Unlike, palaces and big mansions of the northern
states that are highly decorative and luxurious with all sorts of embellishments, the ones in Kerala have more or less have similar and humble architectural design and style native to this region,
but their elegance and beauty is just overwhelming. What is unique about Kerala architecture is the building design is in unison with the prevailing environments here, besides climatic conditions. Heavy SW Monsoon beginning in June is a major factor in the design of dwellings, bungalows of Kerala. This state, a main Western Ghat region, has lofty mountains, backwaters and rivers. Since, there are plenty of wooded areas, quality wood is widely used in the building construction work. Among the old colonial bungalows, Pierce and Leslie Bungalow is worth mentioning.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Fort
Kochi is a colonial building built in 1862 by the Coffee merchants
Pierce Leslie & Co., and it functioned as its office for business
dealings. Kerala is known to have countless
tea and coffee estates as
the climate and the geomorphological factors are conducive to their
growth. This beautiful bungalow that is made mostly of quality wood
available here shows local Indian, Dutch and Portuguese influence in the
designs as revealed by features like peculiar wood panels, tiled
roofing, flooring, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms,
expensive chambers, etc. The addition of Waterfront verandahs adds
extra charm to this nice bungalow. Particular in the hot summer season one can relax in the veranda enjoying the cool breeze from the water front.
This building is no way different from other Kerala Bungalows, except its design. Its elegance is in full flow as the local design is blended with European designs. It shows the easy availability of local talents whose workmanship and ingenuity is quite inspiring. No doubt, it is a good example of grand epitome of cultural amalgamation of local and foreign influence. Particularly, this historical and heritage structure stands in the middle of lines of coconut groves and pristine back waters in the backdrop, and consequently, the old charm of this colonial bungalow is increased manifold. When you visit this place, it is said, the settings will take you right back to the colonial days.
Tit-Bits:
In Kochi and around its place, there are countless monuments - both Indian and colonial and this place is a haven for tourists who look for new adventure, something, they've not tried before. The experience one will get is rich and colorful.
Above image: A heritage bungalow (home stay) near St. Theresa's Chapel , Vypeen, Kochi, Kerala.
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Mattancherry Dutch palace, Kerala. keralatourism.org
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Above image: Old harbor bungalow is an old heritage structure built in the 18th century in Dutch colonial style. It has turned into a luxury boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Ft. Kochi, you can access many attractions nearby.
The Dutch palace was built around 1545 C.E. by the Portuguese to give it as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty. It has a spacious hall with a fine courtyard. It is also home to
deity of the royal family, Pazhayannu Bhagavathy Amman. The palace ha a sort of mini museum with a vast collection of mural paintings, old coins, weapons like dagger, sheathed swords, etc.
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