Chittoor Kottaram Ernakulam

Stay at the royal residence of the erstwhile ruling family of Cochin, Chitoor Kottaram is a 300-year-old, tastefully restored three-bedroom abode on the banks of the idyllic backwaters. This deliciously private, single-key mansion is surrounded by serenity and represents the epitome of Kerala’s traditional architecture with subtle hints of European colonial influences. From the traditional reception to the royal repasts, the stay at Chittoor Kottaram exudes exclusivity.

There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, and one on the first floor which also has an attached living room. The living and common spaces feature antique furniture and artefacts, each with their own story from the past. There are plenty of restful nooks and corners including a plunge pool styled like the traditional temple ponds. Guests are pampered at meal times with the fresh catch-of-the-day and traditional Kerala meals served at a favoured location of choice. The private boat is in reserve to explore the network of channels and the unique life in the backwaters or go up to Fort Kochi. An evening of rituals and traditional performances ushers in emotions and stories from the region’s rich past.

Location

Chittor Kottaram is located in Cheranallur – an island just north of Kochi. The nearest airport is Cochin International airport 26 km while the nearest railhead is Ernakulam Railway Station 6km away.

Things to know

The food served is home-style and a showcase of Kerala cuisine; food preferences are always taken beforehand.
There’s an exclusive boat at your disposal for transfers and sightseeing.
Although it was the former residence of the royal family, the palace is in no way ostentatious. It is simple and comfortable that reflects subtle grandeur and sophistication, much like the royalty that once lived and ruled here.
Chittor Kottaram is connected to Kochi by the Chittoor-Vaduthala bridge and is just 7km from Fort Cochin.

Rooms & Suites

There are two bedrooms on the ground floor and a master bedroom on the first floor which also has an attached living room. The living and common spaces feature antique furniture and artifacts, each with its own story from the past.

Restaurants & Bars

Royal repasts at the Chitoor Kottaram are traditional Kerala meals prepared with fresh local produce and aromatic spices from the region. Lunch is served on a plantain leaf, evening tea is served with favorite local short eats while dinners are more elaborate and indulgent. Meals are served in different locations – the dining area, by the waterside, at the gazebo, or out in nature at the veranda or in the open garden.

Spa & Wellness

Royal pampering comes in the form of personal Ayurvedic massages in a therapy area inside the property.

Experiences

The experiences include massages, private cultural shows, and backwater cruises. Given the proximity to Fort Kochi, guests often take the one-hour ride for a day excursion. Places to visit nearby: Muziris Archeological Site and the local markets for spices and Kerala’s traditional textiles.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

CGH aptly translates to ‘clean, green and healthy’ and every CGH Earth experience rests on certain cardinal principles that are the foundation of the brand’s core values: caring for the environment, working with local communities, and being one with the local ethos. The staff of Chitoor Kottaram are local inhabitants from the surrounding neighbourhoods and offer guests a treasure trove of local lore and history.