Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace, was originally built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Coronations of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace houses a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics-Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry, a suburb of Kochi.
Bolghatty Palace, a scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, was built by the Dutch in 1744 AD. This palace, once the residence of the British resident of Kochi, is now a KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) hotel. The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port and the harbour, which makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.
Hill Palace was built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi. Raja of Kochi province established his rule from this palace. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and majesty of the Rajas of Kochi, including the throne and the crown. The museum also houses a large collection of archaeological findings. Hill Palace is located 16km east of Kochi in Tripunithura, a satellite town of Kochi.
Forts:
Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort, situated at Pallipuram on Vypeen Island, is the oldest surviving European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is open only on Thursdays.
