Bolgatty Palace
Sub Place Details: Bolgatty Palace is an architectural marvel and one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces situated outside the Netherlands. Built in 1744 by Dutch traders, the palace was later leased to the British and served as the residence of the British Resident of Cochin. Today, it has been co nverted into a premium heritage hotel managed by the KTDC. Set amidst lush green gardens on the scenic Bolgatty Island, the palace offers a window into the colonial history of Kerala. The property is surrounded by the calm backwaters of the Arabian Sea, providing a tranquil escape while being just a short boat ride away from the bustling mainland. The interiors are adorned with antique furniture, large portraits, and historical artifacts that tell the story of the Dutch and British eras. The palace grounds are sprawling, featuring a nine-hole golf course that was established in 1923. It is a popular venue for high-profile weddings and international conferences due to its grand Bolgatty Event Centre. Walking through the palace feels like stepping back in time, with its wide verandas and high ceilings reflecting the luxury of a bygone era. The fusion of European style with local Keralite charm makes it a unique landmark in Ernakulam. It remains a symbol of the rich maritime and colonial heritage of the "Queen of the Arabian Sea."
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage & LuxuryEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Sightseeing: There is typically no entry fee for visitors walking the grounds, but a small fee may apply for palace interiors.
Golfing: Green fees for the golf course vary from INR 500 t...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Sightseeing: There is typically no entry fee for visitors walking the grounds, but a small fee may apply for palace interiors.
Golfing: Green fees for the golf course vary from INR 500 to INR 1000 for non-members.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The palace grounds are accessible from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for visitors.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon around 4:30 PM is best to avoid the heat and catch the sunset. ...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The palace grounds are accessible from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for visitors.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon around 4:30 PM is best to avoid the heat and catch the sunset.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: The palace and its surrounding areas often host collateral events and installations during this world-famous art festival.
Grand Weddings: The palace is a prem...Sub Place Special Event:
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: The palace and its surrounding areas often host collateral events and installations during this world-famous art festival.
Grand Weddings: The palace is a premier destination for traditional and destination weddings throughout the year.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Palace Façade: The grand white exterior with its red roof against the green lawns is a classic shot.
The Backwater Edge: Capture the silhouettes of passing boats against the setti...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Palace Façade: The grand white exterior with its red roof against the green lawns is a classic shot.
The Backwater Edge: Capture the silhouettes of passing boats against the setting sun from the palace gardens.
The Spiral Staircase: The interior wooden staircases provide an elegant backdrop for vintage-style photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:
Palace Tour: Explore the heritage corridors and admire the collection of colonial-era paintings and murals.
Golfing: Spend an afternoon at the nine-hole golf course, which offers a unique challenge with its island setting.
Backwater Boating: Take a boat cruise around the island to see the Chinese Fishing Nets and the Kochi port.
Ayurvedic Spa: Experience traditional Kerala wellness treatments at the in-house Ayurvedic center.
Bird Watching: The island’s mature trees and gardens are home to various local bird species, perfect for nature photography.
Sunset Viewing: Relax on the lawns and watch the sun dip into the Arabian Sea behind the pa...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
Historical Significance: It is famous for being the oldest Dutch-style palace in the East, serving as a colonial administrative hub for centuries.
Golf Course: It houses one of the few i...Why Famous Sub Place:
Historical Significance: It is famous for being the oldest Dutch-style palace in the East, serving as a colonial administrative hub for centuries.
Golf Course: It houses one of the few island golf courses in India, attracting sports enthusiasts from all over. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Dutch Colonial Style: The palace is a classic example of Dutch architecture, featuring large halls, massive pillars, and wooden-framed glass windows. The building is constructed using sea rocks, clay bricks, and teak ...Sub Place Architecture:
Dutch Colonial Style: The palace is a classic example of Dutch architecture, featuring large halls, massive pillars, and wooden-framed glass windows. The building is constructed using sea rocks, clay bricks, and teak wood, with a distinctive red-tiled roof.
Dimensions and Grounds: The palace is set on an 8-acre estate. The main building consists of two floors with spacious suites that have been restored to maintain their original character while adding modern amenities.
Refinements: The structure includes ornate woodwork and exquisitely carved staircases, with windows using colored glass to filter the tropical sunlight into the grand sitting rooms. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 30 KM away from the island.
By Train: Ernakulam South and North railway stations are within 5 to 7 KM.
By Ro... -
Near Tourist Places:
Marine Drive (2 KM), Fort Kochi (10 KM via ferry), Mattancherry Palace (12 KM), Lulu Mall (8 KM), St. Francis Church (11 KM), Jewish Synagogue (12 KM), Hill Palace (15 KM), Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (3 KM), Cherai Beach (25 KM), Vypin Island (5 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: The island is safe, but be cautious near the water edges during high tide.
Packing: Carry a camera and dress in smart-casuals if you plan to dine at the heritage resta...
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