Dutch Palace, Mattanchery, Cochin, Kerela
The Dutch palace also known by the name Mattenchery palace is located in Mattenchery of the Fort Kochi area of Cochin. It was built by the Portuguese in traditional Nalukettu Kerala style with roof done by Mangalore tiles. It is a yellow color two story building. The Portuguese gifted the palace to the then king of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma in 1555.
After Vasco da Gamma landed at kapadu in 1498, the Portuguese were given rights by the Kochi kings to trade, built factories. Slowly the Portuguese became more powerful and started to have control over the kingdom. The Dutch took control of Mattanchery in 1663. The Mattanchery Palace Museum is located on the first floor of the central part of the building. The museum has ancient murals, paintings and various things associated with the Cochin royal family on display.
Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- (Children up to 15 years free)
Timings of visit: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Museum remain closed on Friday
On the left hand side is a devi temple and on the right hand side is the “Pazhayannur Bhagavati” temple. Pazhayannur Bhagavati is the presiding deity of the Cochin royal family. Entry is only for Hindus and people are not allowed to enter the temple premises with shirt, vest, lungis and footwear.
Location: Palace road, Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, Cochin
Beautiful blog. Loved the images and the write-up.
I’ve always wanted to visit Kerala. Excepting for a brief tour of Wayanad, I have never seen Kerala much. Your blog has rekindled the wonderlust 🙂
Unfortunately, the palace was shut on the day (Friday) I was there. Your blog is nice but looks little cluttered with the ads.