Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace, despite its common name, the Dutch Palace, was originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, in exchange for trading rights. It was later renovated and extended by the Dutch in 1663, which is how it acquired its popular name. The palace served as the royal house and was the location for major ceremonies, including the coronation of the Kings of Kochi. Today, it is a protected monument housing a portrait gallery of the Kochi Rajas and an incredible display of royal artifacts, including ceremonial robes, palanquins, and weapons. However, the most significant draw is the collection of murals covering the walls of the royal chambers and the two ground floor rooms. These murals beautifully depict scenes from Hindu epics, especially the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, along with the Puranic legends, and are considered one of the finest examples of Hindu temple art in Kerala. The palace is a physical representation of the complex, multicultural history of Kochi, showcasing Indian architecture with distinct European influences.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage, History, ArchitecturalEntry Fees:
Affordable Entry for All The Mattancherry Palace has a very affordable and minimal entry fee, typically around Rs.5 per person for Indian nationals and slightly higher (but still low) for foreign tourists, usually around Rs.100. This makes the palace highly accessible to all visitors. Restrictions on...Affordable Entry for All The Mattancherry Palace has a very affordable and minimal entry fee, typically around Rs.5 per person for Indian nationals and slightly higher (but still low) for foreign tourists, usually around Rs.100. This makes the palace highly accessible to all visitors. Restrictions on Photography/Videography There is a strict rule against photography and videography inside the palace, especially in the mural rooms, to protect the delicate, historical paintings from flash damage. There is no separate fee to take photos, as it is generally prohibited in the main exhibition areas. Visitors must abide by the signposted instructions. Supporting Local Preservation The nominal entry fee collected is used for the maintenance and preservation of this ancient monument, which is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Considering the depth of history and art within, the fee offers exceptional value.Timing:
Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM The palace is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Fridays and major national holidays. It is important to note the Friday closing as many tourists mistakenly plan their visit on this day.
Read MoreRegular Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM The palace is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Fridays and major national holidays. It is important to note the Friday closing as many tourists mistakenly plan their visit on this day.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning Slot The ideal visit time is immediately after it opens at 10:00 AM. Arriving early helps you avoid the mid-day rush, especially for viewing the murals, which can get crowded in the small rooms. Visiting in the morning also gives you the rest of the day to explore the surrounding Jew Town area. Break Timings The palace often has a lunch break for staff, usually from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Although the timing can vary, it’s best to complete your viewing before the break or arrive after it to ensure uninterrupted access.Special Events:
Religious Observances at the Palace Temple The temple inside the central courtyard, dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, is still an active place of worship for the temple trust. Though visitors are restricted, you may observe special religious rites or festivals (poojas and utsavams) being held, p...Religious Observances at the Palace Temple The temple inside the central courtyard, dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, is still an active place of worship for the temple trust. Though visitors are restricted, you may observe special religious rites or festivals (poojas and utsavams) being held, particularly during the months of September or October, offering a glimpse into local religious life. Heritage Week Celebrations The palace often plays a role in local Heritage Week or Museum Day celebrations, especially those organized by the Department of Archaeology. During this time, there may be special guided tours, lectures, or small cultural performances related to the history of the palace or the art of Kerala murals.Best Photo Spots:
The White and Red Exterior View The best external photo spot is from a distance across the courtyard or the front grounds, capturing the distinctive white-washed walls and the contrasting, bright red-tiled, sloped roof. This showcases the unique Indo-European architectural blend. The Royal Palanq...The White and Red Exterior View The best external photo spot is from a distance across the courtyard or the front grounds, capturing the distinctive white-washed walls and the contrasting, bright red-tiled, sloped roof. This showcases the unique Indo-European architectural blend. The Royal Palanquins Display Inside the exhibit halls, the meticulously preserved royal palanquins are an excellent photo opportunity. Focus on the intricate gold leaf work or carving details. Note that internal photography rules often apply, so check before snapping. The Jew Town Street View From the approach to the palace, you can capture a classic shot that includes the vibrant, cluttered, and colorful shops of the Jew Town street leading up to the quiet, historical entrance of the palace, symbolizing the transition from the bustling market to the royal enclosure.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Mural Appreciation and Study Spend a significant amount of time in the four rooms dedicated to the murals. The sheer scale and detail of the Ramayana murals in the royal bedchamber require careful viewing. Art and history enthusiasts often bring a small guide book to fully appreciate the 45 scenes from the epic depicted on the walls. Exploring the Coronation Hall Visit the Coronation Hall, which houses another set of significant murals depicting the Goddess Lakshmi, Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash, and other deities. This hall also features the original wooden roof structure and showcases a blend of architectural styles. Viewing the Portrait Gallery Examine the row of oil paintings that make up the portrait gallery of the Cochin Maharajas. These portraits offer a fascinating study of the transition of royal fashion and artistic style over several centuries in Kerala. The exhi...
