Bolghatty Island, as it is locally known, is a minuscule island in the historic town of Kochi in Ernakulam district, Kerala. This small yet lush and beautiful island is situated near the mouth of Kochi Harbor, just off the Kochi Marine Drive. A long and narrow palm fringed island, you have to take a ferry ride from Ernakulam, which itself is a pleasing experience. Bolghatty Island is famous for the magnificent and charming palace of the same name, situated amid 15 acres of sprawling greens and appealing locales. The palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 and was used as the Governor's Palace for the Dutch until late 19th century.
The British leased it at the initial phases of the East India Company in 1909 but later with colonizing India, the British defeated the Dutch and took over the majestic palace which became the British Governor's Palace. On attaining independence from the British in 1947, the palace became a property of the Indian Government. Today, this royal and splendid Bolghatty Palace has been converted into a popular heritage hotel resort, run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
The Bolghatty Palace is an architectural marvel with its beautifully designed two-storied structure containing well-decorated bedchambers and a huge lounge, which exhibits historical portraits all across the walls. The palace is considered as a "honeymooner's paradise", with the beach being adorned with rows of beautifully furnished honeymoon cottages. To add to your perfect picturesque setting, a lush green fine golf course surrounds the resort, providing an exotic location for the game. The island provides an extraordinary experience to all tourists making a visit to this marvelous destination. The island has a number of vantage points, offering you articulate and lucid views of the harbor and the sea. The sunset and sunrise views from the island are an added charm of this lovely place.
The resort is neatly tucked in with coconut groves and palm trees, giving the property a traditional but contemporary feel. It now boasts of a massive in-house swimming pool and an Ayurvedic centre, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate yourself. For people who are not familiar with the therapeutic Ayurvedic massages, this can be a unique experience. Kathakali performances are organized for visitors once in a while to keep them entertained and informed about the native Keralite culture. The Bolghatty Island is also famous for the ancient Shiva temple which is one-of-a-kind, as it is believed that the idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi are supposedly self-created, according to a mythological tale. The closest railway station is at Ernakulam, about 2 km away, while the nearest airdrome is Cochin International Airport at a distance of 20 km.
The Bolghatty Island is located in Kochi. Read
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Holidays in Kerala : Kerala Monuments : Bolghatty Island
