Standing tall amidst the bustling streets of Mattancherry in Kochi, Kerala, lies the Mattancherry Palace, a captivating monument that whispers tales of a bygone era. More commonly known as the “Dutch Palace,” the Mattancherry Palace serves as a major evidence of the traditional Keralan architectural style with the blend of European (especially Dutch) influences. The palace was constructed in 1545 as a token of goodwill by the Dutch following the kind of aggression and negative impact they had on the land. It was their peace treaty gifted to the Raja of Kochi back in the day. You can embark on a historical voyage as we delve into the rich world of the Mattancherry Palace, exploring its fascinating past, captivating art, and enduring legacy.
About Mattancherry Palace
Image Credit: Ranjithsiji for Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1545, the Mattancherry Palace holds the title of being the oldest palace in Kochi. Contrary to the name of the palace that’s derived from the place’s name, Mattancherry Palace was constructed by the Portuguese as a gesture of goodwill towards the king of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, after looting a nearby temple. The Dutch, who arrived later in the 17th century, renovated the palace extensively, leading to its association with them. The two-storied structure exemplifies the classic Kerala architectural style of the “naalukettu,” characterized by a central courtyard surrounded by four separate wings.
Located around 10 km from Ernakulam, Mattancherry Palace features influences of Malayalam style architecture with colonial influences. There are murals depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata that adorn the entirety of the palace with influences from the 17th and 18th centuries.
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Mattancherry Palace History
Image Credit: Ranjith Siji for Wikimedia Commons
The story of the Mattancherry Palace is intricately linked with the rise and fall of European powers in Kerala. The Portuguese, seeking a foothold in the lucrative spice trade, arrived on the shores of Kerala in the late 15th century. Initially welcomed by the Kochi rulers, the relationships soon went downhill with the interference of Portuguese aggression. Despite the complications, the Portuguese decided to build the palace as an attempt to mend sour relationships.
However, the Portuguese reign in Kerala was temporary. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch East India Company had emerged as a dominant force. The Dutch captured Mattancherry in 1663 and undertook significant renovations of the palace. Due to this transition, you can witness the additions of Dutch-style gabled roofs and prominent windows, reflecting a subtle European touch on the original Keralan architecture. Not just that, the Dutch influence also contributed to the inside architecture of the palace, further adding to its grandeur and beauty. There are murals of various Hindu deities and epics inside the palace as well.
Best Time To Visit
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Kochi experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, so when you are planning your visit to Mattancherry Palace Kochi to witness it in all its glory, plan your trip between November and February. The weather is comfortable and fairly pleasant during this period, making it ideal for exploration.
For tourists on a budget, consider visiting during the shoulder season, usually from May to October. Although the weather is a little warm with slight rainfall risks, the lack of crowd and favourable travel conditions make it worth it all.
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Mattancherry Palace Timings And Entry Fee
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The Mattancherry Palace timings are from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM on all days except Friday and Saturday. The best part about this exploration is that the Mattancherry Palace ticket price is ₹2 for adults and children below the age of 15 can enter the palace for free.
Things To Do At Mattancherry Palace
Stepping into the Mattancherry Palace is a captivating journey through time. There’s so much of the Mattancherry Palace history to unveil when you step foot inside. As you plan to explore the palace and indulge in its history, the following are a few experiences you can’t miss out on:
1. Witness The Exquisite Murals
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The palace’s crowning glory is undoubtedly its collection of breathtaking murals. Each artwork on the wall of the palace is captivating and features the staple Keralan influence when it comes to the mural style and architecture. The drawings are done using natural colours, which add to the uniqueness of it. Each mural is inspired by Ramayana and Mahabharata, depicting scenes from them. Besides those, there are extensive portraits of Hindu deities and the Kochi Rajas. The intricacy of the designs and the murals paired with the vibrant colours directly transport you in history dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
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2. Explore The Royal Relics
Image Credit: Ranjith Siji for Wikimedia Commons
The palace houses a fascinating collection of artefacts belonging to the Kochi royal family. These include an array of royal costumes, jewellery, weaponry, and ceremonial items. Getting a closer look at these royal artefacts further provides visitors with a look into the kind of opulent lifestyles that the royals led back in the day. You get to witness their taste in clothing, adornment, and the rituals associated with their reign.
3. Witness The Coronation Hall
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Besides walking through the corridors and the individual rooms inside the palace, one spot that you can’t miss out on witnessing is the coronation hall. This is the “main room” in the palace that housed the meetings and the open discussions of the court. On the walls of this hall, you get to witness majestic portraits of the Kochi kings, all in their royal attire. You get to witness the grandeur of each moment in history associated with the kings.
4. The Beauty Of The Palliyapura
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Another important element worth stopping and witnessing inside the Mattancherry Palace is the Palliyapura, or gateway. It is one of the most notable architectural elements in the palace complex. Initially built by the Dutch, the design and structure have their influence, but the intricacies and architecture exude the influence of Kerala’s royal empire. These structures in the palace showcase the blend of European and Keralan architectural styles.
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5. Stop And Shop
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Since the Mattancherry Palace Kochi is a palace turned museum, you have the option to stop and explore the gift shops that are present inside. Handcrafted items are being sold, which you can buy as a souvenirs. Also, you can find wooden and woven items being sold in these shops that you can consider buying. A wide range of historical books are available that depict the story of the Mattacherry palace and the influence of the Dutch and British on Kerala and its existence. You can learn more about the royals and their reign from these historical books too.
How To Reach
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The Mattancherry Palace is centrally located in Kochi, making it easily accessible. Once you reach Kochi International Airport or the Kochi railway station, multiple local transportation mediums will take you to Mattancherry. Usually, auto rickshaws and taxis are available all the time. You can opt for a shared ride for a cheaper option or book the vehicle entirely for yourself for a higher fare.
Note: Ferries operate across the Kochi backwaters for those seeking a scenic journey. Visitors can take a ferry from Ernakulam to Jetty in Fort Kochi and then walk a short distance to reach the Mattancherry Palace.
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The Mattancherry Palace is a powerful symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Its journey through time, marked by encounters with colonial powers and artistic expressions, offers a captivating narrative for visitors to explore. From the magnificent murals to the royal artefacts, the palace provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the Kochi kingdom. As you plan your next trip to Kerala, stopping at the Mattancherry Palace is a non-negotiable option.
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Cover Image Credit: Ranjith Siji for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattancherry Palace
What is the significance of the Mattancherry Palace?
The Mattancherry Palace holds significance for several reasons. It's the oldest palace in Kochi, showcasing a unique blend of Kerala and European architectural styles. You can witness several historical artefacts, drawings and murals in the museum.
Is the Mattancherry Palace open every day?
Mattancherry Palace Kerala is not open every day. You will not be able to explore the palace on Friday and Saturday.
Can you take photographs inside the Mattancherry Palace?
There is no inhibition on photography, which means you can click as many photos as you want.
What are some other places of interest near the Mattancherry Palace?
The Mattancherry Palace is located near several other historical and cultural attractions in Kochi, including Fort Kochi, the Jewish Synagogue, and Santa Cruz Basilica.
How much time does it take to explore the Mattancherry Palace?
This depends on the pace of the visitor. Some individuals can complete exploring in under an hour while some take 2-3 hours to explore the entire museum.
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