Mattancherry Palace

Location: Cochin City

Highlights: Intrinsically carved ceilings and mural in the rooms of the palace

How to reach: Once you land in Cochin, you can take hired cars, taxis, auto-rickshaws, ferry and even hired bicycles to reach the Mattancherry or the Dutch Palace.

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Fridays)

Even though it is austere in its appearance, the Mattancherry Palace of Cochin has a quaint charm of its own. The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-British period. This 'partly' is there because the Dutch, incidentally, were not the original builders of the famous Mattancherry Palace. Infact, this edifice was built much before the Dutch even thought of adding Cochin to their colonial possessions.

It was the Portuguese who, after grabbing Cochin from the Dutch, had initially built the Mattanchery Palace in 1557. They, then, gifted it to the Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin, as compensation for a temple they had destroyed, and also as a bribe to gain favors from the ruling dynasty. It was later, in 1663, when the Dutch wrestled Cochin from the hands of the Portuguese that the palace shifted hands. The Dutch revamped the Mattancherry Palace, which is why it is also famous by the name of Dutch Palace.

The Dutch palace remains more or less the same in structure and appearance even today. Its facade is fairly unornamented and is made up of stark white walls, sloping roofs and trees around it. It is a two-storied, quadrangular building, with a small temple dedicated to the deity Palayannur Bhagwati in the central courtyard. On either side of it are smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. The central hall on the upper storey was once used as venue for coronating Cochin's Raja and has an intrinsically carved wooden ceiling.

Not surprisingly, the center of attraction of the Mattanchery Palace is not its ceilings, but the splendid murals on the walls of the rooms. Depicting scenes from Hindu mythologies like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas, these murals are counted as amongst the best in India. The Dutch Palace of Kerala has many more elements of surprise for visitors. There's an entire gallery of royal memorabilia that consist of attires, turbans and weapons, from the days of the rajas of Kochi.

