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This magnificent bungalow built in Indo-European architectural style is located near the Vasco da Gama square in Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district. The sea-facing structure retells tales of the colonial past of Kochi and its association with the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The architecture of the building is spell-binding with its spacious rooms, high ceilings, open veranda and tiled, patterned roofs. The construction is a combination of brick, laterite and wood. Declared a protected monument by the state Archaeology Department, the Bastion Bungalow has a heritage museum which displays paintings, artefacts and infographics. The interactive nature of the display gives deep insights into the history of Kochi.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese built Fort Immanuel. The fort had bastions, ramparts, watch towers and numerous other structures. Following the war with the Dutch in which the Dutch won, the fort was demolished. However, the bastions survived. The Dutch built the bungalow as part of the Stromberg bastion. Such was the quality of the construction that it remained in good condition for years and served as an official residence during the British colonial rule. Realizing the significance of the building, the government of Kerala converted the bungalow into a heritage museum, and public entry was allowed in 2016.
A visit to Fort Kochi is incomplete without dropping in at the Bastion Bungalow. Those with an eye for architecture and history will certainly love this place. It has a tunnel in the basement and two cannons preserved from the colonial era.
Getting there
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam, about 1½ km from the main boat jetty
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 30 km from Ernakulam
Contact :
DTPC Ernakulam
Ph: + 91 484 2367334, + 91 9847331200
Email : info@dtpcernakulam.com
Topics: Ernakulam Picnic Spots
