Text Credits: Lakshmi Priya 

It’s summer vacation and where are you heading to, to spend your holidays productively? If you haven’t decided yet then we have some special places for you. There were many famous movies in Malayalam cinema which were shot at various beautiful locations around Kerala. Why not take a walk through the ‘Varikkasseri Mana’ where Jagannathan of Aaramthampuran resided? Why not breath-in the fresh air at Kuttanad where innumerable hit Malayalam movies captured its scenic beauty on the celluloid? To make your travelling experience a bit more than just memorable, here is a list of popular shooting locations in Kerala that you can explore. From places of natural beauty to mansions full of antiques, these places will definitely take you for a nostalgic trip through the history of Malayalam cinema.

Varikkasseri Mana

Image source: hyd-masti.com

Even after years, the movie Aaraam Thampuram is greeted with applause by the viewers because of the spectacular performance of the complete actor, Mohanlal. The movie might have been incomplete without the ancient Ettukettu model house – Varikkasseri Mana where the movie was set. It is one of the oldest aristocratic Namboothiri‘s houses located at Manissery Village of Ottapalam, Palakkad. Devasuram, Rapakal, Thoovalkottaram are some of the other movies shot here. Visitors are allowed in this age-old mansion when no shooting is going on.

Kuttanad

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Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala, Kuttanadu in Alappuzha is popular for its vast paddy fields, backwaters and picturesque villages. The natural beauty of Kuttanad is beautifully captured in many Malayalam movies. Amen, Champakulam Thachan, Bhagyadevatha are some of the movies shot here. Few scenes from the famous Hindi films like Dil Se and Tashan were also shot here. If you are heading to Kuttanad, don’t forget to explore the Punnamada Lake in a houseboat and experience Kayaking, a water sport.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Image source: wikipedia.org

When actress Shobana mused the character of ‘Nagavalli’ for the movie Manichithrathazhu and moved her feet to a Tamil song, Kerala witnessed one of the best movies ever made in the Indian cinema history. As stellar as Shobana’s performance, the big mansion – Padmanabhapuram Palace where the movie was shot also fascinated the movie enthusiasts.  Located at the Kalkulam taluk of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu and owned and maintained by the Government of Kerala, Padmanabhapuram Palace is the face of the Travancore-era of Kerala. The movie His Highness Abdulla was also shot here.

Thalassery

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The movies Malarvadi Arts Club, Thattathin Marayathu and Oru Vadakkan Selfie, is known for capturing the beauty of Malabar. Situated on the Malabar coast of Kerala in Kannur, Thalassery is turning out to be a popular movie location. Thalassery is known for its historically significant locations like Tellicherry fort, Gundert Bungalow and AndalurKavu. Muzhuppilangad beach, the longest Drive- in Beach in Asia is also situated there. Thalassery is also famous for giving birth to the art form Theyyam and the martial art Kalaripayattu. 

Olappamanna Mana

Image source: keralatourism.org

Moideen and Kanjana Maala of the movie Ennu Ninte Moideen has undoubtedly conquered our hearts with their tragical yet divine love story. Olappamanna Mana, situated in Vellinezhi of Palakkad district is the house of Moideen in the movie. Olappamanna is the birthplace of Kerala’s famous poet Olappamanna Manakkal Subramanian Namboothirippad. The mana is opened for tourists and also has the facility of homestay. This place can definitely give you a glimpse to the age-old Namboothiri heritage. Aaram Thampuran, Madambi, Aakasha Ganga, Naran are the other movies which were shot here.

Vagamon

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A hill station located at the Kottayam district, Vagamon is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambience. The movie Iyyobinte Pusthakam was completely shot here. The place has a number of resorts and places of adventurous sports.

Athirapally Falls

Image source : photo.webindia123.com

Located at Chalakudi Taluk of Thrissur, Athirapally falls have been a popular location for shooting song sequences in Malayalam movies. The movie Anandabadram and a number of other movies were shot here. The falls are also commonly seen in most of the Mani Ratnam movies like Kannathil Muthamittal, Guru, Raavan, Dil Se.  

Bolgatty Palace 

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Nirakootu, My boss, Vellinakshathram are some of the movies shot in Bolgatty palace constructed by the Dutch at the Bolgatty Island in Kochi. One of the popular holiday destinations of tourists, Bolgatty palace has an ayurvedic centre and Kathakali performances on a daily basis.

