Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kochi 

Visitor Information

  • Famous For: History, Photography, Architecture.
  • Entry Fee: No fee is required on the first Thursday of every month. On the rest of the days, the ticket price is as follows: Indian adults (10 INR), Indian children (5 INR), Foreigners (25 INR).
  • Visiting Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Mondays and the public holidays are kept close.
  • Visiting Duration: 2 to 3 hours minimum.

The Portuguese traders were one of the most prominent traders in the world who had set foot upon in India. As per the remains that have been observed in Kochi, it could be deciphered that the Portuguese were indeed very tasteful and had a high taste of architecture and lifestyle. This richness of theirs had found expression in the form of heritage buildings and gorgeous artifacts belong to different genres. Hence, to bring this out to the forefront, these things of beauty have all been collected and preserved in the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi, Kerala. Hence, as the items on display have got historical and adventurous incidents associated with them, the museum has gained popularity over the years as a result of which tourists flock to this heritage building in Kochi which is worth seeing.

Indo Portuguese Museum
Photo by Deepakp7, Public Domain

Traveller Tips

  • Make sure that you are carrying your camera along with the camera ticket so that you can click multiple photographs from different angles with prior permission.
  • Carry a bottle of water because the mineral water bottles are sold at an overpriced rate around the museum.

Things to Do There

  • Take a good look at the rare artifacts that are on display.
  • Learn about the establishment of the Portuguese community in India.

Availability of Guides

Professional guides are available by the ticket counter for a nominal fee.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi is from October to April if you do not want to get roasted in the sun.

How to Reach the Place

The Indo-Portuguese Museum lies in the heart of the city and can be reached either by walking or by using any other public transport.

Interesting Facts About the Indo-Portuguese Museum

  • The Indo-Portuguese Museum was constructed on the premises of Fort Kochi by Dr. Joseph Kureethra, the Bishop of Kochi.
  • Prior to its restoration, this building was left to die out to get washed away amidst the growing modernity.
  • After its restoration, the true culture and heritage of the Portuguese and their influence in India could be valued by all the visitors.
  • This museum is divided into 5 sections as per the kinds of artifacts displayed. These sections have been designated as Altar, Cathedral, Civil Life, Procession and Treasure.
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, Photo by Ranjith Siji, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nearby Attractions

  • Mattancherry Palace
  • Paradesi Synagogue
  • Francis Church, Kochi
  • Hill Palace, Tripunithura
  • Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi
  • Veegaland
  • Ernakulam Shiva Temple
  • Bolgatty Palace
  • Thrikkakara Temple
  • Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
  • Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
  • Cherai Beach

Nearby Restaurants

  • Trilogi
  • Sky Grill
  • Cassava
  • Mary’s Kitchen
  • Mosaic
  • Masala
  • Qissa Café
  • Oceanos Restaurant
  • Old Harbour Hotel Restaurant
  • The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay

Thus, it can be perceived that the Portuguese were indeed influential in the lives of the natives, especially in Kochi because of which many structures representing the Portuguese style of architecture are found in that region even today. Hence, in order to experience the richness of the Portuguese traders in India, the Indo-Portuguese Museum is a must visit for all.

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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