Bolghatty Palace, Kochi

Bolghatty Palace is situated on the Bolghatty Island that lies on one side of Kochi. It was made by the Dutch in 1744. The palace resembles a heritage mansion more than it resembles a palace. The beautiful lush green gardens and lawns were added later after the construction of the palace.

Initially, the palace housed the commander of Dutch Malabar. However, in 1909 the Dutch traders rented out the palace to the British. Thereafter, many British Governors have enjoyed the luxury of watching the landscaped gardens and the softly flowing Arabian Sea from the windows of the palace.

After the Indian independence the palace was declared as a property of the state. Now the palace is a luxurious heritage hotel and resort. Every year thousands of tourists throng to the place to enjoy the serene locales surrounding the palace. The place boasts of an ayurvedic massage centre, a golf course and a swimming pool.