Pictures of streets filled with stories and whispers of old trading routes cross the mind whenever one thinks of Fort Kochi. On my recent foray into this charming little corner of India, staying at Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi added to the experience. Let me take you along on a journey to explore the rich colonial heritage of Fort Kochi and uncover some of its hidden treasures. 

Arriving at Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi

From the moment I stepped into Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi, I felt as if I had gone back in time. The building was a beautiful 170-year-old property from the colonial era, full of character. The lobby was a delight, filled with antiques and even a vintage car that seemed to whisper tales of travellers from another age.

My room overlooked the sea so I just had to sit there for a while gazing out at the water. Décor was a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. I could promise myself a good night’s sleep on CloudBed™ but I had already dreamed about adventures ahead.

Wake up to History

Fort Kochi is an excellent starting point for early risers. I walked to the Church of Saint Francis, which was nine minutes from my hotel, to start my morning on a good footing. This church, built in 1503, is the oldest European-built church in India and was the original burial place of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. Walking through the aisles, I could almost sense the echoes of centuries of praying and praying.

Exploring Bustling History of Jew Town

It is a five-minute walk from Bloom to reach Jew Town, one of the most interesting parts of Fort Kochi. These streets are lined with shops selling antiques, spices, and finely created handmade crafts. The air was fragrant with a whiff of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves reminding me of Fort Kochi’s spice trading heritage. I spent hours wandering in and out of different shops as I wanted to relish each store’s anecdote over that product line on their racks.

Lunch with an Enchanting View 

Having done all the exploration of Jew Town, I walked back to Bloom Boutique to enjoy lunch at their fabulous outdoor restaurant overlooking the sea. The gentle sailboats swaying along the water, set a beautiful ambiance. While I was enjoying the great food, fresh local flavors, and not a care in the world-this is where I realised why so many candlelit dinners took place here-it was just so wonderful, a kind of romanticism and peace.

Folklore Museum- Foray into the Arts and Culture

Just a five-minute walk away from where I was, stood the Folklore Museum. It houses traditional arts and artefacts through which the culture of Kerala is portrayed. From old musical instruments to masks used in various dance forms, each artefact tells a story. I seemed to be joining the dots between the colonial past of Fort Kochi and its vibrant present.

Walking Through Fort Kochi

I could not leave Fort Kochi without strolling through its streets and watching the Chinese fishing nets in action. Believed to have been brought here by Chinese traders as early as the 14th century, these nets are still used by local fishermen today. It was a breathtaking view to see them silhouetted against the setting sun, so I couldn’t help but take a few photos of them.

There were a lot of activities on Fort Kochi Beach near the cottage. Street food stalls along the street were selling the most amazing foods, from spicy Kerala fish fry to fresh coconut water. I snacked and sat back, watched the waves  roll in, and felt some calmness only the sea can give.

Afternoons and evenings spent at Bloom Boutique

After a whole day of exploring, coming back to Bloom Boutique felt like coming home. The hotel’s amazing swimming pool for a refreshing dip; it was a perfect opportunity to take advantage of high-speed WiFi to share my day’s adventures with friends. And, of course, not to forget that the quirky decoration at the hotel was full of really Instagram-worthy spots, so I had to take a few more snaps.

From another cup of tea to suggestions on where else to go, the staff warmly enhanced my stay. Indeed, as promised, everything does “just work” here at Bloom.

Night Lights and Waterfront Walks

But then again, it was good that I was staying here at Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi as it is close to the water body. The cool breeze, the twinkling lights of ships, and faint music notes that drift through the window of an adjacent café made the night enchanting. 

I could not leave without a walk to the Jain Temple, two minutes from Bloom. The environment is quiet and so still-the last place of closing the night full of discovery.

Wrapping Up My Stay

Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi was a comfortable place, it made exploring the area so easy and enjoyable when my stay in Fort Kochi was near its end. From old-world charm to modern amenities like the cosy CloudBed™ and a great terrace restaurant, this hotel was the perfect base for my journey.

Fort Kochi is a colonial heritage in itself, through its art, food, and lively streets. So, if you ever plan to visit here, trust me and choose Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi, it will make your experience even more memorable. 

It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a step into history with all the comforts of today.