About
Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, stands in the Mattancherry area of Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a palace of two layers: first built by the Portuguese, later renovated by the Dutch, and it still shows traces of both.
What to see
The palace is best known for its Kerala murals, traditional paintings that cover the walls of its rooms and are the main reason many visitors come. The collection also includes royal artifacts, giving a sense of the lives of the rulers who once lived here.
Why it is worth a visit
- Murals: Traditional Kerala artwork, with a sense of the local painting tradition.
- Royal artifacts: Objects connected with the palace's former residents.
- Layered history: A building shaped first by Portuguese and then by Dutch hands.
The visit suits anyone interested in art history, colonial-era architecture or the history of Kochi itself. It is a compact visit, and it pairs naturally with a walk through the surrounding Mattancherry neighbourhood, where the old streets and waterfront give a feel for the city's long trading past.
Getting there
The palace is at Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002. Visitors can call +91-484-2666085 to check details before going.
