Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue are historic landmarks in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala. Together, they offer a look at the area’s royal history and Jewish heritage, with palace murals and collections alongside the synagogue’s distinctive historic details.
- Location: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
- Palace admission: A Government of India museum directory gives the Archaeological Site Museum admission as Rs. 5 per person and free for children below 15
- Synagogue etiquette: Remove your footwear before entering the inner hall
What should you look for at Mattancherry Palace?
Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, is known for its royal history, collections and Ramayana murals. It is about 3.1 km from Edassery Mansion, a three-star hotel.
Kerala Tourism says the Portuguese built the palace around 1545 C.E. as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty; the Dutch later renovated it. Kochi rulers used the palace for official ceremonies, including coronations.
Inside, displays include Dutch maps of ancient Kochi, royal umbrellas, a ceremonial sword, palanquins, gowns and weapons. The royal bedchamber’s murals depict the Ramayana across about 100 square meters. They are believed to date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
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.
What makes Paradesi Synagogue distinctive?
Paradesi Synagogue is notable for its historic interior details and its place in Mattancherry’s Jewish heritage. Its hand-painted blue willow-pattern floor tiles were brought from Canton, China, in the 18th century, while its glass chandeliers date to the 19th century and were imported from Belgium, according to Kerala Tourism.
Visitors are expected to enter barefoot, and the synagogue’s visitor information requires you to remove your footwear before entering the inner hall. Services are conducted only when a quorum of ten male members is met.
Opening information differs between published sources: Kerala Tourism gives different hours and closure days from the synagogue’s official visitor page. The latter gives Sunday–Thursday hours of 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday hours of 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and Saturday closure; Kerala Tourism says the synagogue closes on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays, and gives visiting hours of 10 a.m.–12 noon and 3–5 p.m. Check the official site before you go, especially if your visit depends on a particular day or time.
How do you explore Jew Town between the landmarks?
The palace and synagogue are both in Mattancherry, so you can plan them as part of a visit to the historic district. Jew Town’s antique and spice shops are another point of interest in the area.
For a broader route through the surrounding area, the one-day Fort Kochi route from Mattancherry connects the neighborhood with other historic sights. Keep the synagogue’s opening hours in mind when arranging the order of stops, since the published visiting windows differ.
FAQs
Is Mattancherry Palace also called the Dutch Palace?
Yes. Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace and is located in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala.
What is the entry fee for the palace museum?
The Government of India museum directory gives admission as Rs. 5 per person, with free entry for children below 15.
Do you need to remove your shoes at Paradesi Synagogue?
Yes. Visitors are expected to enter barefoot and must remove footwear before entering the inner hall.
Are the synagogue’s opening hours consistent across sources?
Open Saturday to Thursday; closed Friday. No. Kerala Tourism and the synagogue’s official visitor page give conflicting hours and closure information, so check the official site before planning your visit.