Alluring Tourist Places To Visit In Mattancherry For An Exciting Trip

Houses along the lake surrounded by the lush green coconut trees in Mattancherry

“The rich culture, heritage, and the many fascinating places to visit in Mattancherry have helped this coastal gem reach remarkable heights. Known for its adventurous spirit and cultural depth, Mattancherry houses immense heritage, diversity, and historic landmarks. Perfectly a mix of exploration and relaxation, it offers bustling markets, iconic monuments, and serene backwaters. The local arts, spices, and antiques add to its unique charm. Here is a list of ten tourist places to visit in Mattancherry that promise a journey full of history, culture, and fun.”

14 Tourist Places To Visit In Mattancherry

From serene lake cruises to majestic historical monuments, Mattancherry offers an unforgettable tropical sojourn. Adding these places to visit in Mattancherry should enhance your travel experience.

1. Mattancherry Palace

Evening view of Mattancherry Palace which is one of the places to visit in Mattancherry

Photo: Satdeep Gill / Wikimedia Commons

Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace is something worth watching for all history lovers. The Portuguese built it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi, and later, it was renovated by the Dutch. The palace is famous for its Kerala murals, which are the richest presentations of Hindu temple art, portraits, and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. A visit to the palace would apprise you of the regal past of the area and, hence is one of the top places to visit in Mattancherry.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Suggested Read: Picturesque Places To Visit In Kochi For A Scenic Retreat

2. The Paradesi Synagogue

Interior view of the Jewish Synagogue which is one of the places to visit in Mattancherry

Photo: Wouter Hagens / Wikimedia Commons

The Paradesi Synagogue or Jew Synagogue is the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations. Built in 1568, the synagogue forms great evidence of the time when Mattancherry had a flourishing Jewish settlement. The synagogue has beautiful Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted Chinese tiles, and rare antiques that present the experience of a differentiated culture. Thus Paradesi Synagogue is for sure one of the top places to visit in Mattancherry on a Kerala trip.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays)

3. Jew Town

The wide angle view of scenic road of the historic Jew Town in the city of Kerala

Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons

Jew Town is located between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue and is a popular marketplace in Mattancherry. It is famous for its antique shops, spice markets, and vibrant cafes. While walking in Jew Town, tourists can soak up the aroma of spices, go through rare artefacts, and have their day filled with shopping and exploration. This bustling, lively area is one of the popular places to visit in Mattancherry, which is full of excitement for the shopping constituency.

Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Go Street Shopping In Kochi And Escape To Retail Paradise In Kerala

4. Mattancherry Bazar Road

Image of a door of an Old Warehouse on the Mattancherry Bazar Road in the hill city

Photo: Noufal Mattancherry / Wikimedia Commons

Mattancherry Bazar Road is a full-of-activity marketplace, very popular among locals for street shopping. This side of town comes alive with strong whiffs of spices amidst local masalas and tints of local handicrafts, adding to the charisma of the entire experience. Shoppers can relish haggling over items of novelty and delve back into the on-hand range. This place is an excellent spot for souvenir and gift shopping. Moreover, it is one of the most exciting places to visit in Mattancherry, and it guarantees a taste of the authentic culture.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

5. Maritime Museum

Home to India’s Maritime history, one of the best places to visit in Maritime Museum

Photo: Thilsebatti / Wikimedia Commons

Located in an old Dutch warehouse, the Maritime Museum is a place critical to the naval history of India. The museum houses various maritime artefacts, models of ships, and detailed information on the evolution of the Indian Navy. Several interactive exhibits throw deep insights into the maritime heritage of India. The Maritime Museum is the only Museum among the top places to visit in Mattancherry, where you will find the naval history exceptionally interesting.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5 for children – ₹10 for adults

Suggested Read: Indian Naval Maritime Museum

6. Kashi Art Café

Uncover the adventurous iconic kashi art cafe a mix of art and thrill amidst the hills

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If it is adventure and art that you feel like mixing up a bit, head on to Kashi Art Café. An award-winning café and gallery in Mattancherry, which provides a hip space for contemporary art. The café serves up delicious food with the promise of vibrant art exhibitions. Here, one can view local art at leisure and have a peaceful meal. These features make it one of the top places to visit in Mattancherry.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Pay for food and beverages)

7. Indo-Portuguese Museum

Interiors of Indo-Portuguese Museum which is the best places to visit in Mattancherry

Photo: Deepakp7 / Wikimedia Commons

The Indo-Portuguese Museum at Mattancherry represents the Portuguese influence on the art and culture of the region. The different sections of the museum store artefacts like statues, objects made of precious metals, and traditional Portuguese furniture. It is quite interesting to explore this museum because it gives tourists an insight into the cultural fusion that defines Mattancherry making it stand out as one of the informative places to visit in Mattancherry for history buffs.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹3 for children – ₹10 for adults

Suggested Read: Museum In Kochi

8. Spice Market

The aromatic spice market of Mattancherry is one of the places to visit in Mattancherry

Photo: Marc Shandro / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Spice Market is a place for tourists to tickle the senses with a wide variety of spices, herbs, and condiments available. As tourists continue to walk inside the market area, it is easy to pick up the richness of the spice trade history that has existed in Mattancherry for hundreds of years. One of the most exciting places in and around Mattancherry for colours and aromas. It’s simply perfect to pick up some authentic Kerala spices for your home.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

