Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, stands as a prominent historical landmark in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the state of Kerala. Despite its name, the palace was initially constructed around 1545 by the Portuguese Empire as a gift to the then ruling King, Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty, following their pillaging of a nearby temple. Subsequently, the Dutch undertook renovations, leading to its current moniker, the Dutch Palace. Today, it ranks among the most frequented attractions in Mattancherry and has been listed on the tentative roster of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Mattancherry Dutch Palace beautifully showcases a harmonious blend of colonial influences with the traditional Kerala architectural style. It is a quadrangular structure, designed in the Nālukettu style, features a central courtyard imbued with subtle colonial elements. The palace boasts an extensive collection of murals adorning its walls, reflecting Hindu temple art traditions with religious, decorative, and stylized motifs. Executed in tempera technique, these murals emanate rich warm hues. The Coronation Hall houses portraits of the Rajas of Cochin dating from 1864 onwards, rendered by local artists in Western style. Floral woodcraft designs embellish the hall's ceiling, while the palace exhibits various artifacts including an ivory palanquin, a howdah, royal umbrellas, ceremonial attire, coins, stamps, and drawings. The Mattancherry Dutch Palace also houses a small shrine dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, the deity of the royal family.
Entry Time:
10 AM to 1 PM & 2 PM to 5 PM.
Closed on Fridays.
Visiting hours:
2 to 3 Hrs
Entry fee:
For Adult: INR 20.
For Children: INR 10.
Free entry for children below 15 years.
Best Time to Visit:
December to February
Famous For:
Mattancherry Dutch Palace is famous for its traditional Kerala-style architecture and its exquisite mural paintings that depict the great Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.
How to reach:
By Air : Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, 40.9 Km away from Mattancherry Dutch Palace. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the palace.
By Train :Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station, 9.5 Km away from Mattancherry Dutch Palace. From the railway station, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the palace.
By Road :Mattancherry Dutch Palace is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire a cab to reach the palace.
FAQ:
1.Who built Mattancherry Dutch Palace?
Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese as a gift to the King Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi.
2.Why Mattancherry Palace is called the Dutch Palace?
The reason Mattancherry Palace earned the name Dutch Palace is because it underwent significant renovations by the Dutch.
3.Is photography allowed inside Mattancherry Dutch Palace?
No. Photography is strictly prohibited inside Mattancherry Dutch Palace.