Mattancherry, Kochi Travel Guide

Discover Mattancherry: A historical gem in Kochi, India, offering a blend of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.

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Welcome to Mattancherry, a captivating neighborhood in the historic city of Kochi, India. This area is steeped in history, culture, and charm, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Wander through the narrow streets lined with colonial architecture, vibrant murals, and bustling markets that tell tales of its rich past. One of the highlights of Mattancherry is the iconic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. This 16th-century marvel houses stunning murals depicting scenes from Indian epics and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the erstwhile royalty. Another gem in Mattancherry is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with beautiful Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles. For those who love shopping, Mattancherry's spice markets and antique shops are a treasure trove. You can find everything from aromatic spices to one-of-a-kind antiques that make perfect souvenirs. The neighborhood is also home to numerous art galleries and cafes, providing a perfect blend of modern and traditional experiences. Mattancherry is more than just a historical site; it's a living, breathing neighborhood that offers a unique glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of Kochi. From its historical landmarks to its vibrant street life, Mattancherry promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mattancherry.

Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, especially at popular sites like the Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the streets are narrow and best explored on foot.
Carry cash, as some of the smaller shops and market stalls do not accept credit cards.
Take time to explore the lesser-known art galleries and cafes for a more intimate experience of the local culture.

Explore Mattancherry: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Mattancherry

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Vasco da Gama Square

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Aspinwall House

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Kochi Beach

Discover the serene beauty of Kochi Beach, where stunning sunsets and traditional fishing nets create a magical coastal experience.

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St. Francis CSI Church

Explore St. Francis CSI Church in Fort Kochi, a historical Anglican church known for its architecture and connection to Vasco da Gama's legacy.

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Best landmarks in Mattancherry

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Mattancherry Palace

Discover the breathtaking history and culture at Mattancherry Palace, a captivating museum in Kochi, Kerala, showcasing stunning architecture and rich heritage.

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Vasco da Gama Square

Explore Vasco da Gama Square in Fort Kochi, Kerala—a blend of history, culture, and picturesque waterfront views.

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Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi, a must-visit for all travelers.

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Dharmanath Jain Temple

Experience the serene beauty and intricate architecture of the Dharmanath Jain Temple in Kochi, a peaceful retreat for spirituality and culture.

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Best restaurants in Mattancherry

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Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe

Discover the authentic flavors of Kerala at Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe, famous for its delicious biryani and inviting atmosphere in Mattancherry.

4.1

Ginger House Restaurant

Experience the best of Kerala cuisine at Ginger House Restaurant in Kochi – where flavors meet tradition in a beautiful setting.

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Sri Krishna Cafe.

Experience the rich flavors of South India at Sri Krishna Cafe in Kochi – a perfect spot for breakfast lovers and vegetarians alike.

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East India Street Café

Discover delicious flavors at East India Street Café in Fort Kochi – where health meets taste in a charming setting.

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Best bars in Mattancherry

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Rinoos cool bar

Discover the vibrant flavors of Kerala at Rinoos Cool Bar in Kochi, where refreshing juices and a relaxed atmosphere await.

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Ginger House Restaurant

Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Ginger House Restaurant, where Kerala’s rich flavors meet unique decor in the heart of Kochi's Jew Town.

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Coronation club

Experience the energy of Coronation Club in Kochi, where fitness meets nightlife in a vibrant atmosphere.

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49 SHAKE POINT

Discover the vibrant cocktail scene at 49 Shake Point in Kochi, where expertly crafted drinks and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

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Best nightclubs in Mattancherry

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Clubb 18

Discover the lively nightlife of Fort Kochi at Clubb 18, where great drinks and music create unforgettable memories.

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Coronation club

Experience the best of nightlife and fitness at Coronation Club in Kochi, Kerala - a vibrant space for fun, workouts, and socializing.

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49 SHAKE POINT

Discover the lively atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at 49 Shake Point, a must-visit cocktail bar in Kochi's vibrant nightlife scene.

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Island D Club

Dive into the energetic nightlife of Kochi at Island D Club, where music, dancing, and vibrant ambiance create unforgettable memories.

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Best shops in Mattancherry

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Crafters Flagship Store

Explore the charm of antiques and spices at Crafters Flagship Store in Kochi, Kerala – a haven for unique finds and cultural treasures.

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Village spice market

Explore the Village Spice Market in Kochi for an authentic taste of Kerala's rich spice heritage and vibrant local culture.

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Heritage Arts

Discover the soul of Kerala at Heritage Arts, an antique store showcasing exquisite furniture, art, and local craftsmanship in the heart of Kochi.

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Waltons Boutique

Explore the vibrant craftsmanship at Waltons Boutique in Fort Kochi, where unique gifts and authentic Kerala artistry await you.

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Explore Mattancherry on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Mattancherry, mapped for you.

Mattancherry Essentials

Mattancherry is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Kochi. From Ernakulam, you can take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to reach Mattancherry, which is approximately 10 kilometers away. The ferry services from Ernakulam to Mattancherry also offer a scenic route across the backwaters. If you are arriving at Cochin International Airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services, which will take around 45 minutes to an hour to reach Mattancherry.
Mattancherry is a compact area, making it easy to explore on foot. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops, providing a unique way to navigate the neighborhood. Auto-rickshaws are available for longer distances or to reach nearby attractions. The local bus service is another option for reaching more distant parts of Kochi, and the ferry service can be used to travel across the backwaters.
Mattancherry is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in less crowded areas. Areas near the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue are typically safe, but tourists should remain vigilant in crowded places like markets. Petty theft can occur, so it’s advisable to keep an eye on personal belongings.
In case of emergency, dial 100 for police or 108 for medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Ernakulam Medical Centre, and there are also local pharmacies for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Always keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your hotel and local authorities.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including removing shoes before entering temples and synagogues. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers; don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod; don't be overly casual in your approach. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously; don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.
To experience Mattancherry like a local, visit the spice markets early in the morning for the freshest produce. Engage with local shopkeepers who often have fascinating stories about the area's history. Don’t miss the sunset views from the waterfront near the Mattancherry Palace. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the narrow lanes of Jew Town, where you can find antique shops and art galleries that reflect the local culture.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Mattancherry

