Bolgatty Palace is a palace built by the Dutch Colonialists in India. This palace is now a heritage destination and the hotel maintained by a private enterprise. Bolgatty Palace is another attraction in Kochi other than Matancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Kochi Fort and Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi Harbour.
Location of Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace is located on the island popularly known as Bolghatty Island in Kochi, Kerala.
Architecture of Bolgatty Palace
Bolgatty Palace is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. This quaint mansion was built in 1744 by Dutch traders. Bolgatty Palace was later extended and gardens were landscaped around it. Bolgatty Palace was then the Palace of Governor of Dutch settlement and British East India Company for the commander of Dutch Malabar, and later in 1909 was leased to the British. It served as the home of the British Governors, being the seat of the British Resident of Cochin during the reign of British East India Company and the British Empire in India.
Bolgatty Palace in Modern Era
In the year 1947, when India attained independence, Bolgatty Palace became the property of the state and was later converted into a heritage hotel resort by a private enterprise. Bolgatty Palace now has a swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, ayurvedic centre and daily Kathakali performances. It is a holiday destination for Indian and international tourists. There is a temple in the complex of Bolgatty Palace dedicated to Lord Shiva that is the first of its kind in Kerala.
Visiting Information
The nearest airport at Kochi is Nedumbassery International Airport which is about 30 km away from the city. Nedumbassery International Airport is well connected to all airports in India and also with many cities abroad, including Singapore, Colombo and the Middle East. The domestic terminal is located right next to it and there are daily flights connecting the city to the rest of the country. There are three major railheads within the city of Kochi that include Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus. The former two stations are locally known as North and South stations. The Konkan Railway line connects Kochi to Mumbai. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private bus operators link Kochi to almost all the major cities and towns in Kerela. There are also regular buses both private and state-run to and from Kochi to cities in the adjoining states like Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore and Bengaluru.
