For all the name, the Dutch Palace is really a Portuguese building with Kerala's soul painted on its walls. Inside this modest two-storey palace in Mattancherry are some of the finest temple-style murals in India — and a tangle of colonial history to match.
- Also called: the Dutch Palace; formally Mattancherry Palace.
- Known for: Kerala murals of the Ramayana and portraits of the rajas of Kochi.
- Typical hours: around 10:00–17:00, closed Fridays. Confirm locally before visiting.
- Note: photography inside the mural rooms is generally not permitted.
Portuguese gift, Dutch name
The Portuguese built the palace in the 16th century and presented it to the Raja of Cochin. When the Dutch took Cochin in 1663 they renovated and extended it — and the "Dutch Palace" name stuck, even though they neither built it nor ruled from it. It now sits on India's tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The full colonial relay is in our history of Fort Kochi.
The murals — the real reason to come
The palace's painted rooms carry scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, alongside portraits and regalia of the Kochi rajas, rendered in the warm reds and ochres of the Kerala mural tradition. They are dense, narrative and beautifully preserved — give them time and read the panels. Because they're fragile and sacred, cameras are usually not allowed inside.
Pair it with Jew Town
The Paradesi Synagogue and the antique lanes of Jew Town are right next door, so most visitors do both in one Mattancherry trip. Our one-day Fort Kochi itinerary slots the palace and the synagogue into the midday stretch.
Mattancherry pairing
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mattancherry Palace called the Dutch Palace?
The Portuguese built it and gave it to the Raja of Cochin; the Dutch later renovated it after taking Cochin in 1663, and the popular name "Dutch Palace" stuck — though its formal name is Mattancherry Palace.
What are the Mattancherry Palace timings?
It is typically open around 10:00–17:00 and closed on Fridays. Hours can change, so confirm locally before visiting.
What is Mattancherry Palace famous for?
Its Kerala murals — vivid scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and portraits of the rajas of Kochi — among the finest mural work in India. It's also on India's tentative UNESCO World Heritage list.
Can you take photographs inside Mattancherry Palace?
Photography inside the mural rooms is generally not permitted to protect the artwork. You can photograph the exterior and grounds.