South-west Indian state of Kerala is rich in a variety of architectural curiosities, built at different times. One such famous attractions is the Mattancherry Palace, better known as the Dutch Palace, located in the city of Kochi.

It was built by the Portuguese representative in the distant 1555, as a gift Raja Veera Kerala Varma. Later, in 1663, Dutch East India Company made some adjustments and additions to the plan of construction, and since then, it got the name of "Dutch". Later, the palace was rebuilt and renovated several times since the area passed into the possession of the Mysore rulers, by the British.

The palace is a large quadrangular building, built in a rather typical of the style of the state - nalukettu - with a large courtyard in the center of which stands a small temple in honor of Pazhayanur Bhagavati (this was considered the patron goddess of the Kochi royal family). In addition to the palace there are two temples dedicated to the gods Shiva and Krishna.

Externally, the palace is not very impressive, but its frescoes and mural makes us really admire the skill of the artists who created them. These frescoes are made in the traditional Indian style temple, with warm colors, mostly on religious themes.

Of particular interest is the royal bedchamber. It occupies the south-western part of the palace, and all its walls, as well as the ceiling covered with murals - all there is depicted 48 scenes from the Ramayana.

Currently Mattancherry the palace you can visit the art gallery located there, which is an exhibition dedicated to the rulers of the city of Kochi.