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Commissioned on the 18th of August, 1999 , is a great tribute to the city
of Cochin. Designed and built in the style and principle of the early
Dutch and Portugese architecture of Fort Cochin blends very well into
the Cochin skyline. It's hard to believe that the Brunton is a new building
since it resembles the old colonial buildings of Cochin. The simple lime
washed walls, sloping tile roof and terra-cotta floors witht eht Gaint
Rain Tree completing the picture.
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Accommodation:
Situated at the Harbour mouth overlooking the busy ship channel
all rooms boast of a magnificient view of the sea and the Delta.
There is never a dull moment out there for boats of every size and
color constantly ply these waters not forgetting the mammoth Ocean
liners which silently glide past just outside the window. The rooms
too are quite quaint and designed in keeping with the rest of the
hotel. The eye catching antique " Four Poster " is the
center of attraction in the rooms and suites. We have even provided
little foot stools to help you climb into bed. The spacious ensuite
bathrooms are a luxury with a separate shower cubicle.
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All
bathrooms too enjoy a great view and there is no better way to enjoy
a luxurious bath than to lie in the long tub and keep the window shutters
open to watch a fascinating scene below. Most rooms have a balcony.
The corner suites are larger with a separate sitting/dining and a
private pantry for the Butler. The best way to enjoy Cochin is to
get on one of the innumerable boats that ply these waters and cruise
around. The Hotel has its own private jetty, which doubles up as a
"cafe". Over looking the pool garden and the sea. One could
spend a full afternoon doing nothing or enjoy an exotic cocktail at
the jetty before dining at one of Bruntons fine restaurants. |
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Restaurants:
The History Restaurant is a unique gastronomic exploration of
Kerala's famous port and its rich past. Fort Cochin, has attracted
seafaring traders for over six-centuries. The allure of black pepper,
ginger and cardamom has drawn many traders to Kerala's fertile coast
and as the Arabs, Portugese, Dutch and finally the British competed
to control the spice trade they made their mark on the local culture.
Another reason outsiders made their way to Cochin was Kerala's reputation
for religious tolerance.
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The Terrace
Grill adjacent to the History restaurant opens for Dinner. Choice
selection of the " Day's Catch" fresh from the Chinese
fishing nets and the fishing boats that constantly pass by the hotel
will be grilled to perfection, just the way you like. Overlooking
the busy ferry terminal and the bazaar down below, perfect place
to watch the life of a city while enjoying a delicious sea food
dinner.
The collection
of dishes is the result of the tireless efforts of our Chef's who
convinced the descendents of some of fort Cochin's oldest families
to share their prized recipes, we hope it is the most delicious
history lesson you ever have.
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History:
Cochin was born in
a storm, nurtured in rivalry, and established as the Crossroads of the
Battling Empires of Europe: Portugese, Dutch and British.
In the 1340's torrential
rains filled the Periyar River which broke through the Arabian Sea and
formed Cochin's protected harbour. Trading ships soon sailed in and out.
The much photographed Chinese fishing nets at the harbour-mouth, best
seen at sunset, testify to Cochin's pre-European association with China.
And
in an intriguing side note to history, the Americas were discoverd
by Christopher Columbus and Pedro Alvarez Cabral, and named after
Amerigo Vespucci: all three were searching for trading ties with Cochin.
Success however, came to another European navigator. In 1502, Portugese
Seafarer Vasco Da Gama came to Cochin seeking spices and converts.
He found his spices, launced Europe's great Age of Exploration, and
prayed in the first European Church in Asia.
Vasco Da Gama die in Cochin on Christmas Day 1524 and was buried in
this church - St. Francis Church. Though his remains were later removed
to Portugal, his grave is marked with a plaque and a brass rail. |
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The
King of Cochin offered a safe haven to Syrian Christians and Jews and
these groups became an integral part of the community. Each group that
came to Kerala arrived with their own culinary traditions, yet these cuisines
took new forms as they adapted to the South Indian climte and its fruits,
vegetables and spices. So the port city became a melting pot of new ideas
and ingredients. The Portugese, for example, came for Kerala's black pepper
and left behind the new world Chilli, for even changing the character
of Indian cooking. Arab traders brought with them a taste for dried fruits
and nuts, and rich dishes like " biryani ". The Syrian Christians
had combined their meat curries with "appams". The rice-based
South Indian Pancakes. And while the Jews maintained a Kosher diet, they
integrated seasonings like coriander and curry leaves into their cooking.
The Armoury offers a breath-taking view of the Delta. Serving mini
meals light snacks and tall drinks is open right through the day and
a major part of the night. The collection of arms and weapons on display
tells a tale of the fierce battles that was raged on these shores.
The restaurant overflows into the garden. Yet another perfect spot
to enjoy the sights flavours of Fort Cochin. |
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There is no better
way to explore this Historic Port than by staying at the very same place
where the saga unfolded 500 years ago. Believed to have been built by
Vasco Da Gama in 1498. The City still retains its character style and
pace of its early inhibitants. Today, thankfully Fort Cochin has been
declared a Heritage Zone and hopefully will retain its place in history
so that future generations get an opportunity to get a glimpse of its
colorful past.
No remains of the
Fort survived, however a walking tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry
will be an unforgettable experience. Maps and directions are available
at various shops for you to discover the ancient city.
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