Located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Ernakulam city, Cochin, Mattancherry Palace is a storehouse of ancient paintings and art forms. The Mattancherry Palace came to be known as the Dutch Palace after the Dutch carried out some renovation and extension work.Dutch Palace Kerala India,Mattancherry Palace,Mattancherry Palace ToursMattancherry Palace Tours in Kerala This palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 A.D. and was then given as a present to the Maharaja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. This palace of Kerala has now been converted into an art gallery showcasing some of the best paintings and murals of Hindu mythology. Read about Mattancherry Palace, which is an important monument in south India.
Two arches built in Portuguese style form the entrance of the palace compound. The rooms on the upper level of the palace can be reached through a flight of stairs located on the south of the entrance. The palace has a central courtyard that is typical of Kerala architectural style. This central courtyard is known as "Nalukettus". The palace has the architectural style of the Portuguese though it follows the design pattern of Kerala temple architecture. This is indicated in features like sloping tiled roof and wooden balconies.
A small temple is located inside the inner court that is dedicated to Goddess Pazhayannur Bhagavati, who is supposed to be the protector of the royal family of Kochi. There are temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva on either sides of the palace. The interior of the palace is decorated beautifully with royal possessions like ceremonial robes, headgear, weapons, palanquins and royal furniture. There are stunning murals depicting scenes from the Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata adorning the walls of the palace.
The royal bedchamber known as "Palliyara" is located at the left of the entrance. It is famous for its low wooden ceiling and the walls that are covered with someMattancherry Palace,Mattancherry Palace ToursMattancherry Palace Tours in Kerala,Tours to Mattancherry Palace,Kerala Highlights,Tourist Attractions in Kerala 48 paintings depicting the Ramayana. Dutch Palace Kerala India,Mattancherry Palace,Mattancherry Palace ToursMattancherry Palace Tours in Kerala These paintings date back to the 16th century and are preserved with much care till date. There are also paintings depicting "Krishna Lila" and other instances from the life of Lord Krishna. One can also see paintings that depict the famous works of literary geniuses like Kalidasa.
Even though it is austere in its appearance, the Mattancherry Palace of Cochin has a quaint charm of its own. The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-British period. This 'partly' is there because the Dutch, incidentally, were not the original builders of the famous Mattancherry Palace. Infact, this edifice was built much before the Dutch even thought of adding Cochin to their colonial possessions.
It was the Portuguese who, after grabbing Cochin from the Dutch, had initially built the Mattanchery Palace in 1557. They, then, gifted it to the Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin, as compensation for a temple they had destroyed, and also as a bribe to gain favors from the ruling dynasty. It was later, in 1663, when the Dutch wrestled Cochin from the hands of the Portuguese that the palace shifted hands. The Dutch revamped the Mattancherry Palace, which is why it is also famous by the name of Dutch Palace.
Location: Cochin City
Highlights: Intrinsically carved ceilings and mural in the rooms of the palace
How to reach: Once you land in Cochin, you can take hired cars, taxis, auto-rickshaws, ferry and even hired bicycles to reach the Mattancherry or the Dutch Palace.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Fridays)