Mattancherry Palace

All about Mattancherry Palace, Kochi, Kerala

Also called the Dutch Palace in Cochin, Kerala, Mattancherry Palace is a popular historical attraction in Kerala’s most happening city!

With stunning architecture, intriguing history, and royal outlook, the amazing Dutch Palace in Kochi is one of the most eminent aspects of Kerala tourism.

The Mattancherry Palace architecture is a rich blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and Indian influences. While it was built by the Portuguese in 1555, it was later renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century when its name changed to Kochi Dutch Palace.

Besides grand architecture, the palace interiors bear vivid murals depicting stories of Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Guests are also intrigued by the palace’s collection of rare antiques, ancient scrolls, and royal artifacts including weapons, attires, and furniture.

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Best time to visit Mattancherry Palace Kochi

October to February is the ideal time to explore Mattancherry Palace in Kochi. The temperature during this time ranges between 20°C and 32°C.

The weather during this time is cool and pleasant compared to the summer months and conducive for indulging in tourist activities in the city.

While the monsoon brings torrential rains, the summer is quite hot and humid, making it difficult to explore the city’s gems in either of these seasons.

Mattancherry Palace timings and entry fee

10 AM to 5 PM are the visiting hours for this grand palace in Cochin every day except Fridays. Dutch Palace Kochi timings may vary on festivals and public holidays.

The entry fee is INR 20/- for Indian nationals and INR 100/- for foreign nationals. Entry is free for children below 15 years of age.

How to reach Mattancherry Palace in Kochi

Located in Kochi city, Mattancherry Palace is tucked in the historic Mattancherry region east of Fort Kochi.

Since Kochi has its own airport, railway station, and a sophisticated network of local transport including taxis, autorickshaws, and buses, it’s super easy to reach Mattancherry from anywhere.

By air

The Cochin International Airport lies just 41 km from Mattancherry Palace. Several taxi services, rental cars, and tuk-tuks are available at the airport.

You can easily hail a taxi at the airport or book a pre-paid cab online to save time.

For a more economical commute, you can take a bus from the KSRTC Bus Stand located 8 km away from the airport.

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By train

Out of all of Kochi’s railway stations, Ernakulam Junction is considered best for an inter-city commute as it’s well-connected to all major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

It is located just 10 km away from Mattancherry Palace. Taxis, buses, and tuk-tuks are readily available here too!

By car

Kochi is a bustling metropolitan and well-connected to almost all major Indian cities and small towns in South India via a smooth road network.

You can hail a taxi or auto rickshaw anywhere in the city, including the airport and railway station, and get to this palace in Kochi with ease.

It’s always preferable to go for prepaid cabs that you can book online for a hassle-free experience.

By bus

Several local KSRTC buses and private coaches ply in the city to various touristy and non-touristy locales.

It’s super easy to commute by bus in Kochi and to its nearby places, that too at nominal rates.

Things to do in Mattancherry Palace, Kochi

There are several things to do in and around this royal palace in Cochin city!

→ Explore the historic architecture: If you’re familiar with ancient Portuguese and Dutch architecture, you’d be able to spot those elements in the structure of this palace. Everything from its wooden ceilings, carved pillars, tiled roofs, and vast courtyard is something to write home about!

→ Admire the murals: One aspect of this palace that will positively fascinate you is the vibrant murals of the Hall of the Durbar depicting ancient legends of Ramayana and Mahabharata in a unique blend of Indian and European art styles.

→ Wander amid the Royal Chambers: Walking in these halls housing the royal family’s former living quarters will make you feel like royalty too!

→ Check out the ancient artifacts: Don’t forget to see the palace’s collection of scriptures, antiques, and old artifacts like weapons, royal gems and jewelry, embellished furniture, rare ornaments, and ceremonial robes.

→ Attend events & exhibitions: Mattancherry Palace hosts several cultural events and exhibitions of antique collectibles and royal artifacts occasionally. If you happen to visit while it hosts one, don’t miss it! You can find its event schedule online.

→ Visit neighboring tourist spots: Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town, and the lively spice markets of Mattancherry are located close by. Make sure to stop by and check them out as well!

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Fascinated much? We bet you are! With a rich heritage and fascinating history ingrained into the most beautiful architecture and royal antiquities, Mattancherry Palace in Kochi is a treasure trove of enriching experiences that you wouldn't want to miss on your trip to Kochi, Kerala.