Mattancherry
Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. Today, it’s a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all religious backgrounds and walks of life.
The Basics
Mattancherry is a popular stop on Kochi tours and shore excursions and is often visited in conjunction with nearby Fort Cochin. Highlights include Mattancherry Palace and buildings of the colonial era. At the heart of Mattancherry is Jew Town, the Jewish quarter, including a variety of antique shops and the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth.
Things to Know Before You Go
Mattancherry is a must-visit for travelers interested in history and culture.
This area is best explored by foot, so wear comfortable footwear and sunscreen.
Travelers should allow plenty of time to visit Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace.
How to Get There
Mattancherry is located east of the Fort Cochin neighborhood, about a half-hour walk or 5-minute auto rickshaw ride away. Travelers coming from Ernakulam can catch a ferry to the Mattancherry boat jetty and walk the rest of the way; Jew Town is just southwest of the jetty, while the palace is northwest.
When to Get There
The Mattancherry neighborhood is a year-round attraction, though it's always more pleasant to visit during the cooler and dryer months of December, January, and February (just note that this is also the most crowded time). March through May can be swelteringly hot, while June through November can see significant rainfall.
Mattancherry Palace
One of the area’s top attractions, Mattancherry Palace was presented by the Portuguese to the Raja of Kochi in the mid-1500s as a gesture of goodwill (or more likely as a bribe to secure trading privileges). The Dutch then renovated it in the 17th century, hence its alternative name—the Dutch Palace.
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