Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a palace in Kochi, India, decorated with paintings, portraits, murals, and artefacts from the Rajas of Kochi. The palace has been included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
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About Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace, commonly referred to as the Dutch Palace, is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of the Kerala style of architecture, which incorporates elements of many colonial styles. It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1545 C.E. as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty. It is around 12 kilometres away from Ernakulam.
As a result of the extensive renovations that the Dutch made to it, it became known as the Dutch Palace during this time. It is well-known for both the length and spaciousness of its halls as well as the central courtyard that it contains. Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, the royal family’s patron god, resides there as well (the Deity of Pazhayannur).
How to reach Mattancherry Palace Museum?
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It is highly recommended that you include a visit to the Mattancherry Palace on your itinerary if you are going to be in the Kochi area during your time in Kerala. The palace and the areas around it are truly stunning, and a trip there is not to be missed for any reason.
Address: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002, India
By air
Mattancherry Palace is around 42 kilometres distant from Cochin International Airport, which is the nearest major airport to the location.
By rail
Mattancherry is around 10 kilometres from the nearest railway station in Ernakulam. Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, and Cochin Harbor Terminus are the three stations from where you can book a cab for easy transfer.
By bus
The KSRTC Central Bus Station is located close to Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, allowing for easy access to buses.
Mattancherry Palace: Timings & entry fees
- When open, Mattancherry Palace is accessible from 9:45 am to 1.00 pm and 2 pm to 4:45 pm except for Fridays and Saturdays.
- Adults may enter the Mattancherry palace for merely 2 rupees. Children less than 15 years old do not need to pay an admission charge to enter.
Mattancherry Palace: Interesting facts
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- Mattancherry Palace was renovated and designated a national monument in 1951.
- The palace is an architectural marvel displaying a combination between colonial and Kerala architecture.
- The fact that the royal patronage temple and the Jewish synagogue share a wall with Mattancherry Palace is evidence of the religious tolerance and multicultural concord that prevailed in Cochin.
- Dutch maps of colonial Kochi, floral-decorated royal palanquins, bejewelled silver robes, silk and brass chhatris, ceremonial swords, and other royal relics are all preserved safely at the palace.
- Swords, daggers, spears, and other bladed weapons are on exhibit, all of which are sheathed.
- Exquisite paintings depicting scenes from mythology adorn the walls of the castle. In the royal bedroom is a mural painting of extraordinary quality, depicting the whole Ramayana epic.
- Hindu deities and goddesses are also depicted in elaborate detail. The paintings of Krishna Leela and Shiva Leela, as well as the narrative of Kumarasambhavam by the famous writer Kalidasa, are breathtaking.
- The paintings, which span around 100 square metres, were created during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
Mattancherry Palace: History
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- When the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived at Kappad in 1498, he was welcomed by the king and queen of Kochi.
- It was in 1555 when the Portuguese, as a gift to King Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin, built the Palace.
- Several accounts state that it was erected as a gift to the king to appease him after he had destroyed a local temple. And still, some think it was a kind gesture used to get special trading rights.
- The Portuguese successfully repelled many Zamorin incursions from Calicut, and the Rajas of Cochin effectively became vassal states of the Portuguese.
- The Dutch invaded and seized it in 1663. The palace underwent a significant expansion and refurbishment project. The palace, thanks to later renovations by the Rajas that gave it a more Hindu texture, has become one of the most notable locations illustrating straightforward Hindu Temple Art across the years.
- For close to two centuries, the Kings of Kochi called this Palace home, where they hosted important ceremonies like the coronation.
- In 1951, it was designated a national monument of India. The current museum, which was established in May 1985, is located on the top level of the two-story structure, which has a bed chamber, coronation hall, dining hall, and lady’s chamber, among other rooms.
Mattancherry Palace: Architecture, design and murals
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Mattancherry Palace is a quadrangular structure in the traditional Nalukettu style of Kerala architecture, showcasing a synthesis of colonial and Kerala styles. This palace is representative of the typical Kerala residence; it has four wings on each of its four sides and a courtyard in the middle, where a tiny temple resides.
Pazhayannur Bhagavathi, the royal family’s tutelary goddess, is honoured in this temple. On the opposite ends of the Palace are Shiva and Krishna temples. The arches’ shapes and the size of their chambers are indicative of European-style buildings, thus it’s easy to see how the two styles mesh.
The Dining Hall’s timber ceiling is painted with beautiful murals, while the Palace’s floor is covered with a rare sort of Kerala flooring that seems like polished black marble but is really manufactured from a combination of burnt coconut shells, plant juices, charcoal, egg whites, and lime.
Nearby Mattancherry Attractions
Because the palace is situated in the middle of the city, it is not difficult to go to any of the other tourist attractions in Mattancherry. To get the most out of your visit you could consider going to the “Paradesi Synagogue,” Jews Town, the Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple, and many more similar attractions.
FAQs
Why is Mattancherry Palace so well-known?
It is well-known for its long, expansive halls and a central courtyard. It is also home to the royal family's god, Pazhayannur Bhagavathy (the deity of Pazhayannur). This two-story castle features an exquisite collection of paintings.
Who constructed the Mattancherry Palace?
The Mattancherry Palace Museum was constructed by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Cochin.
When is it best to visit Mattancherry Palace?
The ideal time to visit Mattancherry Palace is during January, February, March, October, November, and December.
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