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Kochi · Bazaars
Mattancherry
The Spice Quarter
Spice godowns, the Dutch Palace, the synagogue and antique rows.
The spice quarter of five hundred years' trade: ginger and pepper godowns, the Dutch Palace with its Ramayana murals, the Paradesi Synagogue floored in hand-painted Chinese tiles, and Jew Town's antique rows. It smells of cardamom and trades as it always has. A slow half-day walk covers the whole spice history of Malabar.
Who it suits
spice godowns the synagogue and palace antique rows
Staying here
A few boutique stays in old godowns: intimate and quiet.
In the evening
Shops shut by six; the synagogue closes on Saturdays.
Getting there
Rickshaw or bicycle from Fort Kochi · 10 min
What to see
URU Art HarbourSerious contemporary art in Mattancherry in the years between Biennales
Cochin Dharmanath Jain TempleThe noon pigeon feeding in a Gujarati marble courtyard most visitors walk past
Castle Art Museum and Gallery OED
Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)Details →
Where to eat
Classic Art Cafe (Mattancherry)
Art Cafe
Mocha Art Café
Cafe Jew Town
Ginger House Restaurant
Kayees Rahmathulla HotelKochi's most storied biryani house, founded in 1948 and still on its founder's 1950s recipe. A genuine culinary landmark.
Sri Krishna CafeAn authentic, spotless old-style veg tiffin cafe that anchors a Mattancherry heritage walk.
Shopping
Crafters (Jew Town Antiques)India's attic: the biggest and strangest antique warehouse on the Jew Town strip
SPR Perfume MuseumSample dozens of alcohol-free attars slowly, then choose one that actually fits
Where to stay
Ginger House Museum HotelAntiques-filled boutique hotel with an old snake boat on display
Other areas of Kochi
Areas on the map
In the app: the city's areas on the map, the places inside and a route.
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