Sunset, Dolphins & Heritage Galore At Brunton Boatyard In Cochin

With the picturesque harbour for a backyard, and a stately Victorian building to call home, Brunton Boatyard will be one of the things to make you want to go back to Cochin.

Fair or not, Kochi/Cochin, is not really a place you’ll keep going back to. No doubt it’ll be the point of entry for the rest of Kerala should you fly in, but otherwise, who’s going to return, right? Wrong!

Brunton Boatyard, moored on the most historic strip of the illustrious Kochi harbour, is a slice of history mixed with modern day luxury. And we’ll take the humid air of God’s Own Country as long as we’re living here.

A restored Victorian shipbuilding yard, it’s now been transformed into an English meets Portuguese meets Dutch boutique hotel offering standard room and suites – all with a fantastic sea view. Done up to take you back in time, four-poster beds, antique furniture and French windows will keep you in the early 19th century mood.

But in the midst of all this grandeur, our favourite spot is the bathroom with the large bathtub where you can happily look out of the perfectly placed windows at the sunset over the sea, with dolphins playing in the fore, and ships finding their way home.

While we’re usually pro exploring the vicinity for meals, the History Restaurant makes us ignore our own advice. Serving authentic Kerala food, we suggest you try the Railway Mutton Curry – cooked for six hours so the meat, redolent with spices, just melts in the mouth. Fish Moilee, Vindaloo and cutlets are other must-haves. Up for a drink? The Armoury Café will sort you out; ask for specials as the barmen are known to whip up some mean, personalised, cocktails. There’s also a terrace grill for the fresh catch of the day.

If you can manage to get out of the swimming pool set in the middle of charming garden courtyard, head to the jetty for a cruise. Yes, that’s right. They have a private craft to ferry you along the harbour to take in the sights and sounds of the port city. Also a great opportunity to catch a closer glimpse of the visuals we earlier got from the tub!

Feeling weary from wandering about the town? Their cute and compact Ayurvedic centre will cure your aches in no time. There’s a reason Kerala massages are so popular.

#LBBTip: If you’re here around December – February, make sure you have their Christmas pudding which is Dutch-inspired, and with just the right amount of cinnamon.