As a captivating relic that blends history with panoramic sea views, Bastion Bungalow tells tales of Kochi’s colonial past through its charming architecture and sturdy walls. This museum offers tourists much more than mere artefacts—it’s the window to the region’s Dutch, British, and Portuguese influences, wrapped in peaceful greenery and serene views of the sea.
Table of Contents
- A Glance at Bastion Bungalow’s Rich Heritage
- What Awaits You Inside the Bungalow?
- What to Know Before Planning a Visit
- Getting There
- Best Time to Visit
- Opening Hours and Entry Fee
- Some Must-See Nearby Attractions
- Wrapping Up
A Glance at Bastion Bungalow’s Rich Heritage
During the 16th century, when Kochi was a colony of the Portuguese, they built a structure with stunning architectural features known as the Fort Immanuel in the Fort Kochi area. The fort was fully equipped to serve the military during wars, comprising ramparts, watch towers, bastions, and many other sections.
In 1663, the Dutch seized control of Kochi, dismantling much of the fort except one (out of the seven) bastion—the Stormberg Bastion. This surviving structure was transformed into the Bastion Bungalow in 1667.
When the British ruled India, the bastion served as an official residence, and decades later, it was converted into a heritage museum by the Kerala government owing to its historical significance. The museum was opened to the public in 2016.
Today, travellers often explore it as part of a relaxed city tour, sometimes even hiring a car rental in Kochi to make the journey comfortable and hassle-free.
What Awaits You Inside the Bungalow?
A visit to the Bastion Bungalow museum, travelling in a car rental in Kochi, takes you on a journey through the city’s rich heritage associated with the Portuguese, the British, and the Dutch. Constructed using brick, laterite, and wood in an Indo-European style, the building features airy rooms, lofty ceilings, patterned tiled roofs, and wide verandahs—all indicative of its colonial heritage.
Some of the most significant items showcased at the museum include elegant sculptures created by distinguished artists from Kerala and two large cannons from the colonial period. Beyond its historical souvenirs, the museum lets visitors enjoy captivating views of the sea from its vantage point that overlooks the Fort Kochi Beach.
What to Know Before Planning a Visit
If the Bastion Bungalow is on your travel list for Kochi, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
Getting There
The bungalow is located just 1.5 km away from the Main Boat Jetty in Kochi, which means it will hardly take 10-15 minutes to reach by booking a cab service in Kochi. The railway station nearest to the location is Ernakulam, which is also 1.5 km away, so you’ll just need to board a cab or a local bus.
However, if you choose to stay near the airport, which is 36 km from the bungalow, it can take over 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Though the Bungalow remains open throughout the year, you should consider visiting in the cooler months, that is, October to March, to ensure the most comfortable experience.
Opening Hours and Entry Fee
The Bastion Bungalow opens as early as 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. Thus, it’s best to start a bit early if you’re travelling to the spot from a more distant location and are looking to cover other nearby spots on the same day.
Using a taxi service app helps you hire cabs seamlessly and can make the commute smoother, especially if you’re planning a flexible itinerary. Also, you’ll be glad to know that entry to the museum is free for all tourists.
Some Must-See Nearby Attractions
Visiting the Bastion Bungalow also gives you the chance to explore several culturally rich attractions that aren’t very far away. Here are the top must-visit destinations that you can choose to travel to by hiring a cab service in Kochi:
- Fort Kochi Beach
Just 3 minutes from the bungalow, Fort Kochi Beach is one of the few serene coastal spots in Kochi, known to offer vibrant views of sunsets and iconic Chinese fishing nets.
- St. Francis Church
Located just a minute away from the Bastion Bungalow, St. Francis Church is one of the oldest churches in the country, and is known for being the original burial site of Vasco Da Gama.
- Mattancherry Palace
The 16th-century palace is located just 3 km away from the Bastion Bungalow. Thus, it will take just 12 minutes to reach the location from the Bungalow via a cab booked through a taxi service app.
Built by the Portuguese, the palace exhibits diverse royal artefacts and Kerala murals that offer a glimpse of the rich colonial past of the city, along with its blend of Indian and European artistic styles.
Wrapping Up
In embracing its centuries-old legacy, Bastion Bungalow casts a quiet spell on every visitor, melding history, heritage, and the soothing whisper of the sea. A day spent here is far more than sightseeing; it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with Kochi’s colonial past.
And when you’re ready to stream the day into a seamless ride, remember Savaari Car Rentals can help you plan that perfect journey. Whether it’s a leisurely day out or a quick stop, experience the heritage of the city with ultimate flexibility and comfort.
