Are you looking for a unique and luxurious destination in Kerala that combines history, culture, and nature? If yes, then you should definitely visit Bolgatty Palace Kochi, one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland that is situated in Bolgatty Island of Kochi.
This palace is not only a stunning example of the Kochi style of architecture, but also a heritage resort with a golf course, a swimming pool, an Ayurvedic center, and a marina. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Bolgatty Palace Kochi, from its history and attractions to its location and facilities. We will also suggest some things to do near Bolgatty Palace Kochi that will make your trip even more memorable. Read on to find out why Bolgatty Palace Kochi is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature.
History of Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace Kochi has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to 1744, when it was built by the Dutch traders who ruled over Kochi at that time. It was originally a mansion with four rooms and a hall on each floor, and it served as the residence of the Dutch governor of Malabar.
Later, it was leased to the British East India Company, who used it as their headquarters until 1799. After that, it became the home of the British resident of Cochin, who made several extensions and additions to the palace, such as a garden, a bridge, and a network of roads. The palace witnessed many historic events and hosted many eminent guests, such as Lord Curzon, Lord Mountbatten, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi.
After India gained independence in 1947, Bolgatty Palace became the property of the Kerala government, and it got converted into a heritage hotel in 1976. Today, Bolgatty Palace Kochi is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala, and a symbol of the colonial legacy of Kochi.
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Architecture and Attractions of Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is an exquisite example of the Kochi style of architecture, which is influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Indian styles. The palace has a rectangular shape with two floors and a gabled roof. The exterior walls are painted white with red tiles on the roof. The interior walls are decorated with wooden panels and paintings. The palace has four palatial rooms with world-class amenities that offer panoramic views of the city and the lake. The rooms are named after the former residents of the palace, such as Governor’s Suite, Resident’s Suite, Pineapple Suite, and Marina Suite.
The palace also has several attractions and facilities that make it an ideal destination for leisure and business travellers alike. Some of them are:
Gardens of Bolgatty Palace: The palace is surrounded by lush green gardens that are spread over 30 acres of land. The gardens are well-maintained and have various species of plants and flowers. They also have fountains, statues, benches, and gazebos that add to their beauty. The gardens are a perfect place for relaxing, walking, picnicking, or enjoying the scenic views.
Golf Course of Bolgatty Palace: The palace has a 9-hole golf course that is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The golf course is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake and offers a challenging and enjoyable game for golf enthusiasts. The golf course also has a club house, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a bar.
Swimming Pool of Bolgatty Palace: The palace has a large swimming pool that is open for guests and visitors. The swimming pool is clean and well-maintained and has changing rooms, showers, and lockers. The swimming pool is a great place for cooling off, swimming, or sunbathing.
Ayurvedic Center of Bolgatty Palace: The palace has an Ayurvedic center that provides rejuvenating therapies and treatments based on the ancient Indian system of medicine. The Ayurvedic center has qualified doctors, therapists, and masseurs who offer personalized consultations and services. The Ayurvedic center also has steam rooms, saunas, and jacuzzis. The Ayurvedic center is a great place for healing, relaxing, or detoxifying.
Event Center of Bolgatty Palace: The palace has an event center that can host various events such as weddings, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, parties, etc. The event center has a banquet hall, a convention center, an amphitheater, and a lawn. The event center can accommodate up to 5000 people and has state-of-the-art facilities such as audio-visual equipment, lighting, catering, etc. The event center is a great place for celebrating, networking, or showcasing.
Marina of Bolgatty Palace: The palace has a marina that is the first of its kind in India. The marina is located on the waterfront of the palace and can berth up to 34 yachts and boats. The marina has a yacht club, a fuel station, a water supply, a sewage pump-out, and a security system. The marina is a great place for sailing, boating, or fishing.
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How to Reach and Stay at Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as road, rail, air, and ferry. Here are some details on how to reach and stay at Bolgatty Palace Kochi:
By Road:
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is connected by road to Kochi city and other nearby towns and cities. You can take a taxi, a bus, or a car to reach the palace from Kochi or other places. The distance from Kochi city to Bolgatty Palace Kochi is about 6 km, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach by road.
By Rail:
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is close to Ernakulam Junction railway station, which is the main railway station in Kochi. You can take a train to Ernakulam Junction from various parts of India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. The distance from Ernakulam Junction to Bolgatty Palace Kochi is about 5 km, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach by road.
By Air:
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is near to Cochin International Airport, which is the largest airport in Kerala. You can take a flight to Cochin International Airport from various domestic and international destinations, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Dubai, Singapore, etc. The distance from Cochin International Airport to Bolgatty Palace Kochi is about 33 km, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach by road.
