Mattancherry Palace

The place houses marvelous royal portraits and magnificent Medieval period traditional Kerala Mural paintings under Dutch Colonial to a King here. The palace is an ASI handling site museum has enormous crowds from alover India and from foreign lands to see the the graduer of the Indian art and architecture. The ASI published literature about its monuments written by great scholars were on sale here. Every minute the palace is well protected by security personnel. The Heritage and art should be flourished to the all the directions untill it's ends. We see the evidences of Ramayan of Valmiki on the wall of Mattancherry palace also called Dutch House.

Very impressed with the place inside. From outside it does not look like much, however the interior is amazing and worthy of royalty. The rooms are amazing and the wooden sealing is a work of art. The things located at the location may not seem like much, however this was all way back in the old days and having all this was royalty back then. Definitely a visit and the entry fee of Rs5 is nothing compared to other sites I have visited over the years. I recommend visiting this place if you are in the area.

I had an enjoyable afternoon at the Mattancherry Palace located in Fort Kochi. The site is steeped in history and exceptionally well-kept. There's an abundance of artwork featuring Hindu deities and scenes from the Ramayana. I commend the management for their efforts in preserving these pieces; it genuinely feels as though you are transported back in time. It takes approximately 45 minutes to explore the entire museum and its monuments. Personally, I appreciated the design and architecture of the building.Upon exiting through the back gate, you'll encounter numerous vendors... perfect for anyone interested in shopping.

Had a wonderful afternoon at Mattancherry Palace in Fort Kochi. The place is rich with history and so well maintained. You can see so many drawings of Hindu deities and Ramayana scenes. I appreciate the management that the drawings are still preserved. It truly feels like stepping back in time. It's takes around 45 minutes to take a look all over the museum and monuments. Personally I liked the design and architecture of the building.❣️ Moving out from the back gate you will find many vendors...for one who is interested in shopping 🙂

Mattancherry Palace is a historically rich spot in Kochi. The highlight is the detailed mural paintings of Hindu epics, along with royal artifacts that give a glimpse into Kerala’s past. The palace itself doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s worth a visit when combined with nearby Jew Town and the spice markets. Best to go in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.

A very well maintained place with a clear explanation board for the antiques placed here Mattanchery palace is a great place to visit. The cost of entry ticket is just Rs. 5 and if you are a person for love in museum, old things, etc..

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry, Kochi 🕰️ Historical & Cultural Significance • Originally built by the Portuguese around 1555 as a gift to King Veera Kerala Varma—intended to atone for temple plunder and solidify trade relations . • Later renovated and expanded by the Dutch in 1663, earning the moniker “Dutch Palace” though its foundations and identity remain rooted in Kerala tradition . • Declared a national monument in 1951, with restoration by the Archaeological Survey of India between 2007–2009 to preserve its heritage . ⸻ 🏛️ Architecture and Murals • Designed in the traditional Nālukettu style—a quadrangular layout centered around a courtyard, flanked by temples including Pazhayannur Bhagavathi, Lord Krishna, and Lord Siva . • Interior melds colonial elements—in arches and proportions—with local craftsmanship: wooden carved ceilings, Kerala-style floors made of burnt coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices, and egg whites, mimicking black marble . • Walls are adorned with some of India’s finest mythological murals—colorful tempera paintings narrating the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kumarasambhavam, Shiva Leela, and Krishna Leela, covering over 100 sq meters . ⸻ 🧳 Exhibits & Highlights • Portrait gallery of Cochin Rajas (from 1864 onwards), rendered in Western style in the Coronation Hall. • Royal artifacts on display: ivory palanquins, howdahs, ceremonial umbrellas, coins, stamps, swords & spears—all sheathed for safety . • The serene courtyard temple still houses the hereditary deity Pazhayannur Bhagavathi, reflecting the palace’s spiritual heritage . Final Verdict The Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) is a compact marvel—where Kerala’s architectural finesse intertwines with colonial influences. The vibrant, expansive murals, rich artifacts, and serene courtyard offer a curated window into Kochi’s royal and spiritual legacy. Though small and occasionally humid inside, its value lies in the cultural depth and artistry it preserves. With minimal entry fee and prime location near Jew Town and the synagogue, it’s a must-visit for history and art lovers exploring Kochi.

Visited July 12, 2025 – Day 9 in India After our time in Jew Town, Peter brought us to the Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace. From the outside, it looked modest, but once we stepped through the doors, it felt like walking into another time. Built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, the palace was a gift to the local king of Cochin and now holds centuries of royal history. Inside, the rooms were cool and quiet, with wooden ceilings, glossy black floors, and walls lined with paintings, murals, and artifacts. Our daughters, ages 5 and 7, were immediately curious and alert, taking it all in with wide eyes. Peter guided us through the palace room by room, bringing everything to life with stories, context, and thoughtful explanations. One room had a striking portrait of a king. As we moved across the space, our girls noticed something uncanny—his eyes seemed to follow us wherever we went. They were both fascinated and slightly spooked. Peter explained that this was intentional, meant to reflect the king’s power and presence, even in painted form. The girls kept checking back, whispering, “He’s still watching,” with a mix of awe and amusement. The murals in the palace were extraordinary—huge scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, painted in natural dyes that have somehow lasted hundreds of years. They were full of color, emotion, and movement. Our daughters had endless questions: “Who are those people?” “Is that a god or a king?” Peter answered everything with such kindness and clarity. His ability to engage with them made all the difference. Then we came to a display of royal palanquins, used to carry members of the royal family. One of them was especially grand—beautifully carved and covered in ivory. Peter told us it was used in royal ceremonies and considered a symbol of status and power. The craftsmanship was remarkable, and it was easy to imagine the kings and queens riding inside, held aloft by their attendants. But standing in front of that palanquin became an unexpectedly emotional moment. Earlier in the trip, we had told our daughters that ivory comes from elephant tusks. Now, seeing it up close, they made the connection. One of them asked, “Did an elephant die for this?” and the next question followed: “How many elephants were killed to make all this?” They weren’t angry, just thoughtful—and visibly sad. We tried our best to explain that this was made long ago, in a time when people didn’t fully understand the consequences. Peter gently added that things are different now, and there are strong protections in place for elephants today. It was a quiet, powerful moment. A reminder that travel doesn’t just show you the world—it also teaches compassion. We finished our visit feeling reflective. The Dutch Palace wasn’t just a place of history and beauty—it was layered, complicated, and deeply human. The painted kings, the stories on the walls, the opulence of royal life, and the real cost of some of that splendor—all of it stayed with us. Our daughters left still talking about the murals, the royal traditions, the palanquins, and yes, the king whose painted eyes never seemed to stop watching. It was one of the most meaningful parts of our day in Fort Kochi, and a visit we’ll remember not just for what we saw, but for how it made us feel.