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Text credit: Shibul Pavithran 

Kerala is richly endowed with heritage buildings, structures, and sites, all of which are having very unique architectural and aesthetic importance. The heritage sites are not just monuments, but include buildings, artifacts, structures, areas of historical significance, aesthetic, architectural, cultural and environmental significance and even traditional skills. Some of these age-old structures speak about a fascinating period from Kerala’s charming past, drawing countless history fanatics, archaeology lovers and art & architecture enthusiasts from all across the globe. If you are also amongst those who get amazed by the beauty and history of the ancient buildings and monuments, a trip to Kerala is definitely a must for you.  Not many know that this beautiful state has been a major contributor to India’s rich culture and history. We have shortlisted 6 heritage sites in Kerala which may definitely fascinate you and make you want to visit them.

Bekal Fort, Kasaragod: 

Source: bekalforthomestay

Bekal fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to have been built by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty in1650. There is also another belief that it was originally built by Kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The fort was occupied by Hyder Ali in 1763 AD and later by British. Bekal fort is one of the largest and best preserved Fort in the whole of Kerala, bordered by a magnificent beach.  The fort is built on 35 acre headland on the shores of Arabian Sea, rising to a height 130 feet. Bekal Fort is among the top visited locations in Kerala. The Hanuman temple near the entrance and the ancient Muslime mosque situated near the fort, hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area.

Eddakal Caves, Wayanad:

Source: Sanchari

Situated an altitude of 4000 feet, these caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett, the then Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890, during his hunting trip to Wayanad. The name ‘Edakkal’ literally means ‘a stone in between’. It is the only place with Stone Age carvings in South India. The carvings belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic Age include ancient stone scripts, ancient weapons, symbols, animal figures and human beings. The rock surface is filled with motifs and one can see figures, crosses, triangles, tridents, various animals and human figures. Edakkal Caves is one of the most visited places in Wayand.

Tellicherry Fort, Thalassery:

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Tellicherry Fort is located in Thalassery town of Kannur District of Kerala India. The fort was built in 1708 by the British East India Company to establish a stronghold on the Malabar coastline. It is a testament to the impressive engineering skills of  the British engineers and designers, the fort encloses a number of secretive tunnels and underground chambers that once served as hiding burrows for the defeated British military personnel. This historical fort today, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and indeed, they have done a great job, making it an absolute delight for visitors who have a affinity for history and architecture. So, if you are also amongst those avid history buffs, a visit here definitely has to be marked on your travel itineraries.

Kappad Beach, Kozhikode:

Source: placeforvacations.com

Vasco da Gama landed on Indian soil on 27th May 1498 at Kappad beach, Kozhikode 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. Sunset is a great site to watch here, in the combination of Sea and River.

Vadakkunnathan temple, Thrissur

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Vadakkunnathan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the city of Thrissur. It exemplifies impressive Kerala type of architectural style that is quite appropriate for regions where rains are vigorous. The temple has a beautiful ”Kuttambalam” – separate temple theatre for dances, etc., and monumental towers on all four cardinal directions. Vadakkunnathan Temple is the main venue of the famous Thrissur Pooram festival held every year in the month of April or May. This festival attracts more than a lakh of people, including many foreigners.  The festival goes on for seven days.

Palakkad Fort, Palakkad:

Source: Tourmet.com

The Palakkad Fort in Kerala is a beautiful historical monument that has gently integrated its high walls with its surrounding green gardens. One of the most well-preserved forts in the state of Kerala, the Palakkad fort was built in the 1766 AD by Hyder Ali, after which the fort was taken over and renovated by British in 1790. The fort is protected by Archeological Survey of India. And even today, the tough walls of the fort speak volumes about the stories of Tipu Sultan. The fort is square in shape, with massive walls and strong bastions in all four corners and in the middle. It is among the best preserved forts in South India. The thick laterite walls impress all who view it. A large ground that lies between the Fort and the Palakkad town hall is an important location for public meetings and important functions. Today it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It is a preferred picnic spot for everyone visiting Palakkad.

The post World Heritage Day: Here ‘s A Look At The 6 Best Heritage Sites In Kerala appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.