4/5 Rachita C. 3 months ago on Google • 121 reviews New
The
Mattancherry
Palace,
renowned
as
the
Dutch
Palace,
stands
as
a
splendid
testament
to
the
unique
blend
of
Kerala
architecture
infused
with
colonial
influences.
Situated
approximately
12
km
from
Ernakulam,
this
architectural
gem
dates
back
to
1545
C.E.
when
it
was
originally
constructed
by
the
Portuguese
as
a
gift
for
King
Veera
Kerala
Verma
of
the
Kochi
dynasty.
The
palace
earned
its
moniker,
the
Dutch
Palace,
following
extensive
renovations
by
the
Dutch.
A
striking
feature
of
the
palace
is
its
double-storied
structure,
characterized
by
expansive
halls
and
a
central
courtyard.
Notably,
it
serves
as
the
abode
of
Pazhayannur
Bhagavathy,
the
deity
of
the
royal
family.
The
palace
boasts
an
impressive
collection
of
murals,
depicting
narratives
from
Indian
epics
such
as
the
Ramayana
and
Mahabharata,
as
well
as
revered
Hindu
deities
like
Lord
Krishna
from
Guruvayur
Temple.
The
works
of
the
esteemed
Sanskrit
poet
Kalidasa
are
also
vividly
showcased
within
the
palace
walls.
Spanning
an
impressive
300
sq.
km,
the
mural
paintings
provide
a
visual
journey
through
significant
aspects
of
Indian
mythology.
The
palace
offers
glimpses
into
the
lives
of
the
royal
family
through
life-size
portraits
of
the
Kings
of
Cochin
dating
back
to
1864,
as
well
as
an
array
of
weaponry
including
sheathed
swords,
daggers,
axes,
and
ceremonial
spears
adorned
with
feathers.
Additionally,
visitors
can
explore
royal
caps,
coins
issued
by
the
Kings
of
Cochin,
and
Dutch
plans
for
the
development
of
Cochin.
The
Mattancherry
Palace
welcomes
visitors
from
10:00
to
17:00
hours
every
day,
except
Fridays.
For
those
traveling
to
this
historical
marvel,
the
nearest
railway
station
is
Ernakulam,
approximately
10
km
away,
while
Cochin
International
Airport
is
the
closest
airport,
situated
around
42
km
from
the
palace.
Immerse
yourself
in
the
rich
history
and
cultural
treasures
housed
within
the
walls
of
this
iconic
Dutch
Palace.
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