Photo spot in Kochi
Mattancherry Palace
Kochi, Kerala
The 'Dutch Palace', a Portuguese-built royal residence famed for its vivid Hindu mural cycles from the Ramayana.
Best time
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the outside of the palace and fewer tour groups.
Best angle
Stand in the palace grounds and take a straight-on photo of the whitewashed walls and sloping tiled roof; photos of the murals inside are not allowed.
Entry fee
₹15
Opening hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Fridays)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Mattancherry Palace
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the outside of the palace and fewer tour groups. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Mattancherry Palace
Stand in the palace grounds and take a straight-on photo of the whitewashed walls and sloping tiled roof; photos of the murals inside are not allowed. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
In the courtyard
By the tiled-roof façade
Outfit guide
What to wear at Mattancherry Palace
For photos at Mattancherry Palace, white, maroon and gold work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Kochi.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Mattancherry Palace.
Eat nearby
Food near Mattancherry Palace
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kerala sadya nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Good to know
Local tips
The palace is closed on Fridays, so plan around it.
Photos of the murals are not allowed, so enjoy them with your own eyes.
Visit soon after opening, before tour groups arrive.
Take your time in the mural rooms, where the details are easy to miss.
Wear modest clothing, as parts of the palace are linked to a temple.
Carry water, as the galleries can be warm on humid afternoons.
Walk to the Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town afterwards, just a few minutes away.
About Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century and given to the Raja of Kochi. The Dutch later renovated it, which is how it got its popular name. From the outside, it looks like a traditional Kerala building, with whitewashed walls and a sloping tiled roof around a central courtyard.
Inside, the palace is now a museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is best known for its wall murals showing scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu stories, painted in rich reds, yellows and greens. The galleries also display royal portraits, costumes, palanquins and weapons of the Kochi royal family. It stands close to Jew Town, so it is easy to combine with the Paradesi Synagogue.
Questions
Mattancherry Palace — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Mattancherry Palace?
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the outside of the palace and fewer tour groups. Stand in the palace grounds and take a straight-on photo of the whitewashed walls and sloping tiled roof; photos of the murals inside are not allowed.
Is there an entry fee at Mattancherry Palace?
Entry to Mattancherry Palace costs ₹15. Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Mattancherry Palace?
Mattancherry Palace is open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Fridays).
What should I wear at Mattancherry Palace?
White, maroon and gold photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Mattancherry Palace get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the outside of the palace and fewer tour groups.
What food should I try near Mattancherry Palace?
Try kerala sadya, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Mattancherry Palace famous for?
Mattancherry Palace is famous for its wall murals of the Ramayana and other Hindu stories, among the finest in Kerala. It is also known as the Dutch Palace and holds a museum of the Kochi royal family.
Can I take photos inside Mattancherry Palace?
Photography of the murals is not allowed, to protect the paintings. You can take photos of the outside of the palace. Check the rules at the entrance, as they may change.
Why is it called the Dutch Palace?
The Portuguese built the palace in the 16th century, but the Dutch renovated it in the following century, and the name Dutch Palace stuck.
How much time do I need at Mattancherry Palace?
Allow about 1 hour to see the murals and the galleries. Add time for a walk through Jew Town next door.