Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort

When the Dutch arrived in Kochi, then a bustling port under the Kochi Raja, they sought to make their mark by building a grand residence for their governor. They chose a small coconut grove on an island in the Vembanad Lake, known to Arab traders as gol-jetty, a name that later evolved into Bolgatty. In 1744, the Dutch completed Bolgatty Palace, designed like the big mansions back in their country.

The palace remained under Dutch control until the late 19th century, when the arrival of the British East India Company forced them to leave. After a brief period of neglect, the Kochi Raja leased the property to the British in 1909. They renamed it the Governor’s House, laid out wide lawns, and even added a golf course for their officers. British governors lived here until India's independence in 1947, after which the palace came under state ownership. In 1976, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) took over its management, restoring the palace and giving it a new chapter as a heritage hotel open to travelers.

Bolgatty Palace is the only Dutch palace outside the Netherlands and the first heritage hotel in Kerala. Built in 1744, it has stood strong for over two centuries, a rare example of a colonial structure carefully preserved through time. The palace was designed in classic Dutch style, with a grand foyer, wide windows that let in plenty of light, and pillars marking the entrance. Inside, the use of wood is extensive, with double roofs that add height and elegance, tiled floors, and large gabled ceilings. The wide glass windows and detailed interiors gave the building a stately feel that even local rulers admired.

Today, the property is spread across different blocks: the main mansion housing the palace rooms, the marina block overlooking both the marina, and lake view cottages offering quieter stays. A nine-hole golf course, laid out in 1925, still surrounds the resort. Alongside its heritage character, the palace has modern amenities too. There’s a swimming pool, spa, and wellness centre, sauna, and a fitness centre. For recreation, you’ll find a billiards, a library, a game room, tennis, a table tennis court, and a playground for children. The property is also wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to move around.

Guests at Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and continental, with room service available for in-room dining. The resort also features a coffee shop and poolside bar for light bites and drinks. Breakfast at the resort includes buffet, continental, and vegetarian options. Guests can also enjoy outdoor dining and private dining setups on request, with scenic views of the marina or the backwaters, for a memorable experience.

If you feel like stepping out, you can enjoy a cozy setting with Kerala, Chinese, and Arabic dishes at Immus Rooftop Restaurant, perfect for casual dining. For a stylish ambiance and a diverse multi-cuisine menu, head to Feast, or savor continental fare with panoramic city views at Sky Lounge 10.

Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort provides a stunning setting, impeccable service, and graceful spaces, making it ideal for celebrating your special day with family and friends in style.

Palace Lawn


Venue type and style: Vast greenery adjacent to the palace mansion, perfect for majestic weddings and events.

Capacity: 4,000 guests

Bolgatty Event Centre


Venue type and style: Overlooking the backwaters with greenery and romantic ambience. Ideal for weddings, receptions, and themed dinners.

Capacity: 1,000 guests

Marina Lawn

Venue type and style: Lawn overlooking the lake and marina, offering an exotic backdrop.

Capacity: 250 guests

The island offers plenty of ways to unwind or explore. Guests can spend a morning on the nine-hole golf course, lounge by the pool, or relax in hammocks tucked under the trees. Ayurvedic treatments and wellness programmes are also offered for those seeking a restorative pace. The property has a small library, a recreation room with billiards, chess, cards, a beer parlour, a gym, and a health club, along with a jetty for boat cruises and angling trips. Nature lovers will enjoy birdwatching, morning and evening walks through the coconut groves.

Just a short ferry ride away from the palace is the well-known Marine Drive, a scenic waterfront with shopping malls, cafés, cinemas, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge. Ten minutes away, the Mattancherry Palace showcases murals from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with maps, palanquins, royal robes, and portraits of the Kochi rulers. Guests can also take guided walks through Fort Kochi’s heritage streets, shop in Kochi town, or watch performances at cultural centres that celebrate Kerala’s traditional art forms.

Bolgatty Palace can host private parties such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other intimate events, in addition to larger gatherings. The property has conference halls suitable for meetings and business events, while the expansive lawn is perfect for larger outdoor celebrations.