Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace is a two-story building in the Mattancherry neighborhood of Kerala, combining traditional timber construction with European adaptations. Long halls surround a central courtyard, which allows light and air into the interior rooms.

Portuguese traders erected the building in 1545 as a gift to King Veera Kerala Varma, aiming to secure trading rights. The Dutch took over the structure in the 17th century and expanded it with new rooms and decorations.

The upper rooms display Krishna and Vishnu in bright colors, painted according to the strict rules of classical South Indian art. Visitors can examine the fine details of mythological scenes up close, as many panels hang at eye level.

The museum opens daily except Fridays, with late afternoon seeing fewer crowds than midday. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the wooden stairs between floors are steep.

The coronation hall on the ground floor preserves a collection of paintings of Cochin rulers, created from the mid-19th century onward. Alongside the portraits lie ceremonial swords and old coins in glass cases, giving visitors insight into royal tradition.