Bastion Bungalow,Kochi
By Vishnudas
Constructed in the year 1667, the Bastion Bungalow is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kochi. To be found on River Road in Fort Kochi, the Bungalow is an exceptional example of the fusion of Indo-European style and the Dutch style. This portrays a unique style that draws the attention of innumerable tourists from both national and international level. In practice, the Bastion Bungalow is the official abode of the Sub Collector. The Bastion Bungalow is named as so as it is positioned on the location of Stromsburg Bastion of the Dutch fort.
HistoryFort Immanuel was constructed by the Portuguese during the ultimate decades of the 16th century. In 1663, when Kochi was seized by the Dutch, they started devastating the fort and condensed it to nearly one third its original size. Initially, the fort possessed seven bastions. The Portuguese built Fort Immanuel during the early decades of the 16th century. When the Dutch captured Kochi in 1663, they started destroying the fort and reduced it to almost one third its size. Originally, the fort had seven bastions. Out of these, the Stormberg bastion was soon after renewed to the Bastion Bungalow. The British who ruled afterward, destroyed part of the fort through early 1800 but did not touch the building. He left the building undamaged.After the Independence of India, the Bastion Bungalow was crooked into the residence of the sub collector and later in the year 2000 was given to the Archeology Department of the state of Kerala. Since the Bungalow is well renowned for its magnificence and grandeur, due to this fact it was also an element of the Ivory Merchant film ‘Cotton Mary’ during the 90s.At present, it has been announced that the Bungalow would soon turn into a museum, in fact the first district heritage museum in the state. This would require a time of two years.ArchitectureThe Bastion Bungalow is an awesome instance of architecture. It provides an exemplary example of Indo-European architecture. The place is well appreciated by the lovers and admirers of architecture.
Incorporated into a wall of the original fort, the bungalow has long, open verandahs and a tiled roof in graphical patterns. Materials such as brick, laterite and wood are utilized for construction purposes. The first floor verandah is ended exclusively of wood. It has been said that there is a complex of secret tunnels underneath the bungalow, but nothing has been brought into being yet.The Bastion Bungalow is highlighted and popular due to its Dutch style of architecture. Absorbed into the outwork of a substantial fortification wall, the Bungalow without any delay induces the inquisitiveness of the spectators. A name plate on either side of the wall declares that the Bungalow is the official residence of the Sub Collector. It was declared a secluded monument by the Archaeology Department of the State. The Bungalow is also one of the favorites of the film industry.
Things to do:Since Bastion Bungalow is one of the major sites of Kerala, it has a lot stored in it. It is an ideal place for photography where one captures the historical building as a sign of memento. Since the place is being converted into a museum, one can learn more about its historical facts and obviously its splendor through its grand architecture.The place would prove to be a relishing treat for the architecture lovers as it displays an exceptional example of architecture.How to reach:One can easily access Kochi via air, rail and road.By air:Located at a considerable distance of about 15km from the Bastion Bungalow, lies the Cochin international airport. In fact, it is the nearest airport to the place.By road: Roads are one of the easiest ways to reach the place. The roadways to fort Kochi are well linked to other places in the main city so that one can easily access the place. By rail:Ernakulam railway station is the adjacent railway station placed within 35 km from the Bastion Bungalow.Other modes of transport are also available such as the ferries, boats, auto rickshaws and buses.