Chittoor Kottaram

Back in the 1700s, the Rajah of Cochin built a temple for his family deity in the small hamlet of Chittoor. Just fifty yards away, he built a manor for himself, simple, elegant, and regal. It wasn’t flashy, but it had everything a king needed, including a small entourage to attend to him during his visits. Over the years, Chittoor Kottaram has seen generations come and go, holding on to the legacy of the Cochin royal family.

The mansion entered a new chapter in 2017–2018 when Lady Helen Hamlyn took it on lease. During this period, Kochi-based firm Inspiration Design Studio coordinated a second round of adaptive restoration under her guidance along with architect Minakshi Jain. Together, they carried out sensitive structural changes, opening up the ground-floor rooms toward the western verandas to frame better views of the backwaters and gardens.

CGH Earth, the group that manages Chittoor Kottaram, has received numerous accolades, including the PATA Gold Award (2009–2010), Green Globe Award (1999–2000), National Geographic World Legacy Awards finalist (2014–2015), BITB / ITB Berlin recognition (2016–2017), and the Lonely Planet Sustainable Tourism Award (2017–2018), among many others. These awards reflect the company's commitment to sustainable practices, cultural preservation, and exceptional guest experiences.

Chittoor Kottaram is designed for complete privacy. Being a single-key mansion, the entire place is yours, with cozy rooms and a personal service staff. The architecture is understated yet truly awe-inspiring. Walk along the old cement-tiled corridors with floral patterns and floors once touched by kings and queens. On the ground floor, there are two bedrooms, and upstairs, another bedroom comes with its own attached living room.

Antique furniture and artifacts fill the spaces, each carrying its own story and adding to the mansion’s timeless charm. In keeping with the minimalistic lifestyle of the Kochi royal family, the furniture, finishes, and décor strike a delicate balance between refined grandeur and comfort, creating a space that feels elegant, lived-in, and completely inviting.

Dining at Chittoor Kottaram is a journey into Kerala’s best-kept culinary secrets. Every meal is prepared by your personal chef using age-old recipes passed down through generations. The highlight is always the fresh catch of the day, brought in straight from the nearby backwaters. Expect traditional Kerala flavours, made with fresh local produce and fragrant spices. For those who love to experiment, the chef also offers a Kerala-style thali with grilled masala prawns, a flavourful twist on the classics. Local ingredients like kodampulli (tamarind) and banana play a starring role in many dishes. Banana is used in every form—its leaf as a plate, its stem for juice, and its fruit and flower in traditional recipes.

Meals are served wherever you wish, by the lake with the breeze in your hair, at the gazebo, on the veranda, or under the open sky in the garden. Just let the kaaryasthan know, and he’ll have everything set up exactly how you like it. A cup of steaming tea, some freshly made local snacks, and the soft sounds of the backwaters create the perfect setting.

Chittoor Kottaram is a lovely spot for small weddings or intimate celebrations. The mansion’s charming architecture and amazing backwater views create a serene, picture-perfect backdrop for your special day. You can have things personalised the way you want, from curated menus to custom décor. The food is handled by the team from Casino Hotel, who pay attention to every detail and offer tailormade menus with signature dishes, featuring both regional and international gourmet options. Whether it’s a quiet wedding by the water or a fun, themed pre-wedding event, Chittoor Kottaram makes every moment feel personal and truly memorable.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

One of the best things to do here is take a sunset cruise on the backwaters. In the evening, the lawns are lit with tiny diyas, and they arrange private performances as well, where traditional dancers or musicians will perform just for you.

For those who like to explore, Fort Kochi is about an hour away by road or boat. It’s a lovely mix of old cultures, colonial buildings, quaint cafés, and streets that still carry bits of Portuguese, Dutch, and British history. You can also visit the Muziris archaeological site, one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast. It’s said to be over 3,000 years old and once welcomed traders from Rome, Egypt, Arabia, and China. And if shopping’s your thing, Ernakulam has plenty to offer—from old spice markets filled with the scent of cardamom and pepper, to shops selling traditional textiles, bell-metal lamps, and fine gold jewelry.

Other Celebrations

Chittoor Kottaram is perfect for themed celebrations, from playful bunny-themed birthdays to milestone events, family gatherings, and corporate functions. With versatile spaces and a team ready to assist with planning, décor, and arrangements, every celebration is seamless, fun, and truly memorable.