The Malabar House, Fort Cochin

Housed in a heritage building right in the historical center of Fort Cochin, the Malabar House faces St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. It is the first Boutique Hotel in South India. The Malabar House houses a selective collection of art from the Malabar coast and gives the traveler all the amenities of a small luxury hotel. Whether you come back from a tour to the close-by backwaters or from shopping in Jew town, you will certainly enjoy returning to The Malabar House. The hotel offers Kalari massage, one of the oldest schools of Ayurveda as relaxation and rejuvenation therapy. The Malabar House offers eclectic leisure destinations to the backwaters and plantation hills. Visit the new Malabar escapes for a highly private Kerala experience.

Getting There

The Malabar House is situated on Parade Ground right in the center of the Heritage Zone of Fort Cochin with it's historical buildings, facing the St. Francis church and 2 minutes walk from the sea front with the Chinese fishing nets. Location: on the shore of the Vembanad lake, opp. Kumarakom, 45 km to Cochin

The Airport is 45 Km, Harbour 8 Km and Railway Station 12 Km away.

Things to do

The Malabar House is situated in the center of the Heritage Zone of Fort Cochin on the old Parade Ground surrounded by its historical buildings, facing the St. Francis Church and 2 minutes walk from the sea front with Chinese fishing nets.

All historical sites as well as the Indo- Portuguese Museum, build by the Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon are at walking distance.

The Jewish Synagogue in Mattanchery, build in 1568 is considered the oldest existing synagogue worldwide. Close by is the Dutch Palace, build in 1555 by the Portuguese for the Raja of Cochin with its famous frescos. Both are linked by the famous Jew town antique market, an art shoppers paradise. The distance from the Malabar House is only 4 km., less than 10 minutes by car.

It takes 5 minutes leisurely walk to the close by boat jetty from where you can take a harbour cruise or depart by boat to the backwaters.

Privacy at sanctuary bay the secluded Malabar escapes right on the Venbanad Lake is one hour by car or speedboat. Serenity at Kanam estate, a dream come true 1920th estate bungalow in the middle of Kanam rubber estate, is 2 hours drive half way to Periyar.

Munnar with its tea gardens, lakes and streams up in the high ranges of the western ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cardamom Hills and Kovalam with its beautiful beaches near the southern tip of India are all within a 4 hours drive.

ONAM, the great harvest festival, falls on end of August. The famous snake boat races are held at ONAM. CHRISTMAS and EASTER, since Fort Cochin is predominantly Christian.

Accommodation

The Malabar House with all the laid back splendour of a colonial villa has been transformed by a design conscious restoration. The building houses 17 luxury rooms and suite rooms.

The Malabar Suite duplex has a private roof garden terrace

3 Roof Garden Suites on first floor with private roof garden terrace.

4 Suite Rooms, 2 on first floor with private roof terrace and 2 on ground floor with sit outs.

9 Deluxe Rooms on ground floor each with sit outs or private garden.

Malabar House offers selected private properties in spectacular locations accessible to the discerning traveler.

Privacy at Vembanad Lake
Privacy, a secluded two-bedroom property right on the shore of the Vembanad lake at the heart of the backwaters is a beautiful and laid back, highly personal place to stay. For total privacy the bungalow is rented out to only one client at a time.

Serenity at Kanam Estate
Another eclectic destination en route to Periyar - Serenity offers delights at a rural tropical paradise. Serenity has a total of 6 bedrooms. Rooms are also rented out individually.

Eating

The Malabar Junction – a garden restaurant, offers fresh seafood with a personal blend of regional and Mediterranean flavours.

Facilities

The building is settled in a garden with large trees and tropical vegetation, contributing to the unique ambience of Fort Cochin. The garden houses a swimming pool, an ancient stage for regular cultural events and the restaurant.

The Malabar House offers its own program of cultural performances on the ancient stage in the patio.

The travel desk at the front office undertakes air and rail bookings, organizes cruises, reserves stays at the Malabar Escapes as well as houseboats in the backwaters and arranges private tours. Licensed guides are available on request.