Thursday, July 7, 2011

DUTCH PALACE;ERNAKULAM

DUTCH PALACE MATTANCHERY;ERNAKULAM

 
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.
 Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays.

Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 10 km
Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Nearest airport :Cochin  International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

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