Experience History: Boutique Heritage Stays at Fort Kochi During the Biennale

When your journey brings you to Fort Kochi, particularly for its vibrant art scene, make sure to carve out time to absorb its profound history. The town’s rich past is a tapestry woven by its earliest colonial inhabitants: the Portuguese who arrived in 1503, followed by the Dutch in 1663, and then the British in 1795. Each left an indelible mark, not just in culture and language, but also in remarkable architecture. Many of these centuries-old structures have been beautifully restored and transformed into exquisite luxury boutique hotels, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in their historical significance and architectural splendor.

As the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale approaches this December, now is the perfect time to discover these exceptional hotels, each boasting over a century of fascinating heritage, ready to welcome you.

Abad Dutch Bungalow (Est. 1668)

Locally known as the ‘Kannadi Malika’ or ‘palace of glass,’ the Abad Dutch Bungalow is a truly ancient and majestic structure. Originally built by the Dutch East India Company, it proudly stands today as a boutique heritage hotel, preserving the grandeur of its storied past. After serving naval purposes under the British from 1796, it transitioned to private ownership in 1874. Guests are transported back in time through its expansive rooms, soaring ceilings, and original wooden columns. The hotel’s poolside restaurant offers a delightful blend of local and international dishes, with a special emphasis on fresh seafood. Don’t miss their prawn cocktail, featuring succulent prawns in a zesty sauce served over shredded lettuce, or their highly recommended seafood platter.

The Malabar House (Est. 1755)

Step into The Malabar House and be charmed by its sun-dappled courtyard, the gentle melodies of morning birds, and echoes of Fort Kochi’s vibrant past. This historic building traces its origins to 1755 – when it was acquired by Jan Herman Clausing, a Dutchman. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of various owners, including prominent spice and tea traders and bankers. In 1997, German national Joerg Drechsel transformed it into the exquisite boutique heritage hotel it is today. While modern comforts have been seamlessly integrated, the hotel’s distinctive colonial character remains intact. Among its 17 uniquely designed rooms, some offer picturesque views of the vast Parade Ground. Guests can enjoy romantic candlelight dinners on the patio, often accompanied by live music, weather permitting. The restaurant’s menu showcases local delicacies alongside Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, but the seafood platter—featuring prawns, lobster, fish, and squid with boiled rice and vegetables—is an absolute highlight.

Old Harbour Hotel (Est. 1788)

Perched gracefully on Fort Kochi’s tree-lined Tower Road, the Old Harbour Hotel, with its pristine white walls, terracotta tiled roof, and expansive windows, is a living testament to timeless charm. This 300-year-old Dutch mansion, subtly infused with Portuguese architectural details, was originally built by the tea broking firm Carritt Moran and Company and served as the residence for their esteemed brokers. Later, Kochi-based entrepreneur Edgar Pinto, collaborating with Swiss-German architect Karl Damschen, lovingly restored and transformed it into a boutique hotel. Guests can enjoy a serene garden, a refreshing pool, and captivating views of the iconic Chinese fishing nets. The hotel’s curated collection of art and antiques further enriches the historical ambiance. Be sure to savor their exquisite stir-fried crab, prepared in both continental and traditional Kerala styles, meticulously stuffed back into its shell and accompanied by a delicious thoran (stir-fried vegetable).

Koder House (Early 1800s)

No account of Fort Kochi’s history is complete without acknowledging its pioneering Jewish community. Koder House, originally a Portuguese construction from the early 1800s, was purchased and extensively renovated in 1905 by Samuel S. Koder, a leading Jewish businessman in Kochi. His legendary “Friday Open Houses” were eagerly anticipated social events, welcoming heads of state, celebrities, and ambassadors eager to learn about Jewish traditions. This grand three-story mansion, showcasing Indo-European architectural flair, is connected to an adjacent building via a charming bridge over the street. What was once Koder’s personal office now forms an integral part of the hotel, offering six uniquely styled deluxe and junior suites, along with a refreshing pool. For a culinary treat, sample the “naked peri peri wings” at the hotel’s restaurant, Plan B.

Forte Kochi (Est. 1860)

Today, this striking boutique hotel, painted a vibrant lemon yellow and adorned with gothic, stained-glass windows, was once part of a grand Jewish palatial home in Fort Kochi. Its venerable wooden rafters and pillars bear silent witness to centuries of history and countless lives. Constructed around the 1860s, likely by the Dutch, its architecture beautifully fuses Portuguese, Dutch, and British design elements. Meticulously restored to its colonial splendor, Forte Kochi’s courtyard uniquely features an ancient Mikvah—a natural spring historically used for Jewish rituals—preserved with utmost reverence. Operated by The Paul Resorts and Hotels, this luxury heritage destination offers a tangible connection to Kochi’s captivating past. The hotel’s restaurant expertly blends European and Indian cuisines, highlighting local seafood specialties. Be sure to indulge in their unique chatti choru (a flavorful rice and fish curry served in a traditional mud pot) and the lavish seafood platter.

Brunton Boatyard (Est. 1895)

Imagine unwinding with a cup of tea in a place that once hummed with the craft of boat building. The Brunton Boatyard Hotel occupies what was formerly a British shipbuilding yard, established in 1895 by businessman George Brunton. This expansive mansion beautifully showcases a harmonious blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and English architectural styles. Renowned for constructing popular wooden boats during the British era, the property is now a five-star heritage hotel under the Cgh group. Its 22 sea-facing rooms offer breathtaking ocean vistas and spectacular sunsets. In a tribute to Fort Kochi’s diverse heritage, the restaurant’s menu boasts 32 cuisines, reflecting the many communities that have shaped the region. A notable dish is the “railway mutton curry”—a flavorful, soupy curry with large potato chunks, a culinary legacy attributed to Fort Kochi’s Anglo-Indian community.

Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel (Est. 1927)

This magnificent British-style heritage building, originally known as Bristow House, was constructed in 1927 by Sir Robert Bristow, a distinguished member of the Royal Society of Arts, and uniquely features a lighthouse mast. Situated gracefully by the sea, it served as the official residence for port officials and personnel of the Indian Navy and Air Force after India gained independence. Following a period of disrepair in the 1980s, Bristow House was leased to Suvira Energy in 2006, undergoing a meticulous restoration and rebirth as the Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel. Beyond luxurious accommodations and delectable cuisine, this charming hotel, with its ancient trees and captivating colonial ambiance, offers a serene sanctuary for quiet reflection by the sea. The restaurant’s signature seafood platter is a must-try, brimming with tiger prawns, various other prawns, squid, crab, and a perfectly grilled whole fish.