Bolgatty Palace And Island Resort is a palace-turned-heritage hotel in Kochi located at Bolgatty Island. A lot of tourists visit this charming tourist spot every day because it is the oldest existing palaces built by Dutch outside Holland. This quaint mansion draws travelers from different parts of the world with its exquisite architectural style and eye-catching surroundings. Visiting this resort shall be a memorable experience as it offers both business and leisure. Popularly known as the ‘honeymooner’s paradise, each visitor admires the legacy of this charming mansion.
Architecture
Set in almost 8 acres of landscape, the Bolgatty Palace And Island Resort attracts travelers with its well-manicured lawns and large trees. The eye-catching Dutch architecture style is the prime feature of this heritage resort. Everything in this palace attracts visitors like its strong pillars, large halls, glass windows with wood frames, and tiled roofs. The enchanting backdrop of Bolgatty Palace is a sight to behold. A nine-hole golf course surrounding the palace is another attraction of it. This golf course was set up in 1923. A large park is also near the Bolgatty Palace And Island Resort.
History
Overlooking the majestic Lake Vembanad, the Bolgatty Palace was built in 1744 by a Dutch trader. The most important attraction of this palace is that there are no such oldest Dutch Palaces outside Holland. The Kochi King leased the Bolgatty property in 1909 to the British and it had been used as a residence for British Governors till the independence of India. Later in 1976, the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) took over the administration of Bolgatty Palace and converted it into a charming heritage hotel.
Facilities
As a heritage resort, Bolgatty Palace And Island Resort offers grand accommodation facilities to travelers. It is a favorite choice for many honeymooners. Some of the facilities of this resort include luxurious suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, an Ayurvedic spa, a swimming pool, and a golf course. The antique furniture in the spacious rooms reminds the charm of a memorable past. Kochi Tourism organizes Kathakali and other traditional dance and cultural programs for the entertainment of their guests. They also arrange boat cruises and horse riding at the request of their guests.
How To Reach Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace is a popular heritage hotel located on Bolgatty Island in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here’s how you can reach Bolgatty Palace:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Bolgatty Palace is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is approximately 34 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-hailing services to reach Bolgatty Palace. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
- By Train: The closest railway station to Bolgatty Palace is the Ernakulam Junction (South) railway station, also known as Ernakulam South (ERS). It is about 7 kilometers away from the palace. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Bolgatty Palace.
- By Road: Bolgatty Palace is well-connected by roads. You can reach Kochi by bus from various cities in Kerala and neighboring states. After arriving in Kochi, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Bolgatty Palace, which is located on Bolgatty Island, just off the Kochi mainland.
- By Ferry: Bolgatty Island is connected to the mainland by a ferry service. You can take a ferry from the mainland (Ernakulam) to reach Bolgatty Island. Once you arrive on the island, Bolgatty Palace is a short distance away and easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Private Boat: If you are staying at Bolgatty Palace or have arranged for a private boat service, you can also reach the palace by waterway directly from various points along the Kochi backwaters.
As with any travel plans, it’s always a good idea to confirm the directions and transportation options closer to your travel date to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
