Dutch Palace Pond - Pond in Kochi - Ernakulam, India

Commonly referred to as 'Mattencherry Palace', the 'Dutch Palace' stands close to the 'Jewish Synagogue' in Jew Town area of Mattencherry neighbourhood and makes for yet another significant historical sightseeing places in Kerala. The palace was originally built by the Portuguese in 1557 which they later gifted to the king of Cochin not only as a compensation for their dreadful act of devastating a Hindu temple in the region but, also as a bribe for establishing trade relations with the kingdom. In 1663, the palace was taken over by the Dutch who greatly revamped and improvised its structure. That is the reason, the palace is today, more popularly known as the 'Dutch Palace'. With its simple white exteriors beautifully complementing the lush greenery and tall coconut trees that fringe the area, the palace is truly a sight to behold from inside; as soon as you step in the palace, you are flabbergasted to witness some breath-taking murals etched on its walls, depicting mythological scenes from Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Puranic legends. And yes! These murals are counted amongst the best of their kind in India.

Though known as the Dutch Palace, it was actually built by the Portuguese. The Dutch only made modifications to it. The Portuguese who looted and plundered most of the region at the beginning of the 16th century, in a bid to establish commercial ties with the royal dynasty, built a palace and gifted it to the King Veera Kerala Varma. Though the Dutch made improvements to it, like the Portuguese, they too did not stay in it. This later became the official residence of the Kochi dynasty. Important functions of the Kochi dynasty were held in the Dutch Palace.

The pond is adjacent to the Dutch Palace. Several varieties of fishes were seen in the pond. Normally, people used to take bath in this pond.

Carry a piece of bread and feed the fish. It is a delight to watch the fish jump to catch the food.

It's NYC pond with pure water. And the best view of the pond is from Mattanchery palace.

Cool area clean place

plan visit before 5pm.

good place