Kerala's Architecture
Kerala has made its contributions to the science of architecture. The influence
of the non Keralan style can be strongly seen in the varied architectural styles
of temples (like the Sri Panmanabha Swamy Temple), Churches, Mosques and Palaces.
One comes across buildings that bear the influence of south Indian styles (notably
Pallava,
Chalukya and Chola) as well as Himalayan (especially Nepal and Tibet).
The roofing pattern of houses seen along the coastal influence tract from Kollam to Kochi reflects the Chinese influence. Traditional houses known as Nalukettu were built in accordance with scientific architectural principles expounded in the Manushyalaya Chandrika, a work dealing exclusively with domestic architecture.
The Kerala temple has a district architectural style. The earliest known temples are
the rock cut ones, many temples have their walls made of wood. 
The temples of
Kerala, built in the Dravidian or indigenous style, are among the most ancient
monument of the state are among the most ancient monuments of the state and are
of considerable architectural and historical value.
The sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thirvananthapuram is an impressive structure with a seven storied tower and more than three hundred granite pillars. A distinguishing feature of the Dravidian style is the lofly tower (Gopuram) with rising tiers . The Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is the supreme specimen of Deavidian style in Kerala temple built in the indigenous style are characterized by low elevation.
In the early period Christians modeled their churches after temple design .This tradition continued till the advent of Portuguese in 15th Century. Latinisation changed the design of church buildings. The massive arch replaced the thick entrance door and stained glass window were installed to allow ventilation. In modern times, foreign styles have influenced the construction of churches. St joseph's Cathedral at Palayam, Trivanduram and Kothamangalam Church were constructed in Romanesque style.
Mosque architecture drew inspiration from Persian and Turkish tradition. The traditional Kerala Mosque is a simple two – storied building with tiled roof and has a central hall meant for prayers with corridors on four sides.
