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View of the waterway
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Resort Catch the sunset on the waterway at Fort House in Kochi
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Holiday in a city Fort House
If it’s the rustic and homely that appeals to you, Fort House in Fort Kochi is your kind of place. Located away from the bustle of the city, it is a great place to soak in the history of the old Portuguese colony.
This hotel established by V.G. Thomas and his wife Nova Thomas, is today managed by their children. 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 a panoramic view of the waterway.
Stepping off Calvathy Road and into the hotel compound, you experience old-world charm. The architecture — terracotta verandas, the granite steps leading to it, the low-slung buildings, cane furniture and the scent of Ayurveda — lend that effect. The rooms, each with a private bath, are airy, pleasant and decorated 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 wooden doorway) adds character.
The middle archway opens out to the waterfront, which doubles as an outdoor restaurant. The tables scattered around the pier give you the perfect opportunity to while away your time. If you like people-gazing, there is enough traffic on the water to keep you happy. Or, if it is Nature that appeals to you, take in the sight of the blazing sunset and the sea. The moon-lit nights on the waterfront restaurant are magical.
The restaurant specialises in 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 functions with the technical support of the Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group and offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Speciality treatments include the facial and the Rajakumari (Princess) Ritual, a day-long Ayurveda spa treatment.
For details, e-mail fort_hs@yahoo.com or visit www.hotelforthouse.com
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Tariff
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. 2,500 (all-inclusive with complimentary breakfast)
VIDHU JOHN
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