Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace and Jew Town
Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese around 1555 and given to the Raja of Kochi, then repaired by the Dutch a century later. The building is plain outside but the bedchamber and coronation hall hold some of Kerala's finest temple-style murals, painted in natural pigments with scenes from the Ramayana and the Puranas. A small museum displays royal palanquins, costumes and weapons. Photography is not allowed in the mural rooms.
A short walk away, Synagogue Lane leads to the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568 by Jews who had settled in Kochi from Spain, Portugal and the Middle East. The floor is laid with hand-painted blue-and-white tiles from Canton, and glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Only a handful of Jewish residents remain in the town. Your guide explains how Kochi's Jewish communities lived alongside Hindus, Muslims and Christians for centuries.
We finish among the spice godowns of Bazaar Road, where merchants still grade pepper, cardamom, turmeric and dried ginger in high-ceilinged warehouses. Some have been turned into galleries and cafes, but working traders remain. If you would like to buy spices to take home, we take you to a wholesale merchant rather than a tourist shop.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Paradesi Synagogue open?
The synagogue is usually open in the morning and late afternoon from Sunday to Thursday, closing for a break around midday. It is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and photography inside is not permitted. Check current status before you travel, as hours have changed in recent years.
Is Mattancherry Palace worth visiting?
Yes, mainly for the murals. The ground-floor museum is modest, but the painted bedchamber upstairs is among the best collections of Kerala mural art anywhere. Allow 45 minutes. The palace is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and is closed on Fridays. Check current status before you travel.
Can we buy spices in Mattancherry?
Yes. Wholesale merchants on Bazaar Road and around Jew Town sell black pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and turmeric in small quantities if asked. Prices are lower and quality better than at airport shops. Ask for vacuum-packed bags for your luggage, and keep receipts if you are flying to a country with strict food import rules.
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