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Dutch Palace
Dutch Palace
Location: Mattancherry, 10 km from Ernakulam.
Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays.
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of
Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The palace with a Bhagavathi
temple in the central courtyard is built like the typical Kerala style mansion
- the Nalukettu - the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with
four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard.
The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi back
waters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300
sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great
Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends
about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan.
Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great
Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons,
swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Getting there : There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry.
The boats start from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park at Ernakulam town.
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 10 km
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam
town.
Dutch Palace, Kerala Monuments
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