From Kochi’s Vyttila side, Mattancherry Palace is a historic landmark in Mattancherry, known for its royal displays and Ramayana murals. Pair the palace visit with Paradesi Synagogue in nearby Jew Town, and check current opening details before setting out.
- Location: Mattancherry, Kochi
- Palace hours: Open Saturday to Thursday; closed Friday
- Synagogue hours: Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; closed Saturday.
- Synagogue entry: Remove your footwear before entering the inner hall.
What to see at Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace combines Kerala and colonial architectural styles and contains displays connected with Kochi’s royal history. The Portuguese built it around 1545 as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty; the Dutch later renovated it.
Inside, look for Dutch maps of ancient Kochi, royal umbrellas, a ceremonial royal sword, palanquins, garments and weapons. The royal bed chamber has Ramayana murals covering about 100 square meters. Kerala Tourism says the murals are believed to date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
How do you get between Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town?
Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue are both in Mattancherry, so you can plan them as parts of the same area visit. From Mermaid Hotel, Kochi city centre is about 39 minutes by car; check onward transport and ferry arrangements for your travel day.
The palace is close to Fort Kochi, which is 15 minutes away from Ernakulam by ferry; Kochi public transport from Vyttila can help you plan the wider journey.
Check the route and ferry arrangements for your travel day before setting off.
What should you know before visiting Paradesi Synagogue?
Paradesi Synagogue is a Jewish heritage monument in Mattancherry. Jewish families built homes and lives around it. Kerala Tourism says tourists may visit for a small fee, but does not specify the amount.
Remove your footwear before entering the inner hall. The visitor information does not give an admission price.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–17:00
- Friday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
What are the transport, hours and visitor rules?
Mattancherry Palace’s hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on open days, but the weekly closure day is given as either Monday or Friday. The pages do not state an admission charge. For accommodation information, see Mermaid Hotel.
Check the official site before you go, since opening arrangements can affect how you sequence the two stops.
FAQs
Is Mattancherry Palace also called the Dutch Palace?
Yes. Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace.
What can you see inside Mattancherry Palace?
The displays include maps, royal objects, garments and weapons, alongside Ramayana murals in the royal bed chamber.
What should you do before entering Paradesi Synagogue’s inner hall?
Remove your footwear before entering.
Does Paradesi Synagogue open on Saturday?
Open Saturday to Thursday; closed Friday. No.