Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, is a historic Kochi landmark, and the nearby Paradesi Synagogue connects a visit with the history of Jew Town. From Grand Seasons, the palace is about a 27-minute drive, making the area a practical outing to plan alongside other time in Kochi.
- Palace hours: Open Saturday to Thursday; closed Friday
- Synagogue hours: Sunday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, either closed or 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Saturday.
- Synagogue entry: Remove footwear before entering the inner hall.
Mattancherry Palace and its setting
Mattancherry Palace was built around 1545 CE by the Portuguese as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty, then later renovated by the Dutch. That history explains its two familiar names: Mattancherry Palace and the Dutch Palace.
Inside, murals include scenes from the Ramayana in the royal bedchamber, Hindu deities on the staircase walls and episodes from Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhavam in the royal ladies’ room.
The displayed objects include Dutch maps of ancient Kochi, royal umbrellas, a ceremonial sword, palanquins, gowns and weapons. These details give you a sense of both the palace’s royal role and the stories preserved in its rooms.
Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue
The Paradesi Synagogue is a historic site in Jew Town, with a history linked to the Cochin king and the changing powers in Kochi. It was built in 1568 on land granted by the king, near his residence and a Hindu temple. Portuguese forces damaged it in 1663; it was restored within a few years after the Dutch victory.
The synagogue’s notable features include hand-painted Chinese floor tiles, Belgian glass chandeliers and a teak ark. Its holdings include Torah scrolls and gold crowns. The synagogue first opened to the public after its 400th centenary celebrations in 1968.
If you are shaping a fuller day around the historic district and other parts of the city, the one-day Kochi route from Grand Seasons offers another way to plan the sequence.
How do you get from Grand Seasons to Mattancherry?
Mattancherry Palace is about a 27-minute drive from Grand Seasons, a three-star hotel with guest rooms at Hotel Grand Seasons. The Paradesi Synagogue is about a 28-minute drive from the hotel.
Kerala Tourism has described ferry services from Ernakulam’s main boat jetty to Mattancherry, but the brochure details do not establish a current timetable.
The Ernakulam transport guide covers local travel; check the official site before you go, particularly if you are planning around a ferry or a scheduled opening.
Opening hours and respectful visiting
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–17:00
- Friday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
At the synagogue, remove your footwear before entering the inner hall. The palace and synagogue have separate schedules, so check both before you set out if you hope to visit them in one outing.
FAQs
Why is Mattancherry Palace also called the Dutch Palace?
The palace was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, which accounts for the alternate name.
What can you see at the Paradesi Synagogue?
Its notable features include Chinese floor tiles, Belgian glass chandeliers and a teak ark, alongside historic religious holdings.
Can you visit the palace and synagogue on the same day?
Both are in the Mattancherry area, but their opening schedules differ. Check the official site before you go and plan around the separate hours.