Mattancherry Palace, Kochi

About Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace, located at Mattancherry in Ernakulam district, better known as the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese in 1557, presented to King Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. The palace was included in the "Provisional List" of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The murals of Mattancherry Palace are one of the important examples of Hindu temple art.

Interesting facts about Mattancherry Palace

1. In 1951, Mattancherry Palace was restored and declared a centrally protected monument. The renovation will elevate the historic structure to a building and a museum of an international standard, while preserving its originality, yet highlighting important aspects, the palace is an architectural masterpiece showcasing the blend between colonial and Kerala architecture.
2. The Pazhayanoor Bhagavathy Temple, located between the Mattancherry Palace and the Pardesi Synagogue, is the ancestral deity or paradeity of the Cochin royal family. The royal patronage temple, which shares its wall with the Jewish synagogue, speaks to the religious tolerance and intercultural harmony that existed during the time of the Cochin Empire.
3. The treasures kept in the palace are Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins with floral designs, silver sequined gowns, royal chhatris made of silk and brass, ceremonial royal swords and other royal items. The weapons on display include sheathed swords, daggers, spears, etc.
4. The walls of the palace are decorated with elaborate mythological murals in rich warm colours. The remarkable mural painting is in the Royal Bed Chamber which depicts the complete story of Ramayana.
5. The painting covers approximately 100 square meters and dates back to the 17th and early centuries. There are also intricate representations of Hindu gods and goddesses. The story of Kumarasambhavam by the great writer Kalidasa and the frescoes depicting Krishna Leela and Shiva Leela are awe-inspiring.

How to reach Mattancherry Palace

By Air:- The international air port is at Nedumbassery near Aluva, about 22 km from Ernakulam, Kochi. One can hire a cab to reach Mattancherry Palace.

By Rail: Nearest station is about 10 km from Mattancherry in Ernakulam. Kochi has 3 stations, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbor Terminus. From here you can book taxi.

By Bus:- KSRTC Central Bus Station is near Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, from here you can get bus easily.

Nearby famous places

• Kairali Handicrafts Emporium 5 minutes away
• Jayalakshmi 9 minutes away
• Ernakulam Cemetery Church 10 minutes away
• Centre Square Mall 13 minutes away
• Shiva Temple 1.6 km away
• Salem Marthoma Church 16 minutes away
• St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam 18 minutes away
• Neema's Kitchen 4.6 km away
• Broadway 17 minutes away
• Ayurveda Sanctum 4.6 km away
• Maria's South Indian Cooking Class 4.9 km away
• Subhash Park 1.8 km away