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For a panoramic view of the waterway

Holiday in a city Fort House is connected to the city by both road and waterway

If it’s the rustic and homely that appeals to you then Fort House, situated in quiet Fort Kochi is the ideal place . Located away from the bustle of the city it is a great place to stay while you tool around and soak in the history of the old Portuguese colony.

This hotel was established by V.G. Thomas and his wife Nova Thomas and today is managed by their children. In the decade since its conception it has slowly grown maintaining its character. With 19 rooms it’s small and intimate . Set around a lush tropical garden right on the edge of the Mattancherry Channel , Fort House is a perfect combination of soothing calm, greenery and panoramic view of the waterway.

Stepping off the generally calm Calvathy Road and into the hotel compound is an invitation to step into an old-world scenario. It’s not the age of the building (because there is nothing old about it) or a smattering of antique pieces (there are very few and most of them don’t come under the label ‘antique’) that gives this feel, rather the architecture. The presence of the terracotta verandas, the granite steps leading to it, the low slung buildings, cane furniture, the scent of Ayurveda that takes you away from real-time. Terracotta statues, wooden and granite seats that dot the property and the scent of frankincense in the evenings add to the atmosphere.

The rooms, each with a private bath, are airy, pleasant and in warm earthy colours. They open out into a veranda overlooking the wild garden. A full-length mirror set into what appears to be an ‘aravathil’ (old doorways made of thick wood) adds character to every room. The wall at the opposite end of the property affords you tantalising glimpses of the channel through the archways. The middle archway opens out to the waterfront that doubles as an outdoor restaurant. The tables scattered around the pier gives you the perfect opportunity to while away your time. If you like people-gazing then there is enough traffic on the water to keep you happy. Or if its nature that appeals the sight of the blazing sunset, the sea and the green of Vypeen sprawled near the mouth of the harbour will add to your enjoyment. The moonlit nights on the waterfront restaurant are magical.

The restaurant favours Latin Christian style of cuisine (mainly seafood) and is popular with the tourists. Recently a few Portuguese dishes have been introduced in the menu. The Ayurveda House with a resident doctor adds to the attraction of the hotel. The centre functions with the technical support of Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group and offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments. The facial and herbal foot treatments are specialties offered here along with the Rajakumari (Princess) Ritual, which is a one-day Ayurveda spa treatment.

Fort House is the place to come to get away from the crowd and spend a lazy holiday. It’s also ideal for family get-togethers or as a place to simply hang out with friends. And it’s close enough to the city that you can zip along for a visit!

Fort House is a 30-40 minutes drive away from the heart of the city, Ernakulam. For details call Phone: 0484 2217 103, 2217 173. You can also email: fort_hs@yahoo.com or browse through www.hotelforthouse.com

Season Rs. 3,800 plus 15 per cent tax. Breakfast is complimentary. Peak season (mid December to end of January) will see a 10 per cent hike in the fare.

Off-season (May, June, July) Rs. 2500 (all-inclusive with complimentary breakfast

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