cochin

About Kochi Formerly known as Cochin, this is one of the major port cities located on the West Indian coastal areas. This city of the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala is situated by the side of the Arabian Sea. Thus, this city is often referred as Ernakulam as well. This 2nd biggest city of Kerala is considered to be the first ranked city in the state for attracting national as well as international tourists. This vibrant city is known for providing breathtakingly scenic view of the Kerala state. Apart from that, this city is the industrial and commercial capital of this state of south India. Demographics of Kochi Being a city of B - 1 grade, this is the populous most city of the state. Some of the basic demographic details of the city are as follows: • Total population: 6, 01, 574 (As per Census 2011) • Total metropolitan population: 2, 117, 990 • Percentage of total population of Scheduled Castes (S. C.) and Scheduled Tribes (S. T.): 14 % • Density of population: 6, 340 per sq. km. or 16, 421per sq. mi. • Sex ratio: 1, 024 females per 1, 000 males • Rate of literacy: 85.6 % • Main religion: Hinduism (47 %), Islam (35 %) and Christianity • Main language: Malayalam Places of Interest in Kochi Being the best starting point to explore the beauty as well as the unfathomable diversity of the Kerala state, this city of south India is, informally, regarded as the "Gateway to Kerala". The number of places of visit, which are located there, just adds on to the fame of this tourist destination. Following are some of those tourist spots in Kochi: Bolghatty Island: Located within a short distance of boat ride from the city's mainland, this island houses the Dutch Palace, which has now been turned to a hotel of K. T. D. C. (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) and a small golf course. This famous picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the port. Cherai Beach: Positioned towards the northern end of the Vypeen Island, this lovely sea beach is bordered by paddy fields and coconut groves. Swimming is one of the common enjoyable activities in this beach of Kochin. Fort Kochi Beach: This sea beach along the Kochi Fort is one of the best places to provide a mesmerizing view of sunset in the city. The small beach stalls serving mouth watering preparations of locally caught fresh fish are worth exploring. Hill Palace: This 19th Century palace of Kochi's king has been transformed to a museum that exhibits the crown, the throne and the different articles used by the kings. Jewish Synagogue: Built in the year 1568, this magnificent synagogue is decorated with Belgian chandeliers and Chinese tiles. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Situated beside the Kerala High Court, this bird sanctuary is home to many rare and exotic species of resident and migratory birds. Mattancherry Palace: Even called Dutch Palace, this age old palace displays some mural paintings that depict scenes from the Ramayana as well as the Mahabharata, the two great Hindu epics. Santa Cruz Basilica: Initially constructed in the year 1505, this Portuguese church was re-structured in 1905 and was recognized as a basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. St. Francis Church: Built by the Europeans, this is the oldest church in India and is known for clearly marking out the burial spot of Vasco da Gama. Vasco House: Featured with verandahs and windows with glass panes, this architectural construction on the Rose Street is believed to be among the ancient most Portuguese houses of the country where Vasco da Gama used to live. Apart from these, names of some of the other tourist attractions in the city are given below: • Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium • Kalamassery Museum • Kochi Fort • Marine Drive • Parikshith Thampuran Museum • Veega Land (Amusement park) • Willingdon Island Economical Resources of Kochi The huge industrial sector is the biggest resource of economy in this south Indian city. The manufacturing industry has got around 37 % of contribution in the city's economy whereas, the sectors like hospitality, tourism and trade together account for another 20 %. Some of the other major contributors to the economy of this city are banking, chemical industries, construction, electronics, export of fish, spices and seafood, hardware, import and export of container cargo, I. T. (Information Technology) shipbuilding and shipping or transportation. Remittances from the N. R. I population (Non-Resident Indian's) are another main source of income. Education in Kochi Kerala is the most educated state in India. The literacy rate of Kerala is about 94.3%. Kochi, one of the most important city of Kerala, excels in literacy rate of the whole state. As far as preliminary education in Kochi is concerned, the schools here are affiliated to either Kerala State Education Board, Indian Certificate of Secondary Education or Central Board of Secondary Education. The leading schools of Kochi are: • St.John De Britto Anglo Indian High School • St. Antony's Convent • St.Teresa's Girls Higher Secondary School • LMCC H.S.For Girls • St. Mary's Anglo Indian High School • St.John De Britto Anglo Indian High School • St.Mary's Convent High School • ACS English Medium U.P.S • Cardinal High School • St.Paul's English Medium School • All Kerala Assn for Mentally Retarded After clearing the primary hurdle, the students in Kochi have plenty of options for their higher studies. There are numerous colleges in Kochi, affiliated to Cochin University or Mahatma Gandhi University. Some of the colleges in Kochi are: • Maharajas College • St. Albert's College • St. Teresa's College • Cochin College Many colleges of Kochi also offers technical courses. Some such colleges are Model Engineering College, Center of Excellence in Laser and Optoelectronic Sciences, Toc-H Public School, School of Communication and Management Studies. More Details... Transport System in Kochi Apart from the usual modes of transport like flight, train and buses or cars, this major city of Kerala can even be reached by waterways. Let us have a quick look at some of the basic transportation details of Kochi, which are as follows: By Air: The Cochin International Airport or C. I. A. L., situated in Nedumbassery towards the northern side of the city, is around 25 km from the city centre. This airport serves both national as well as international travelers. Direct flights to Malaysia, Middle East and Singapore are available from this airport. By Rail: Ernakulam Town Railway Station (North Railway Station) and Ernakulam Junction (South Railway Station) are the two important railway stations in the city. Besides these, some of the other small railway stations, connecting the city to its outskirts, are mentioned below: • Aluva Railway Station • Aroor Railway Station • Edapally Railway Station • Kalamassery Railway Station • Kumbalam Railway Station • Nettoor Railway Station • Thripunithura Railway Station By Water: Ranked among the major seaports of the country, Kochi harbor is one of the safe harbors on the Indian Ocean. Administered by the Cochin Port Trust, which is an autonomous body, this port provides facilities for passenger ships to Lakshadweep and Colombo. By Road: Several highways passing within the proximity of the city connect the place to its neighboring cities as well as the other parts of Kerala. To mention a few of them are N. H. (National Highway) - 17, N. H. - 47, N. H. - 47 A, N. H. - 47 C, N. H. - 49, S. H. (State Highway) - 15, S. H. - 41, S. H. - 63 and S. H. - 66. Some of the important bus terminals in Kochi are located in Ernakulam Jetty, Ernakulam Town and Kaloor. State-run and private bus services, mainly, serve the city. Besides that, auto rickshaws and rented taxis are even available to travel within and around the city.