9. Folklore Museum

The Folklore Museum of Kerala is one of the most sought places to visit in Mattancherry

Photo: Ambadyanands / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Mattancherry Folklore Museum is like a sea of history and showcases the cultural heritage richness of Kerala. Starting from ancient agricultural implements to canonical religious paraphernalia, it has everything on display, reflecting the cultural diversity of the state. On display are finely executed wood carvings, bright Kathakali masks, and sophisticated costumes used for folk dances. It opens a window into the rich and varied traditions and rituals practised by the sub-societies that contribute to Kerala’s folk culture.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for children – ₹100 for adults

Suggested Read: All You Need To Know About Kerala Folklore Museum

10. Mattancherry Backwaters

Take a cosy boat ride on the backwaters one of the best places to visit in Mattancherry

Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mattancherry Backwaters are another popular destination among tourists in places to visit in Mattancherry. With their shorelines surrounded by coconut palms and traditional fishing boats, these waters provide a picturesque landscape to see. Tourists can ride through rustic village scenes, and see vibrant birdlife amidst lush greenery. The backwaters of Mattancherry in the setting sun, painting the sky with warm hues, reveal their real magic by showcasing the sacred beauty of Kerala, where peace and beauty are in perfect harmony with one another.

Entry Fee: Free

11. Cochin / Kochi Thirumala Devaswom Temple

Gopuram of Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple featuring intricate carvings and bright colours

Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons

Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple is a peaceful stop for travellers exploring Mattancherry places to visit. Tucked away in a lively part of Kochi, this temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa offers a calm break from the city. Its detailed carvings and bright murals reflect stories from Hindu mythology. Visitors can watch daily rituals and soak in the local culture. The temple feels especially serene during early mornings and evenings, making it a meaningful stop on any cultural journey through Mattancherry.

Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM; 6 – 9 PM

Suggested Read: Temples In Kochi Every Devotee Must Visit At Least Once

12. Pazhayannur Royal Temple / Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple

Pazhayannur Bhagavathi Temple in Mattancherry with traditional façade and cultural charm

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Mattancherry is known for its rich heritage and spiritual spots. One of the Mattancherry famous places is the Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple, tucked inside the grounds of the historic Mattancherry Palace in Kochi. This peaceful temple is dedicated to the family goddess of the royal household and is a quiet place for reflection. With its deep cultural roots and historic setting, it offers travellers a glimpse into Kerala’s spiritual side and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

13. Vasco da Gama Square

Chinese fishing nets in Kochi, Kerala, silhouetted against the sea and evening sky

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Vasco da Gama Square in Fort Kochi is a lovely seafront walkway, great for soaking in the local vibe and coastal charm. Known for the iconic Chinese fishing nets, this spot shows off Kochi’s strong historic ties with China. It’s a favourite among visitors exploring Mattancherry tourist places. Stalls nearby serve fresh seafood and local snacks like tender coconut. Street performances often liven up the square, making it a relaxing yet lively place to enjoy an evening by the sea.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kochi

14. Church Of Our Lady Of Life

Our Lady of Life Church in Mattancherry, featuring colonial architecture and white facade.

Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado / Wikimedia Commons

One of the notable places to visit in Mattancherry is the Church of Our Lady of Life, built by the Portuguese in the late 1600s. Originally made of wood and palm leaves, it was later rebuilt in stone, like many churches of that time. The church once served the Saint Thomas Christian community involved in the pepper trade. Its simple yet elegant design reflects Mannerist architecture. A historic oath taken here in 1653 marked a key moment in local religious history.

Timings: 6:30 AM

Mattancherry is a city that’s very vibrant not only with its treasure troves but also with cultural and historical wonders. The elements of adventure and heritage come together to take the shape of unique experiences for any touring soul. There is something special to be explored within the precincts of Mattancherry. So, just plan your trip with TripXL to explore the vibrant and historic neighbourhood of Mattancherry!

Cover Photo: fraboof / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Mattancherry is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historic buildings and vibrant street life.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Mattancherry are Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Market, and St. Francis Church. Make sure to add the above Mattancherry tourist places list in your Kerala tour itinerary.
Mattancherry is well connected with the city of Kochi by road. The distance of Mattancherry from Ernakulam Junction railway station is around 10 km. One can either board a local bus or hire an auto-rickshaw.
The best time to visit Mattancherry is from October to February when the weather is pleasant.
Mattancherry has a lot of cultural festivals during different months of the year. Cochin Carnival which runs in December and January, followed by the Kochi Muziris Biennale, an art festival, is a few events that call for visitors to this place.
Yes, visitors are expected to adhere to a traditional dress code. Men should wear a vesti (dhoti) and remove their shirts when entering the inner sanctum. Women are advised to wear sarees or salwar kameez.
No, entry to the Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple is restricted to Hindu worshippers only. Additionally, visitors must adhere to traditional dress codes, men in dhotis and women in sarees, to enter the temple premises.
Photography policies can vary in churches. While some churches permit photography, others may restrict it, especially during services. It's best to check for any posted signs regarding photography or consult with church staff.

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