Information
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Why Famous:
World-Renowned Mural Paintings The palace is internationally famous for its exceptional murals, especially those depicting scenes from the Ramayana in the royal bedchamber. These large, detailed, and vibrant frescos are considered masterpieces of Kerala traditional art and are the main reason for t...World-Renowned Mural Paintings The palace is internationally famous for its exceptional murals, especially those depicting scenes from the Ramayana in the royal bedchamber. These large, detailed, and vibrant frescos are considered masterpieces of Kerala traditional art and are the main reason for the palace's popularity. They offer an unparalleled look into 16th to 18th-century religious art. Symbol of Indo-European Alliance It is famously known as the Dutch Palace (despite being built by the Portuguese), making it a unique monument that embodies the diplomatic and cultural interactions between the European powers and the Kochi Raja. Its very existence is a testament to the complex political history of Kochi as a trading port. Royal Portrait Gallery The palace houses a unique gallery of portraits of the Cochin Rajas, starting from 1864. These paintings give visitors a visual lineage of the ruling dynasty and are painted by local artists in the Western style, marking an important intersection of culture and art. -
Architecture:
Naalukettu Style with European Influence The palace is a classic example of the traditional Kerala Naalukettu architectural style, which translates to a four-block building with a central courtyard. The structure is a two-storeyed edifice built mostly of laterite and wood. Dimension and Layout Th...Naalukettu Style with European Influence The palace is a classic example of the traditional Kerala Naalukettu architectural style, which translates to a four-block building with a central courtyard. The structure is a two-storeyed edifice built mostly of laterite and wood. Dimension and Layout The typical Naalukettu layout features four wings and a central courtyard which historically housed the temple of the family deity. The palace follows this quadrangle layout, though subsequent renovations introduced distinct European elements like the structural features, archways, and the nature of the staircase, which deviates from pure Kerala style. The main shrine in the central courtyard is dedicated to the deity Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, the protecting goddess of the royal family. A separate temple on the northern side is dedicated to Shiva. The Mural Gallery The architectural highlight is undoubtedly the King's Bed Chamber and the coronation hall, where the famous murals are painted. The murals cover nearly 300 square meters of wall space, entirely executed in the tempera technique. The walls are designed to maximize space for these grand paintings, with intricate carvings on the wooden ceilings. The sloping roof, a characteristic of Kerala architecture, is designed to withstand the heavy monsoon rains. -
How To Reach:
By Air The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 45 kilometers away. A taxi from the airport will take about 1. 5 hours to reach Mattancherry. By Train The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction (ERS), which is about 15 kilometers from the palace. From ERS, ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Paradesi Synagogue (Jew Town) (0. 2 KMS) - Right next door, accessible via Jew Street.
Jew Street: (0. 1 KMS) - The famous street for antique shopping.
Ginger House Museum Hotel: (0. 5 KMS) - A unique museum hotel with beautiful antique displays.
Chinese Fishing Nets: (2 KMS) - Located in Fort Kochi.
Spice Market: (0. 5 KMS) - The historic trading point for authentic Kerala spices.
Dhobi Khana: (1 KM) - A traditional hand laundry setup used by the locals for generations.
Fort Kochi Beach: (3 KMS) - For sunset views. St.
Francis Church: (2. 5 KMS) - Historical church in Fort Kochi.
Kashi Art Cafe: (3 KMS) - A famous cafe in Fort Kochi known for its art and atmosphere.
Folklore Museum: (6 KMS) - Showcasing the traditional folk art and cultural heritage of Kerala.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Footwear and Clothing Since you'll be on your feet for the duration of the visit, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Due to the religious significance of the palace temple and the cultural context, it is advised to wear modest clothing that covers your s...
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