Mattancherry Palace: A Timeless Treasure of Kerala’s Royal History
Introduction: A Glimpse into Kerala’s Glorious Past
Tucked away in the historic town of Mattancherry, Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace is a remarkable symbol of Kerala’s royal heritage. Also known as the Dutch Palace, this architectural gem was built by the Portuguese in 1555 as a gift to the rulers of the Kingdom of Cochin. Later, when the Dutch took over Kochi in 1663, they renovated the palace, giving it the name it is known by today.
Despite its foreign origins, the palace remains deeply rooted in Kerala’s history, showcasing stunning Murals, royal artifacts, and traditional Kerala-style architecture. If you love history, art, or just want to step into a world of kings, warriors, and ancient traditions, Mattancherry Palace is a must-visit destination.
1. The History of Mattancherry Palace
The story of Mattancherry Palace dates back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese established trade relations with the rulers of Cochin. As a goodwill gesture, they built this grand palace for the Cochin Maharajas, hoping to strengthen their ties.
When the Dutch took control of Kochi in 1663, they renovated the palace, adding several enhancements while maintaining its original Kerala-style design. Over the centuries, the palace continued to serve as a royal residence and administrative center for the Cochin rulers.
Today, it stands as one of Kerala’s finest heritage sites, preserving the legacy of a bygone era.
2. The Architectural Marvel of Mattancherry Palace
While it is called a “palace,” Mattancherry Palace is not a lavish, extravagant structure like those in Rajasthan or Mysore. Instead, it embodies a simple yet elegant blend of Kerala and colonial architectural styles.
Key Architectural Highlights:
🏛 Traditional Kerala Nalukettu Style – The palace follows the nalukettu style, which features a central courtyard surrounded by four wings.
🌞 Wooden Ceilings & Intricate Carvings – The ceilings are made of teakwood with detailed floral patterns.
🏺 Polished Stone Floors – These were made with a unique mix of egg whites, coconut shells, and plant extracts, giving them a marble-like finish.
🖼 Spacious Halls & Grand Pillared Verandas – Perfectly reflecting the grandeur of the Cochin royals.
Even though it was built by foreigners, the palace stays true to Kerala’s architectural traditions, making it a fascinating fusion of European and Indian styles.
3. The Stunning Murals: Kerala’s Artistic Masterpieces
One of the biggest highlights of Mattancherry Palace is its exquisite mural paintings, which cover entire walls inside the palace. These murals, painted between the 16th and 18th centuries, are some of the best-preserved examples of Kerala temple art.
Mural Themes & Stories:
🎭 Ramayana & Mahabharata – The murals vividly depict scenes from India’s greatest epics.
👑 Royal Ceremonies & Hindu Deities – Paintings of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva in vibrant colors.
💛 Erotic & Mythological Themes – Some murals depict sensual love scenes from ancient Hindu texts.
The most famous mural is in the King’s Bedroom, showing the entire story of the Ramayana in a single artistic flow. These murals are painted using natural pigments and organic dyes, ensuring their colors remain rich even after centuries.
📸 Photography is not allowed inside, so be sure to admire these murals closely and absorb their beauty.
4. The Royal Collection: A Peek into the Lives of Cochin Kings
The palace is now a museum, displaying a variety of artifacts that belonged to the Cochin royal family.
Things to See Inside the Museum:
⚔️ Ancient Swords & Daggers – Once used by Cochin’s warriors and kings.
👑 Royal Costumes & Jewelry – Intricately designed clothing, showcasing the elegance of Kerala’s royalty.
📜 Palm Leaf Manuscripts – Historical documents written on dried palm leaves, a traditional Indian writing method.
🚪 Royal Insignias & Seals – Used by the Cochin rulers to mark official orders and decrees.
🚗 Antique Palanquins & Ceremonial Chariots – Mode of transport for the kings and queens.
Each artifact tells a story of power, diplomacy, and grandeur, making the museum an invaluable repository of Kerala’s past.
5. How to Reach Mattancherry Palace
📍 Location: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
🛬 By Air: Cochin International Airport (42 km away)
🚆 By Train: Ernakulam Junction (10 km away)
🚗 By Road: Well-connected by roads, taxis, and buses from Kochi city.
🚢 By Ferry: You can take a ferry from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi and then a short auto ride to Mattancherry Palace.
The scenic ferry ride is highly recommended, offering beautiful views of Kochi’s coastline.
6. Best Time to Visit Mattancherry Palace
The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and perfect for sightseeing.
⏳ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays and public holidays)
💰 Entry Fee: ₹5 per person (Yes, it’s that affordable!)
7. Things to Do Around Mattancherry Palace
Since Mattancherry is a historic town, there’s plenty more to explore nearby:
🏰 1. Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue
Just a short walk from the palace, Jew Town is a vibrant street filled with antique shops, spice markets, and cafés. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in India, adorned with beautiful Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles.
🛍️ 2. Spice Markets & Shopping
Mattancherry was once the center of the global spice trade. You can still buy fresh cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg from local vendors.
🖼️ 3. Explore Fort Kochi’s Art & Cafés
Head to nearby Fort Kochi for its street art, colonial buildings, and charming cafés. Kashi Art Café and David Hall Café are perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee.
🌊 4. Visit the Iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
One of Kerala’s most famous sights, these giant wooden fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach are a photographer’s delight, especially during sunset.
8. Why Mattancherry Palace Should Be on Your Kochi Itinerary
✅ It’s a perfect blend of history, art, and architecture.
✅ You’ll get to see some of India’s finest mural paintings.
✅ The entry fee is incredibly affordable for such a rich experience.
✅ It’s close to many other must-visit attractions in Kochi.
If you love discovering hidden gems of history, soaking in old-world charm, and exploring places with cultural depth, Mattancherry Palace is a destination you cannot miss.
9. FAQs About Mattancherry Palace
1. How long does it take to explore Mattancherry Palace?
It takes about 1-2 hours to explore the palace and its museum.
2. Is photography allowed inside the palace?
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace.
3. Is Mattancherry Palace wheelchair accessible?
The palace has limited accessibility for wheelchair users due to its old structure.
4. Can I visit Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi on the same day?
Yes! Both places are close to each other and can be covered in a one-day trip.
5. Are there guided tours available?
Yes, local guides are available outside the palace for a small fee, offering in-depth historical insights.