By Ferry:
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is located on Bolgatty Island, which is connected by ferry service to Ernakulam and Fort Kochi. You can take a ferry from Ernakulam or Fort Kochi to Bolgatty Island and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the city. The ferry service operates from 6 am to 9 pm and charges INR 4 per person.
Bolgatty Palace Kochi offers various options for staying at the palace. You can choose from the following room types and rates at Bolgatty Palace Resort:
Governor’s Suite:
This is the most luxurious and spacious room at the palace, with a king-size bed, a living room, a dining room, a dressing room, a bathroom, and a balcony. The room has antique furniture, paintings, chandeliers, and carpets that reflect the colonial charm of the palace. The room also has modern amenities such as air-conditioning, television, telephone, internet, minibar, safe, etc. The room rate for Governor’s Suite is INR 20,000 per night for double occupancy.
Resident’s Suite:
This is another luxurious and spacious room at the palace, with a king-size bed, a living room, a dining room, a dressing room, a bathroom, and a balcony. The room has similar features and amenities as the Governor’s Suite. The room rate for Resident’s Suite is INR 18,000 per night for double occupancy.
Pineapple Suite:
This is a cozy and comfortable room at the palace, with a queen-size bed, a sitting area, a bathroom, and a balcony. The room has wooden furniture, curtains, and carpets that create a warm and homely atmosphere. The room also has modern amenities such as air-conditioning, television, telephone, internet, minibar, safe, etc. The room rate for Pineapple Suite is INR 12 000 per night for double occupancy.
Marina Suite:
This is a modern and elegant room at the palace with a king-size bed a sitting area a bathroom and a balcony. The room has contemporary furniture artworks and lamps that create a stylish and sophisticated ambience. The room also has modern amenities such as air-conditioning television telephone internet minibar safe etc. The room rate for Marina Suite is INR 10 000 per night for double occupancy.
Things to Do Near Bolgatty Palace Kochi
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is not only a great place to stay and relax, but also a great base to explore some of the nearby attractions and activities in Kochi and its surroundings. Here are some of the things to do near Bolgatty Palace Kochi that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable:
Bird Watching Near Bolgatty Palace:
Bolgatty Island is home to a variety of birds, such as kingfishers, egrets, herons, cormorants, etc. You can spot these birds in the gardens, the golf course, or the lake of the palace. You can also take a boat ride to the nearby Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, which is a mangrove forest that hosts many migratory and resident birds. You can also visit the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, which is about 60 km from Kochi and has more than 300 species of birds. Bird watching is a relaxing and rewarding activity for nature lovers and photographers.
Boating Near Bolgatty Palace:
Boating is another fun and exciting activity that you can enjoy near Bolgatty Palace Kochi. You can rent a boat or a yacht from the marina of the palace and cruise along the Vembanad Lake or the Arabian Sea. You can also take a ferry or a houseboat to explore the backwaters of Kochi, which are a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes that connect various villages and islands. You can also visit some of the nearby islands, such as Vypin Island, Vallarpadam Island, Willingdon Island, etc. Boating is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of Kochi’s waterways.
Fishing Near Bolgatty Palace:
Fishing is another enjoyable and relaxing activity that you can do near Bolgatty Palace Kochi. You can fish from the banks of the lake or the sea, or from a boat or a houseboat. You can catch various types of fish, such as pearl spot, pomfret, mackerel, tuna, etc. You can also cook and eat your catch at the palace or at some of the nearby restaurants. Fishing is a great way to connect with nature and have some fun.
Cycling Near Bolgatty Palace:
Cycling is another adventurous and eco-friendly activity that you can do near Bolgatty Palace Kochi. You can rent a bicycle from the palace or from some of the nearby shops and explore the island and its surroundings. You can cycle along the roads, bridges, paths, and trails that offer scenic views of the lake, the city, and the countryside. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions, such as Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, etc. Cycling is a great way to exercise and discover new places.
Visiting Fort Kochi Near Bolgatty Palace:
Fort Kochi is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kochi, which is about 6 km from Bolgatty Palace Kochi. Fort Kochi is an old port town that has a rich history and culture that reflects the influences of various colonial powers, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, British, etc. Fort Kochi has many attractions to see and experience, such as St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, Vasco da Gama Square, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, etc. Fort Kochi also has many cafes, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums that offer a glimpse of the contemporary life and culture of Kochi. Visiting Fort Kochi is a must-do activity for anyone who loves history, culture, and art.
Bolgatty Palace Kochi is a historic Dutch palace and heritage resort in Kerala that offers a unique and luxurious destination for travelers who love history, culture, and nature.
If you are looking for a unique and luxurious destination in Kerala that combines history culture and nature then you should definitely visit Bolgatty Palace Kochi. You can book your stay at Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort online here.
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