Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

About this place

Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a historic royal residence in Mattancherry, Kochi, built by the Portuguese around 1545 as a gift to Veera Kerala Varma, the ruler of the Kochi kingdom. The Dutch carried out major repairs and renovations in 1663, after which the palace became widely known as the Dutch Palace. Despite its European associations, the building is primarily an expression of traditional Kerala architecture, following the quadrangular nalukettu plan with four wings arranged around a central courtyard. Long halls, spacious rooms, carved wooden ceilings and distinctive traditional flooring contribute to the palace’s architectural character, while the later colonial interventions form part of its layered history. The palace was used by the rulers of Kochi for royal purposes and important ceremonies, including coronations, rather than serving as a residence for the Portuguese or Dutch. Its most celebrated treasures are the Kerala-style mural paintings decorating several interior rooms. The murals, executed mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries, portray episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu traditions, as well as scenes associated with Kumarasambhavam, Krishna and Shiva. Particularly notable are the extensive Ramayana paintings in the Royal Bed Chamber, while other rooms contain depictions of Hindu deities and mythological narratives. The palace also houses a portrait gallery featuring life-size portraits of the Cochin rulers from 1864 onwards, along with royal garments and other objects associated with the former royal household. Visitors can see ceremonial weapons such as swords, daggers and spears, as well as royal palanquins, parasols, headgear, coins issued by the Cochin rulers and maps prepared during the Dutch period. The central courtyard contains the shrine of Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, the traditional guardian deity of the Kochi royal family, while temples dedicated to Krishna and Shiva stand on either side of the palace. Restored in the twentieth century and protected as a centrally protected monument, Mattancherry Palace remains an important repository of Kerala’s royal, artistic and architectural heritage. Its murals, traditional Kerala design and collections associated with the Cochin dynasty make it a significant cultural attraction in Kochi, particularly for visitors interested in Kerala’s history, mural traditions and royal heritage.

🚆 Railway: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station — approximately 10 km from Mattancherry Palace.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport — approximately 41 km from the palace.

🚌 Bus: Mattancherry is well connected by road with Ernakulam and other parts of Kochi; local buses serve the Mattancherry area.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, heritage properties, homestays and other accommodation options are available in Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and central Kochi.

✅ Notes: Mattancherry Palace is open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, except Fridays. The palace is a protected monument and houses fragile historic murals and artefacts; visitors should follow current photography and conservation instructions at the site.