Kerala has made its contributions to the science of Architecture.  The influence of the non Kerala style can be strongly seen in the varied architectural styles of temples (like the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple), churches, mosques ad palaces.  One comes actoss 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 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 distinct architectural style.  The earliest known templesare 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 monuments of the State and are of considerable architectural and historical value.  The Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram is an impressive structure with a seven-storeyed tower and more than three hundred granite pillars.  A distinguishing feature of the Dravidian style is the lofty tower (gopuram) with rising tiers.  The Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is the supreme specimen of  Dravidian style in Kerala.  Temples 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 theadvent of Portuguese in 15th century.  Latinisation changed the designs of church buildings.  The massive arch replaced the thick entrance door and stained glass windows were installed to allow ventilation.  In modern times, foreign styles have influenced the construction of churches.  St. Joseph’s Cathedral at Palayam, Trivandrum 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-storeyed building with tiled roof.  It has a central hall meant for prayers with corridors on four sides

Kerala's architecture is an ensemble of simplicity and elegance. Simple and all embracing, it is tailored to suite Kerala's climate and culture. The time-tested dexterity of Kerala's master architectures is ostensible in the construction of umpteen temples, mosques and churches bestrewn across the state

The temples structures have intricate details that are breathtaking, which never fails to fascinate an observer

Agraharams, the conglomeration of Tamil Brahmin houses, at Kalpathy in Palakkad show the fulgent face of aesthetic sense of a generation

Bypore Khalasees, a microscopic group in Kozhikode, have devised their own method of construction. This endangered Muslim group had construction several bridges in stultifying pace. This team had done yeomen service in several rescue missions in Kerala

Idols and curios, manufactured in several parts of the state, are a fusion of dexterity and technical know-how

Aranmula mirror, a unique mirror being manufactured at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta, has taken the fame of Kerala's architecture overseas

Temples, churches and mosques abound in Kerala, signifying a glorious history and representing the eventful political, cultural and religious life of the state

History is a pervasive presence here. Many Christian churches were built with the help of Hindu Kings

However, the post-independent development spree, bereft of little concern for culture and tradition, has left our traditional knowledge system bear the brunt. Even amid the onslaught of modernism, a few embers glow that can fan up the Kerala consciousness

Essentially, Nalukettu can be explained as an expansion of the concept of 'sala' enshrined in the 'Vaastushastra', the Indian science of architecture. A 'sala' was a square or rectangular living room with verandas on one or more sides.   An 'akashala' or single unit house was affordable for even the poorest and the lowest in the rigid caste hierarchy. The addition of another L-shaped hall made it a 'dwissala' or two-structured abode. Further economic advancement and familial needs led to the addition of a third structure, making three sides of open -ended square -a 'thrissala'.   When the fourth side was also hemmed in by the addition of another 'sala', the resultant square became 'chatussala' or the 'nalu' (four) and 'kettu' (built up sides).

As the families prospered and grew in size, other squares of 'salas' were added to make 'Ettukettus' or mansions with eight 'salas' around two courtyards. On the firmer grounds of Kerala, the 'Nalukettu' rose upwards into two or three storeys, the upper floors being reserved for the 'Karanavars' (elders). By the time multi-storeyed mansions evolved, the wooden walls had given way to laterite ones plastered with lime. The ultimate development in this line was the 'pathinarukettu', or structure with 16 'salas'