The Points South Point of View – Indian cities can be overwhelming and exhausting places with traffic congestion making journey times frustratingly long. The smaller cities such as Mysore in Karnataka, Cochin in Kerala and Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu are very rewarding offering excellent culture, historical buildings and shopping opportunities.
| Cochin | |
 | Brunton Boatyard - Occupying a prominent position on the waterfront, Brunton is built in a traditional style with a long airy verandah around a central courtyard. It is part of the distinguished CGH group. Each room has a balcony overlooking the sea, providing a constant theatre of local ferries and fishermen. The rooms are stylishly furnished with Indian style bedsteads and great bathrooms. There is a lovely pool on the waterfront. Breakfast is taken on the waterfront terrace with a roof-top restaurant for evenings. Brunton Boatyard also provides a sunset cruise around the harbour every evening. |
 | Chittoor Palace - CGH Earth renovated this 300-year-old private palace built originally for the Maharaja of Cochin when he was visiting the temple adjacent to the palace. Accessed only by boat with lovely gardens overlooking the backwaters, this unique property offers complete privacy - it only has three bedrooms and accommodates one party and guests. Chittoor Palace offers ayurvedic massage and has a plunge pool. It is a one-hour boat ride or forty minutes' drive from Cochin. |
 | Old Harbour Hotel - The Old Harbour hotel is a beautifully restored 18th Century Dutch colonial style building. The original charm and character of the building has been retained and enhanced by delightful gardens and swimming pool. The rooms are furnished in a traditional Indian style with contemporary art. There is an excellent restaurant, with tables set in the garden alongside live traditional music in the evenings. The hotel looks across to the Chinese fishing nests, a central location for exploring Fort Cochin. |
 | Malabar House - Overlooking the parade ground, this elegant building dates back to 1755. Malabar House is part of the Relais en Chateaux group, and was opened in 1996 as Cochin's first boutique hotel. The décor seamlessly combines traditional and contemporary design. Each room has been individually styled with either a balcony or roof terrace. The rooms centre around a frangipani filled courtyard where meals are taken, and the restaurant is one of the best in Cochin. There is also a wine and tapas bar, which feature an interesting art gallery. Malabar house is an oasis of calm in a central location on Fort Cochin. |
 | Eighth Bastion - Also part of the renowned CGH group and with a Dutch seafaring influence, this stylish small boutique hotel has been built in a contemporary style. It is located in a very convenient location by the parade ground. The large rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and have spacious bathrooms. Each room has a balcony, and some have a sea view. There is an Indonesian themed restaurant, and a courtyard garden with a pool. |
 | The Tea Bungalow - Formerly owned by the Brooke Bond Tea Company, the house was built in 1912 and was once used to accommodate visiting senior management. It has since been imaginatively restored as a small boutique hotel. It has ten rooms all decorated in a contemporary Indian style, a restaurant, charming garden with a small pool and terrace. Located about ten minutes- walk from the parade ground. |
 | The Secret Garden - Tucked away in a quiet residential area, this delightful traditional Keralan house has been carefully restored by the Icelandic owner. It has five rooms in the main house. It is furnished well, with elegant and traditional furniture leading onto the veranda. The courtyard garden has a swimming pool. A peaceful haven after a busy days' sightseeing. |
 | Francis Residence - Mr Francis ran several good hotels in Fort Cochin, and in 2016 he opened his own homestay with his wife. Centrally located with a small patio garden, it is conveniently located for exploring the Fort area. |
 | Xandari Harbour - On the waterfront with lovely views across the harbour. The hotel has been cleverly designed with the bedrooms located in a modern building on two floors. The spacious rooms have large windows to enjoy the harbour views and overlook a courtyard with a lovely pool. The restaurant is situated in an old converted spice warehouse with dining on the terrace. On the second floor is a games room and library. Centrally located in the Matancherry area of Fort Cochin. |
