What Makes Bolgatty Island So Special In Kerala?

About Bolgatty Island

Bolgatty Island is a picturesque island situated in the Ernakulam district, near Fort Kochi. Along with being a growing cosmopolitan hotspot in the city, it is famous for its eponymous palace. The Dutch-designed the Bolgatty Palace in 1744, and it was finally taken over by the British. This has now been converted into a well-known Kerala Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) Hotel and Resort and has its own golf course and cottages for honeymoons.

Located here is the Kochi International Marina. It is the only marina of its kind in India. This can host up to 34 yachts alongside pump-out facilities for water, electricity and sewage. There is no better place to host such significant activities. It is indeed beautiful place with the backwaters, Cochin Seaport, Vallarpadam Container Terminal and the Arabian Sea overlooking it.

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Getting there

Railway station nearby: Ernakulam, about 6 km

Airport Nearby: Cochin International Airport, about 33 km

Reasons to Visit

• The island of Bolgatty, which hosts the Heritage Hotel, the Island Retreat and the Marina House Hotel, is one of four islands of Cochin. The four islands being Fort Cochin, Willingdon, Vypeen and Bolgatty.
• Unlike any other location in Cochin, Bolgatty Island offers excellent harbour views and a widespread out area.
• A direct bridge from Bolgatty to Vypeen and a boat link to Fort Cochin, Ernakulam and Willingdon Island are open.

Hotel Premises in Bolagatty Island

The hotel premises run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). They are guarded like a fortress and unless you have a reservation or are part of a case. It is a negotiating exercise to gain entry for the uninitiated-the site has a café and a visitor-friendly restaurant. Rooms, depending on the season, are priced between Rs 8 K and Rs 15K.

The other house to the right is the former palace house with the existing guest rooms and the honeymoon quarters to the right (completely renovated). There is a café in the KTDC building and there is a fully-fledged restaurant in the old palace building.

A wide winding wooden staircase leading up to the guest rooms reveals the palace house. which is visible across from the main restaurant hallway. By the side of the restaurant, there is a wide pool and the honeymoon quarters are across the pool area facing the water body.

However, its practicality is anyone’s guess! Take one to Vallarpadam, crossing the second Goshree Bridge, which is a short distance away from Bolgatty Palace.

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A very famous church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam, is on the island. It was established in 1524, the beautiful place of worship features a painted portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary was thought to possess mystical powers. The church is a melting pot for all faiths, and every year between September 16th and 24th, the feast of Vallarpadathamma.

All the above islands are beautifully blessed by nature and provide a perfect holiday in Kerala. Rolling across the island with your loved one ready to hike? Ok, it’s time to schedule a holiday in Kerala if yes. On the Pickyourtrail website check out the packages for travel to Kerala and schedule your holiday. You can also drop a request for additional choices in Whatsapp.