Kerala's history is inextricably tied to its waterways, and its most prominent monuments were built to command or utilize these waters.
* **The Arabian Sea:** Coastal fortifications, including Bekal Fort, Pallipuram Fort, and St. Angelo Fort, were erected specifically to control lucrative maritime spice routes. * **Kerala Backwaters:** Palaces such as Krishnapuram are situated near the inland backwaters, which historically served as the primary mode of transport for royals and traders. * **Kochi Harbor:** The focal point for Kerala's maritime heritage, surrounded by historical trading houses and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets.