Dutch Palace or the Mattancherry palace is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry,10km from Ernakulam city, Kochi, Kerala. Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma (1537-65) in 1555 AD, it took on its present popular name ‘Dutch Palace’ after 1663, when the Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace. The rajas also made more improvements to it. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas and notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, which are in the best traditions of Hindu Temple Art.There is an outstanding collection of mural paintings found inside. These murals beautifully depict scenes from the Hindu epics of Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The paintings are colorful and artistic in their representation and are one of the wonders of India. The entrance of the Dutch Palace is flanked by two beautiful arches, which lets one enter into its compound, a feature quite characteristic of the Portuguese style. There are two more temples on either side of the Dutch Palace at Kochi, each dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. The interior wooden panels of Dutch Palace depicts the weapons, headdresses, robes and palanquins of the Rajas of Kochi.The Palace with two floors built around a central courtyard follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture known as ‘nalukettus’. From the outside, the palace looks European in character with scraped masonry walls and round-headed windows and doors but its sloping tiled roof and wooden balconies are indigenous features. The Dutch Palace in Kochi is a two stored building built around a central courtyard. Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Location info:
Address: Mattancherry , Ernakulam(kochi), Kerala, India.
District: Ernakulam district.
Nearest City: Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha,Perumbavoor and Ernakulam(kochi) .
Best time to visit: Ocober to March.
Climate/Weather:
The climate is tropical and Temperature is between 31.3oC and 25.8oC
History:
Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma (1537-65) in 1555 AD, it took on its present popular name ‘Dutch Palace’ after 1663.
Interesting things to do:
See the mural painting on the walls, Portraits and exhibits of Rajas of Kochi,Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa.You can also visit other attraction places near to this fort.
Interesting things to Visit:
St. Francis Church:The St. Francis Church is located in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala. It is the first European Church in India. Vasco da Gama, the first European to come to India was buried here at the St. Francis Church. St. Francis Church was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal.Ernakulam Backwaters:Ernakulam at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.Historical Museum :Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala.Bastion Bunglow :Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.Bolghatty:Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.Children’s Park :A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.Marine Drive:Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.
Road Transport:Long distance buses come to Kerala Road Transport Corporation’s(KSRTC)station near Ernakulam South railway station.Private bus Station is near to Ernakulam North railway station at Kaloor.City bus service station is also located here. Autorickshaws are planetiful and reliable means to hopshop and to explore the city.
Nearest Visiting places:
Hill Palace Museum:This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. IKodanad:It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.Willington Island:This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.Madhavan Nayar Foundation:It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.Willington Island:It is Formed from the sand deposited when Cochin Port was deepened, Willington Island has a naval base, a railway terminus, a port, and customs offices.Malayatoor:Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church built on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill. This hill is dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine to participate in the annual festival of Malayatoor Perunnal, in the month of March. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.Chendamangalam:Chendamangalam is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala.Mangalavanam-” The green lung of Kochi city”The ecologically sensitive Magalavanam is safely tucked away behind the Ernakulam High Court. This evergreen forest land in the heart of Kochi is a green oasis for many migratory birds as a nesting ground. Visitors to Mangalavanam are captivated by the sheer variety of migratory birds that have nested atop the huge trees.Cochin Carnival:Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.Pierce Leslie Bungalow:Founded in 1862, this graceful colonial abode, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and native building style, was the office of the coffee merchants, the Pierce Leslie and Company.Santa Cruz Basillica Church:This is Built by the Portuguese, this church was elevated in its rank to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, and later was declared as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.Old Harbour House:Fishner Net, Cochin TravelThis elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.Vasco House:Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi.Chottanikkara Temple:Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still floak here seeking liberation from torment.Parikshith Thampuran Museum:This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.Vamanamoorthy Temple:Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.Children’s Park :A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.Marine Drive:Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.Madhavan Nayar Foundation:It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.Jewish Synagogue:The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump Wellington Island Ernakulam, Kerala.Petrol Pump Thopumpady, Kochi Kerala.Kumar Petrol Pump Ernakulam, Kerala.Petrol pump Panampilly Nagar Avenue Panampilly Nagar Ernakulam, Kerala.Petrol Pump Kadavanthara Ernakulam, Kerala.Indian Oil Petrol Pump Ernakulam, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Junction 16/1399, Thoppumpady Ernakulam, Kerala 680005.Hotel Abad Plaza M.G Road, Kochi Kerala 682035 Tel:0484 2381122.Hotel Arche Rose St, Fort Kochi Kochi, Kerala Tel:0484 2215050.Hotel Taj Residency Ernakulam, Ernakulam Kerala Tel:0(91-484) 2371471.The Old Courtyard Hotel Princess St, Fort Kochi Cochin, Kerala 682001 Tel: 0484 2216302.Taj Malabar Malabar Road Willingdon Islands North End Cochin West, Kochi Kerala Tel: 0484 2666811.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Fort Cochin Police Station Ernakulam, Kerala.ET North Police Station Ernakulam, Kerala.Mattancherry Police Station Bazaar Rd, Kochi Kerala.Panangad Police Station Ernakulam, Kerala.Tripunithura Police Station Tripunithura, Ernakulam Kerala.Hill palace police station Ernakulam, Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Chaithanya Eye Hospital Near Sree Krishna Temple Ravipuram Road, Ernakulam Kerala 680016 Tel: 0484 2357135.Nairs Hospital Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass Ernakulam, Kerala 682304 Tel: 0484 2302666.Al Shifa Super Speciality Hospital For Piles Near Ksrtc, Rajaji Road Ernakulam, Kerala 680035 Tel: 0484 2363777.Ranjini Eye Hospital Near Powerhouse, Vyttila Kochi, Cochin Kerala 682019 Tel: 0484 2301922.Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences Kamadhenu Apartments Kadavanthra – Kaloor Road Kadavanthara, Kochi Kerala 682020 Tel: 0484 2205261.Sevana Medineeds Pvt Ltd. Kizakkambalam, Ernakulam (Dist) Kochi, Kerala 683562 Tel: 0484 2680029.Kerala Vaidyasala (I) Pvt Ltd Swami Chinmayananda Road Opposite Pizza Hut Jos Junction, Ernakulam Kerala 680016 Tel: 0484 2608410.Quality Dental Care DD Vyapar Bhavan K.P Vallon Road Kadavanthara Kochi, Kerala 682020 Tel: 0484 2321818.
