into three main sections: the main building, the marina block and the palace block. The palace apartment is located inside the palace building. The most famous is the marina. It is a very beautiful building with a marina on one side and a golf course on the other. The Bolgatti Palace is one of the fascinating destinations on the Kochi tourist map. There are 4 luxurious bedrooms with luxurious facilities. The Bolgatti Palace has six huts on the lake side. The tiled ceiling and wooden frame give the whole house a beautiful interior.

British Residency

One of the most famous landmarks in Kollam is the British Residency. It was built by Colonel John Monroe during the British period for his residence purpose. Now the building is used as the Guest House of the Government of Kerala.

Kacheri Malika

Kacheri Malika, is an old mansion in which the Alangad Taluk Kacheri (office) was functioning. It is located in the Union Christian College Campus, Aluva. It was one of the five concerts built in 1811 during the reign of Maharani Rani Lakshmibai.From 1811 to 1896 it served as the courtroom of Travancore. The architecture of the Kacheri Malika combines Dutch, British and Indian styles. The Government of Kerala declared it as a protected monument.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

Kanakakkunu Palace is 800 meters northeast of the Napier Museum in the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. The palace is one of the remains of a historic colonial building. Kanakakkunnu Palace was built by Travancore King Sree Moolam Thirunal. Later, the palace was renovated and a tennis court was built in the courtyard of the palace. The Nisha Gandhi Amphi Theater and Sunflower Auditorium are located on the grounds of Kanakunu Palace, which is currently under the control of the Govrnment of Kerala. The halls and premises used for the conduct of many cultural programmes including All India Dance Festival (Nishagandhi Annual Festival). The palace has been declared a Heritage Site by the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTASH).

Kilimanoor Palace

The history of Kilimanoor, which is over four hundred years old, is associated with Marthanda Varma, the King of erstwhile Travancore. In 1740, Dutchman Captain Hockert supporting the Deshinganadu King, attacked Venad. An army from Kilimanoor resisted and defeated Dutch forces. Although a small victory, this was the first incident when an Indian army had defeated a European power. In 1753, in recognition of this feat, Marthanda Varma exempted the region controlled by the Kilimanoor palace from taxes, and granted them autonomous status. The present palace complex was built during this period. Kilimanoor Palace compound spread over an area of 15 acres. The palace, small and large buildings, ponds, sidewalks, wells and old buildings are all part of it. Raja Ravi Varma, internationally renowned artist and painter was born in the Kilimanoor royal dynasty. Raja Ravi Varma's Art Gallery and Puthen Malika are some of the historical sites preserved here.

Kottayil Kovilakam

Kottayil Kovilakam is a small Village in Paravur Block in Ernakulam District. As the village is located inside of the fort, it is known as Kottayil kovilakom.
According to records, Kottayil Kovilakom was founded during the period of Perumakkanmar. Historians find mention of the place in the works of ‘Sanga’ periods. There is a strong link between the history of Kottayil Kovilakom and the Paliyathachan, the prime minister of the erstwhile Cochin Royal dynasty. In 1663, the Dutch built Paliyam Kotta (fort), as a gesture of gratitude to the Paliyathachans, for helping them to defeat the Portuguese. Inside the fort a kovilakom (palace) was built specially for women, and it was this building is known as Kottayil Kovilakam.
The site around an old well was declared a protected monument by the Department of Archaeology of the erstwhile State of Cochin in 1936. A Vishnu Temple is located on top of the hill in the same compound. The Jewish cemetery of the Chendamagalam Jews is preserved in the valley of this hill. A mosque was also established on another side, in the valley of the same hill. The Jewish Synagogue, Vypeekotta Seminary and Forane Church are in the neighbourhood of Kottayil Kovilakom, which is on the bank of River Periyar.

Kowdiar Palace

Kowdiar Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India was built in 1934 by Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, on Pallikettu (wedding) of his only sister, Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi with Lt. Col. G. V. Raja. This Palace belongs to the heirs of Sethu Parvathi Bayi as it was built by her son Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal. Kowdiar Palace's architectural work is famous and has over 150 rooms. The entry to this palace is restricted as it is the private residence of the royal family of Travancore.