spicy dishes

Look for spicy dishes flavoured with tamarind and coconut in Kochi, and don’t be surprised if your dinner is served up on a banana leaf. The region is a major banana-growing area, and traditional Kochi cuisine employs the fruit in many dishes, both sweet and savoury. Coconut water provides a refreshing and sweet contrast to the piquant food. Fort Kochi To explore the historic town of Fort Kochi, there is no better choice than setting out on foot. Relax, breathe deep and come out in cotton, soft shoes and yes - a straw hat. At each and every nook of this island steeped in history, there is something amusing awaiting you. It is a world of its own, retaining the specimens of a bygone era and still proud of those days. If you can smell the past, nothing can stop you from walking through these streets. Walking straight through the K. J. Herschel Road and turning left, you can have a glimpse of Fort Immanuel. This bastion once belonged to the Portuguese and is a symbol of the strategic alliance which existed between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom the fort is named. This fort was built in 1503 and reinforced in 1538. Walking a bit further, you come across the Dutch cemetery. Consecrated in 1724 and managed by the Church of South India, the tomb stones here silently remind visitors of those Europeans who left their homeland to expand their colonial empires. The next spot to watch is the ancient Thakur House, which stands erect as a concrete specimen of the colonial era. The building is simply graceful. Formerly known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow, it was home to the managers of the National Bank of India during the British rule. Now, it belongs to the Thakur and Company, renowned tea trading firm. Walk on and there is another colonial structure awaiting you - David Hall. It was built around 1695 by the Dutch East India Company. The hall is associated with Hendrik Adriaan van Reed tot Drakeston, renowned Dutch commander, who is more admired for his monumental book on the flora of Kerala namely Hortus Malabaricus. However, David Hall is named after David Koder, a later occupant of the hall. Walking past the Parade Ground, the four acres of ground where the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British had once conducted military parades, you reach the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. It has passed through many phases ever since the Portuguese built it in 1503. Now the church is under the Church of South India. By the way, it was in this church that Vasco-da Gama had been buried and his tombstone can still be seen. The Church Road is a nice place to walk, with the cool breeze from the Arabian Sea caressing your body. Walk down a bit closer to the sea and there is the Cochin Club, home to an impressive library and collection of sporting trophies. Set in a beautifully landscaped park, the club still retains its British ambience. Walking back to the Church Road, on the left side, you would stumble across another majestic mansion, the Bastion Bungalow. This wonderful structure of Indo-European style had been built in 1667 and is named after its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort. Now it is the official residence of the Sub Collector. The Vasco-da Gama square is nearby. A narrow promenade, this is an ideal place to relax a little. Stalls full of delicious seafood and tender coconuts are simply tempting. Savour a bit and feed your eyes on the Chinese fishing nets, being raised and lowered. These nets had been erected here between AD 1350 and 1450 by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Refreshed, you can now proceed to the Pierce Leslie Bungalow, a charming mansion, which once had been the office of Pierce Leslie and Co., coffee merchants of yesteryears. This building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Its waterfront verandahs are an added attraction. Turning right, you come to the Old Harbour House, built in 1808 and owned by Carriet Moran and Co, renowned tea brokers. Nearby is the Koder House, the magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company in 1808. This structure shows the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. Turn further right and you reach the Princess Street. Mind having some fresh flowers from the shops here. One of the earliest streets of the area, this road has European style residences on both its sides. Located here is the Loafer's Corner, the traditional hangout for the jovial and fun loving people of Kochi. Walking northwards from the Loafer's corner, you come across Santa Cruz Basilica, the historic church built by the Portuguese and elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1984, Pope John Paul II declared it as a Basilica. After having a quick look at the Burgher street and the Delta Study, a heritage bungalow built in the year 1808 and now functioning as a high school, you walk down, once again to the Princess Street and then to the Rose Street. There you would find Vasco house, believed to be the residence of Vasco-da Gama. This traditional and typical European house is one of the oldest of Portuguese residences in Kochi. Turning left, you walk over to the Ridsdale Road to find the VOC gate, the large wooden gate facing the Parade ground. The gate, built in 1740, gets its name from the monogram (VOC) of the Dutch East India Company on it. Close by is the United Club, once one of the four elite clubs of the British in Kochi. Now, it serves as a classroom for the nearby St. Francis Primary School. Walking straight, you reach the end of the road and there is the Bishop's house, built in the year of 1506. It had once been the residence of the Portuguese Governor and is set on a small hillock near the Parade Ground. The facade of the house has large Gothic arches and the building was acquired by Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin whose jurisdiction extended over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon apart from India. Yes, now it is time to wind up the walk. With the feel of the bygone days still lingering in your minds, mesmerizing sights staying back in your eyes and your taste buds yearning again for the delicacies and it is not at all a sin, if you feel like another walk!

gods own country

it is a warm welcome that awaits you .you can have any kind of help you might need for your comfortable visit to our beautiful land.Hotels,best restaurants ,house boats,best places to visit and what not.It is our pleasure to see you enjoy being in our country along with your family and friends. your stay here should be much more enjoyable to give you the feeling of missing us when you go back to your home