The Dutch Palace is one of the oldest existing museums in Kerala. Also known as the Mattancherry Palace, it was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. The Palace displays a fine collection of murals, portraits, and artifacts that are related to the history of Cochin and the royalty that once ruled from here. Visitors can go through the spacious halls and exhibits that neatly display elements of the Dynasty and the trading and cultural interactions with Europe, Arab and Southeast Asian countries.
The Jewish Synagogue was built by the Jewish community of Kerala in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue still in use in the Commonwealth. The architecture of the synagogue reflects the influence of various elements such as Dutch, Portuguese, and local. Visitors are not only attracted to the furnishings and architectural piece here but also to the gift shops outside the Synagogue that showcases the colorful culture of the city.
Stroll to the south to see the well-known Chinese fishing nets up close, which have been being used for over 500 years and are still are in use today. The nets stand high along the coastline and work like see-saws with fishermen pulling them up and down manually. After sunset, the sight of the nets well lit and reflected on the water is an excellent view to add to your feed.
Get an insight into the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Kerala at the Kerala Folklore Museum. Spread across three floors, the museum showcases traditional art, architecture and cultures of the state. Visitors can expect to see ancient artifacts, traditional jewelry, tribal art, and musical instruments along with life-sized models of the famous Kathakali dancers. This museum is sure to give you a comprehensive picture of the state's extravagant art, culture and colorful traditions.
Feel the air full of royalty as you travel east to Hill Palace, which was once the core of the Maharaja of Cochin's Palace. The Palace incorporated 49 buildings built in traditional architectural style in the midst of courtyard gardens and pool sculptures, and was occupied until the 1970s. Today, visitors can tour the Palace and learn about the life of the royal family who once lived here, and admire the antique artifacts, paintings, jewelry, and furniture collected from various parts of the world.
For those who have more time, stopping by at the St.Francis Church can also be added. It was built in 1503 by the Portuguese and was among the initially constructed European churches in India. Also visiting the Maritime Museum, which located in INS Dronacharya, can also give you an in-depth insight into the Coast Guard's role and significance in the Nation's security.