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Mattancherry. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloനമസ്കാരം
  [Namaskaram]
- Goodbyeവീട്ടു പോയി
  [Veettu poi]
- Yesഅതെ
  [Athe]
- Noഇല്ല
  [Illa]
- Please/You're welcomeസ്വീകരിക്കുക
  [Sweekarikkuka]
- Thank youനന്ദി
  [Nandi]
- Excuse me/Sorryക്ഷമിക്കണം
  [Kshamikkanam]
- How are you?സുഖമാ?
  [Sukhama?]
- Fine. And you?നന്ദി. നിനക്ക്?
  [Nandi. Ninnakku?]
- Do you speak English?നിനക്ക് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് സംസാരിക്കുന്നത്?
  [Ninnakku English samsaarikkunnu?]
- I don't understandഞാൻ മനസ്സ് പിടിച്ചില്ല
  [Njan manassu pidichilla]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseദയവായി മെനു കാണാനായി
  [Dayavayi menu kaananaayi]
- I don't eat meatഞാൻ പാല മത്തില്ല
  [Njan paala matthilla]
- Cheers!ചീഴ്സ്!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseദയവായി പണം നൽകാനായി
  [Dayavayi panam nalkaanaayi]
- Help!സഹായം!
  [Sahaayam!]
- Go away!പോയി പോയി!
  [Poi poi!]
- Call the Police!പോലീസ് വിളിക്കുക!
  [Police vilikkuka!]
- Call a doctor!ഡോക്ടർ വിളിക്കുക!
  [Doctor vilikkuka!]
- I'm lostഞാൻ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തില്ല
  [Njan thiranjetuthilla]
- I'm illഞാൻ രോഗിയാണ്
  [Njan rogiyaanu]
- I'd like to buy...ഞാൻ വാങ്ങാനായി...
  [Njan vaanganaayi...]
- I'm just lookingഞാൻ കാണാനായി മാത്രം
  [Njan kaananaayi maatram]
- How much is it?അത് എത്ര?
  [Athu ethra?]
- That's too expensiveഅത് വളരെ പൂരമാണ്
  [Athu valare pooramaanu]
- Can you lower the price?വില കുറക്കാനായാണോ?
  [Vila kurakkaanaano?]
- What time is it?എന്താ സമയം?
  [Enta samayam?]
- It's one o'clockഒന്നാണ്
  [Onnaanu]
- Half past (10)പത്തുക്ക് അര അപ്പോ
  [Pathukku ar appo]
- Morningപ്രാഭാതം
  [Prabhaatham]
- Afternoonഉച്ചയ്ക്ക്
  [Uchaykku]
- Eveningസന്ധ്യ
  [Sandhya]
- Yesterdayഇന്നലെ
  [Innale]
- Todayഇന്ന്
  [Innu]
- Tomorrowനാളെ
  [Naale]
- 1ഒന്ന്
  [Onnu]
- 2രണ്ട്
  [Randa]
- 3മൂന്ന്
  [Moonnu]
- 4നാല്
  [Naalu]
- 5അഞ്ച്
  [Anchu]
- 6ആറ്
  [Aaru]
- 7ഏഴ്
  [Ezhu]
- 8എട്ട്
  [Ettu]
- 9ഒമ്പത്
  [Ombathu]
- 10പത്ത്
  [Pathu]
- Where's a/the...?...എങ്ങനെ പോയി?
  [...Engane poi?]
- What's the address?അഡ്രസ് എന്താണ്?
  [Address enthaanu?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?ഒരുമിനിട്ടു കാണിക്കാമോ?
  [Oruminittu kaanikkamo?]
- When's the next (bus)?അടുത്ത (ബസ്സ്) എപ്പോഴ്?
  [Atutha (bass) eppozhu?]
- A ticket (to ....)ഒരു ടിക്കറ്റ് (.... വരെ)
  [Oru ticket (.... vare)]

History of Mattancherry

Mattancherry's history traces back to ancient times, primarily recognized as a significant trade hub due to its strategic location along the Arabian Sea. The area was a melting pot of cultures, where merchants from different regions, including Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans, converged, establishing a bustling marketplace that thrived on the spice trade.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Kochi, marking a pivotal moment in Mattancherry's history. They constructed the famous Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, in 1555. This palace was built for the local rulers, the Rajahs of Kochi, and serves as a testament to the fusion of Indo-Portuguese architecture and culture.
After the Portuguese, the Dutch seized control in the 17th century, leading to significant changes in Mattancherry. The Dutch restored the palace and used it as their administrative headquarters. This period saw the establishment of various churches and trading posts, solidifying Mattancherry's role as a center for commerce and culture in the region.
Mattancherry is home to a diverse mix of communities, including the Jewish, Syrian Christian, and Muslim populations. The Jewish community, known for its historical presence, established one of the oldest synagogues in the region, the Paradesi Synagogue, in 1568, which remains a significant cultural landmark today.
Following India's independence in 1947, Mattancherry has focused on preserving its rich heritage while adapting to modern changes. The area is known for its vibrant art scene, particularly the mural paintings that adorn its walls, reflecting both historical and contemporary themes. Efforts to promote tourism have highlighted the unique cultural and historical significance of Mattancherry within Kochi.