Bolgatty Palace is the oldest Dutch-style palace erected outside of the Kingdom of Holland. In 1744, a Dutch trader erected the mansion. Later, it was refurbished with beautiful grass and a variety of changes. The palace housed the Dutch Governor’s official home. The Bolgatty Palace boasts lovely interiors with tiled roofs and timber-framed windows, giving it a rustic appearance. With their luxurious furniture, the palace halls and rooms are exceedingly sumptuous and convey a royal vibe, and some of them are genuinely priceless. In 1909, the King of Kochi leased the land to the British. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation took over the administration of the property in 1976 and transformed it into a historic hotel.
The palace was acquired for the English East India Company by the King of Cochin in 1909. During British administration, the palace served as the home of British governors. The palace became a part of the Indian ruler when India attained independence in 1947. KTDC This palace was established in 1976. It was later converted into a hotel. The majestic palace is also where Malayalam films are shot. The KTDC refurbished this palace in 2001.
Bolgatty Island is located just off the Kochi Marine Drive. It is a tranquil haven amid the bustling city of Kochi. The exquisite KTDC resort – Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort – is located on this intriguing island.
Historical Reference
Bolgatty Palace is the largest Dutch palace erected outside of Holland. This palace is still a popular tourist attraction in Cochin. The Ernakulum king granted permission to build this palace for commercial purposes in 1740 AD. During the Imperialist colonial conflicts, the Portuguese, French, and British held this palace as their house and office. During their journey to India, several colonial governors stayed here. For a longer length of time, this was also utilised as a guest home for East India Company officials. It was in the control of the Company until independence. This palace was later taken over by the Kerala State Archaeological Department, which declared it a historic monument. Today, Bolgatty Palace has been transformed into a heritage hotel resort.
The Building
The palace, set on an 8-acre estate with well-kept grass and mature trees, exudes the aroma of Dutch architecture. The woodland home, with huge halls, strong pillars, tiled roofs, and wooden-framed glass windows, stands out against the picturesque surroundings. The palace is surrounded by a nine-hole golf course that was built in 1923. A large park is also located near the property.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam, and Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary are in the vicinity of the Palace.
Bolgatty Palace is widely renowned for its gorgeous outlook, but there are many more spectacular tourist sites nearby, such as Marine Drive, Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Fort Kochi, Synagogue, and Jew Town. Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Palace, and many more.
Bolgatty Event Centre
Bolgatty Palace now is a historic palace hotel, with the majority of the modern amenities and contemporary styling. Bolgatty Palace features a swimming pool, elegant rooms, a golf course, an ayurvedic treatment, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and other amenities. The spacious apartments, which are part of the original construction, are furnished with antique furnishings indicative of a colourful past. At the palace, the KTDC arranges Kathakali and other cultural shows. Horseback riding and boat trips are available upon request.
Conclusion
Bolgatty Palace is a historic palace hotel on the island of Bolgatty. This is an excellent location for tourists to enjoy the panoramic view of the island and the picturesque splendour of the setting sun in the Arabian Sea. It is also a site to observe the colonial history and artefacts that have been left behind here. Many social and cultural occasions relating to Kerala are held here, which are beautiful to observe. This is the first island from the Cochin mainland, and people begin their 150-kilometre houseboat journey from here to the endpoint of the backwater that meets the Arabian Sea in Kerala’s Azhapuzha District.