Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Location : Mattancherry, 10 km from Ernakulam.
Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
on all days except Fridays.
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala
Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The
palace with a Bhagavathi temple in the central courtyard is built
like the typical Kerala style mansion - the Nalukettu - the home of
the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings
opening out to a central courtyard.
The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic
Kochi back waters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively
covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have
been borrowed from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha,
and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan.
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.
Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Getting there : There are frequent bus
and boat services to Mattancherry. The boats start from Main Boat
Jetty near Subash Park at Ernakulam town.
Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Nearest railway station : Ernakulam,
about 10 km
Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Nearest airport : Cochin International
Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.
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