Bolgatty Palace

The Bolgatty Palace is owned by the Government of Kerala. This was an erstwhile Dutch cottage that has now been converted into a fine accommodation providing hotel with the purpose of the comfort and pleasant stay of the tourists in mind. When this was built it was structured like a big and vast Dutch villa, but now one can see what a fine transformation it has gone through to become the hotel that stands today. Today the palace, the well maintained gardens that go all around it and the amicable staff are a standing example of the importance that the government of Kerala gives to tourism.

History

The Bolgatty Palace is seen in the Bolgatty Islands in Kochi district in Kerala. This palace holds the honour of being the earliest standing Dutch colony to exist in a nation other than Holland. This came into existence in 1744 with the purpose of accommodating the governor of the Dutch owned Malabar region. With the passage of time, the British took lease of this in the year 1909 and housed many British generals on their visit to the state. In the post-Independence days, it came directly under the control of the government. Later it was modified to serve as a heritage resort.

Architecture

The Bolgatty Palace is a full-fledged high class hotel today with a swimming pool where the tourists can cool themselves off, an Ayurvedic centre where they can go in for rejuvenating massages under expert guidance, relax with a game of golf at the 9 hole golf course or enjoy the Kathakali performances every day. This also houses a temple honouring Lord Siva who is considered to be one of the three prime forces of Hindu Mythology. All the woodwork either in the common areas, the rooms or even the dining areas is all aesthetically done and the Dutch style is quiet perceivable. The massive windows that open out to the Vembanad Lake are the main attraction here and this score high in the minds of the tourists who come to the Palace.

Best Time to Visit

The monsoon period in Kerala is from May until July. The months of March and April can be hot and humid and the tourists might not be able to enjoy well. So, if there is a choice, the tourists can travel in all other months except those of March and April. Except summers, all other times are pleasant and the rains make the palace even more lush and green and inviting. Some honeymoon couples book this palace for their honeymoon as there are suites specifically for this purpose and they can book these.

Visitor’s Information

The tourists can expect a lot of peace and tranquillity at the palace and a lot of nature – with Vembanad Lake just a stone’s throw away.  This palace is ideal for a quiet getaway.

How to Reach

Reaching Bolgatty Palace can be a little difficult for the tourists or for outsiders who do not know the place well. The prime reason behind this is that in earlier days, ferries were used to connect to the palace, but with the passage of time, now a bridge has been built, so it is even easier for the tourists to come to Bolgatty Palace. This bridge connects Bolgatty and Ernakulum and so movement has become hassle free on the bridge.

By Air

Kochi airport is the closest airport to Bolgatty Palace and is 36 kms away. This is one of the well-connected airports and since tourist arrival into Kerala is always high, there are timely connections to most major cities in the country and sometimes even beyond.

By Rail

South Ernakulum junction is just 3 kms away – this is again another important junction on the rail network and there are trains to and fro from most of the important cities in the country from here.  Tourists can also choose to travel by train to get a real view of the life in India and to get a feel of being up and personal with the people of India.

By Road

There are good roadways that connect Kochi to other important tourist attractions in Kerala and outside the states. This helps the tourists to plan a seamless holiday without losing much time in transportation and travel.

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