A major part of Fort Kochi still reflects the opulent
lifestyle of the colonial era. The architectural splendor of classic colonial
style buildings take you through historic memories of European style
architecture.
The haunting hints of its colonial past bring alive the
bygone glory of a historical era in architecture. Crimpson-shaded wooden roofs
made of flat face rafters, the buildings, the doorways, the streets; almost
everything in Fort Kochi narrates the tale of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the
British.
Mosaic
of cultures
Fort Kochi is home to a lot of cultures. Even though most of
the buildings have undergone stages of renovation, a healthy part of it still
stays true to the roots of European Architecture.
David Hall
David Hall was built around 1695 by the Dutch East India
Company. The roof structured in the form
of an upturned hill is a real architectural wonder. The wooden roof droops
slightly because of the horizontal beam and trusses are put to support them. The
three-foot wide walls and four-column windows gracefully add to the elegance of
the well-manicured garden and old trees around.
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| David Hall |
Koder House
Koder House is a magnificent three-storied structure built
by the Portuguese in the 1800s. Rebuilt and renovated, Koder House is today,
one of the most imposing heritage hotels in Fort Kochi. The renovation was made
with definite plans adhering to the finest style of Indo-European architecture.
Opulent wooden floors, carved furniture and high glass paned
windows are some of the unique features of the mansion. Huge open spaces
embellished by wide teak staircases add to the splendor of the building.
 |
| Koder House |
Percie Leslie Bungalow
Built in 1862, the Percie Leslie Bungalow is a fine blend of
Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Wooden ceilings, arched doorways and
carved doors are authentic inspirations of European architecture. Waterfront
verandhas is the other prominent feature of this building.
 |
| Percie Leslie Bungalow |
A
museum of local history
Fort Kochi’s story is like a melting pot of European
flavours. You’ll never get tired of exploring. A walk through the narrow lanes
takes you on a high of architectural grandeur. Though most of the heritage homes
and buildings have found new life as boutique resorts and hotels, you are never
denied the chance to have a look back at former glories. Fitting many facets of
an olden day colonial architecture, Fort Kochi stands tall as a museum of local
history, a place where stories live through buildings.
When powerful colonial influences coupled with the regional perceptions,
the architecture did flourish. Not only do we find revived mansions of classic
European architecture, but we also see the gladdening urge for a colonial
inspiration in modern homes. The modernist approach of colonial revival is
catching up interest and more people are seeking a colonial feature in their
homes. Carion Bilta, the leading architecture and interior designing company in
Kerala can help you find the holistic experience of revived colonial expression
in your homes.
