Bolghatty Palace

The Bolghatty Palace is located on a tiny island, which is popularly known as Bolaghatty Island, in the beautiful city of Kochi (Kerala). The Island is located close to the mouth of the Kochi Harbor, a little away from the Kochi Marine Drive. The Palace was built by the Dutch as a summer house away and it used to belong to the Dutch Governors. The palace is skillfully built in the modern European style. The Palace is a treat to look at, as it is designed beautifully and its architectural worth is par excellence. The two-storied structure includes a few well decorated bed chambers and a huge lounge. The lounge exhibits on its walls a number of historical paintings belonging to the former owners of this Palace.

History
Bolghatty Palace is an important landmark in the glorious history of Kerala, as the palace has witnessed a number of important events which shaped the fate of the State. The Bolghatty Island derives its name from this palace, which is beautifully placed amongst the lush lawns stretching over an area of 15 acres. The palace was initially constructed by the Dutch in the year 1744. It served as the home of the Dutch Governors till late nineteenth century. In the earlier phases of the advent of British rule in India, the East India Company leased this palace from the Dutch in the year 1909. Later when the British grew stronger in India and started colonizing, they defeated the Dutch and took over this grand palace. When the British gained complete control over the area, they declared this palace as the residence of the British Governor.

When India gained freedom in the year 1947, Bolghatty Palace became the property of the Government of India. Today the majestic palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and is really popular among the tourists not only from India, but also from abroad. This resort is run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and the maintenance too is taken care of by the same organization. Though the palace is now a resort, its architectural grandeur hasn't diminished even a bit - it still exhibits the remains of the history of Kerala.

Attractions
Bolghatty Palace, which is now a resort, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Kerala, as it gives the traveler a chance to relive the past. Staying at the resort is an out of the world experience, as the island has a number of vantage points from where you get an articulate and lucid view of the harbor and the sea. From the palace one gets a really beautiful view of the sunset and the sunrise. The palace is not only famous for its architectural beauty, but also for the scenic beauty. The palace is wonderfully constructed amidst the palm groves and coconut trees.

How to Reach

By Road
It is the most convenient way to travel by road in Kerala, as the network of road is impeccably set in and out the state. However, one has to take a ferry ride to the Bolgatty Palace, from the Ernakulam Jetty service.

By Air
Traveling by air is a viable option, as Nedumbassery International Airport is located just 22kms away from Ernakulam city. From this airport one can easily board a flight to all the major domestic and international destinations.

By Rail
Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railhead from where you can easily board a train to a number of popular cities in India.