Few places hold the mystery and enchantment that one can experience in Cochin, Kerala. The Tea Bungalow is situated on the northern tip of Fort Cochin. As you enter the gates, might you have the feeling that you’ve suddenly stepped back in time when the writings of Rudyard Kipling were fresh in the minds of the world traveler. The beauty that you behold can only be described as a photo image of 1912 India.
The colonial-style Tea Bungalow, meant to be a place of business when built, has been redesigned with an eye for detail and a respect for historic architecture. It has become a modern luxury hotel. The suites are elegantly furnished in carefully chosen wood and sensually clad in silk. They are named for sea ports of the African and Arabian Coasts. There are 10 rooms, 6 in the original 1912 building and 4 more in a recently constructed annex that matches the colonial style. The rooms on the first floor have a garden view, while the rooms on the second floor have balconies. Each is modernly equipped with scale bathing facilities, robes and tasteful toiletries.
They have thoughtfully included more modern amenities, such as phones, CD and DVD, television and radio, and Wi-Fi Internet and satellite with a good selection of channels. Café du Mahe seats 50 with tables for 4 or 6, and serves Indian, Kerala Continental cuisines. There is also al fresco dining for those who like to take their meals in the fresh air, as they look out over the beautiful landscaping.
The Travancore Lounge is an excellent place to start the morning with a cup of coffee, or ease into the night with a good book. Or perhaps a program on the large flat screen television is more to your liking. For exercise, one might enjoy a the garden or a swim in the pool where towels have thoughtfully been provided with each sun lounger.
The Tea Bungalow is well-situated near the Spice District with many interesting and exciting things to do. Bike rentals or boat and auto-rickshaw tours are available for the young at heart. For the more mature and sophisticated guest, the Mattancherry Palace Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Francis Church, are nearby. Of course, for shoppers, there is no-end to variety of merchants selling their wares to keep them busy.
When you’ve returned to the Tea Bungalow in the evening, you might enjoy the luxury of a bath or shower, and order room service. Then allow the night to immerse you in the enigmatic wonder and the beauty that is Cochin, Kerala. If you sit quietly enough, you might hear the ancient murmurings of the 1912 coir and spice traders.
Tea Bunglow, 1/1901, Kunumpuram, Fort, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Bookings can be made on Agoda or Booking.com.
Exterior of Tea Bunglow
Lobby and also the restaurant space
Take a dip in the pool after a hot day in Kochi
My room in Tea Bunglow