Koyikkal Palace

The Koyikkal Palace was built between 1677 and 1684 by Queen Umayamma of the royal family of erstwhile Venad kingdom. The Palace is a four-story building with a central floor and triangular forepart. Today it is known as the Folklore Museum and the Numismatic Museum. The numismatic repository is a unique center due to its exceptional coin collection and knowledge of Kerala's past trade relations with various countries. There are some of the oldest coins in Kerala: Ottaputhan, Erattaputhan, and Kaliyugarayanapanam. A rare piece dedicated to Jesus Christ, Amida, is also kept here. Here you will find 2500 year old farm coins, Razi coins (the smallest in the world), coins from the Roman Empire and coins used by various dynasties throughout India. It is a true treasure of history. The Folklore Museum was founded in 1992.

Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam belonged to the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom. The palace was renovated in the 18th Century using scientific techniques to protect the listed buildings. The palace is built in typical Kerala style of architecture. The complex also houses many other buildings which have a blend of traditional and Western architecture. Today the palace is an archeological museum. The highlight here is the 49 sq m Gajendra Moksha, single band of mural painting found in Kerala. This mural was placed at the entrance of the palace. Other collections in the museum include rare antique bronze sculptures and paintings.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabappuram Palace is the seat of the ancient rulers of old Travancore kingdom. The palace dates back 1601 AD. This Kerala architectural masterpiece is now located in Tamil Naud. However, its ownership is vested with the Government of Kerala. The wooden mansion is well preserved and its murals, exquisite floral carvings, and black granite floors delight all who view it today. The interiors with intricate carvings and rose carvings are beautiful. There are many wall paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. It features a mahogany musical arch, colorful mica windows, royal chairs with carvings, the magnificent "Thai Kottaram" and the Queen Mother's Palace with painted ceilings. . The black-walled Durbar Hall is a rare architectural feat made from a blend of egg white, coriander, lime, toasted coconut, charcoal, and river sand. Secret underground parts, the famous night bed in the king's bedroom, wall paintings, Lord Krishna paintings, a temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, swimming pools, fish sculptures and brass pendant lamps are some other attractions of the palace.

Sakthan Thampuran Palace

Shakthan Thampuran Palace is situated in the heart of Thrissur town. It is a famous historical building of Rama Varma Shaktan Thampuran, the former Maharaja of Kochi and founder of modern Thrissur town. This palace is of historical, cultural and architectural significance and converted into a Heritage Museum.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace formerly known as Vadakechira Kovilakam, originally belonged to the Perumpadappu Swaroopan dynasty, the ruling dynasty of Kochi, who ruled between AD 1790 and 1805. Shakthan Thampuran renovated and renamed the palace. The palace combines traditional Kerala architecture and Dutch style. There are magnificent galleries and halls here, a collection of megalithic objects excavated from Kerala and other treasures, telling of the heritage of the people there. The palace has three tombs, including the tomb of Shakthan and a flag from 1827. There are ancient coins, a royal chamber, a royal kitchen, utensils, weapons, bronze and stamps.
Inside the complex of the Shaktan Thampuran Palace, which is now protected by the Archaeological Department, there is a snake temple and a botanical garden. The garden has a large collection of native and exotic plants, medicinal plants and herbs. There are galleries dedicated entirely to bronze carvings, granite statues, medieval coins and ancient scriptures and collections from the Great Stone Age.

Thevally Palace

Thevally Palace was built in between 1811 and 1819 the reign of Gowri Parvati Bayi, Princess of erstwhile Travancore country.his Palace is situated in a picturesque destination on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. It has a blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. The Palace looks unique and attractive with its vast surroundings. The Kings of Travancore had used Thevally Palace during their visits to Kollam in order to meet the British Residents and to discuss with them when Kollam was the capital of Travancore kingdom There is also a Sastha (Ayyappa) temple in the palace complex. The place is currently occupied by the army and Public Works Department.