Description
Malabar House is set in lush tropical gardens with a swimming pool, just a five minute walk from the harbour and the lines of Chinese fishing nets. The building dates back to 1755 and was previously owned by spice traders, tea traders and bankers. It became Fort Cochin's first boutique heritage hotel in 1996.
Each room is furnished with handcrafted furniture and local artefacts that reflect the diversity of South Indian heritage. Rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, minibar, coffee maker, WiFi, and safe deposit boxes.
The hotel’s restaurant is famed for having some of the finest seafood cuisine in Kerala and there is a wine lounge serving delicious tapas. The Ayurvedic spa offers a full range of treatments which will rejuvenate the body and soul.
From the hotel a boat can be easily arranged to go across to the fort. Time can be spent exploring the old fortifications, Mattancherry Palace, the markets, Chinese fishing nets and the old churches of Fort Cochin. You can also take cruises to explore the backwaters of Kerala.
Accommodation
Malabar House offers 11 Deluxe Rooms which are stylish, cosy and surround the main courtyard with their own private gardens with seating. The 5 Roof Garden Suites provide a spacious outdoor private terrace with a sitting area. The Malabar Suite is the largest room category and is ideal for families, it is spread over two floors with a downstairs sitting room, upstairs bedroom and bathroom and large private terrace with swing seat. All rooms and suites feature: distinctive antiques and artwork, air conditioning, cable TV, phone, minibar, coffee maker, wifi and safe.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Malabar House but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool, restaurant, wine lounge, Ayurvedic spa and email facilities
Activities
Free Activities : Walking
When to travel
Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical and as a result of the mountain ranges the area isn’t as dry as much of India. The best time to visit is from January through to April. While there can be the occasional light showers these are just a prelude of the wet weather to come. The weather is generally hot and humid during this early summer. The monsoon season arrives in early June and thus can wash out July and August. September is much more humid as a result of the rainy season, and the fall can be dry but with the humidity this makes it feel quite the warm. There can be a little rain in the night in October and November. The temperatures cool down and the humidity lets up as winter comes in around December, with this season lasting until February when the dry spring returns. Winter can be a pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re looking to head off the beach and explore this Indian land of mystery.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Cochin, Kerala, India
The Malabar House is in the heart of historical Fort Cochin opposite St. Francis Church and a 3-minute walk to the Chinese fishing nets.
How to get there
13-hour flight (via Dubai) to Cochin International Airport. Malabar House is 1-hour from the airport.
