Why Brunton Boatyard Is A Fort Kochi Favourite
If a stay in Fort Kochi is on the cards during your adventure through South India, you can't go past the iconic Brunton Boatyard by CHG Earth.
With over 600 years of layered history, Kochi - or Cochin, as it was known during colonial times - is a city shaped by the tides of trade and empire. “Cochin” echoes its Portuguese, Dutch, and British past, while “Kochi” embraces its Malayalam roots and modern identity.
Within this coastal gem lies Fort Kochi, a serene enclave of crumbling colonial mansions, tree-lined streets, and sea views framed by iconic Chinese fishing nets. Wondering if it’s worth staying here during your trip to Kerala? Fort Kochi isn’t just another stop on the map, it’s a place to linger - and few stays immerse you in its timeless charm quite like Brunton Boatyard.
Situated on the site of a 19th-century British shipyard in the historic district of Fort Kochi, Brunton Boatyard is often described as “vintage luxury” and blends colonial-era architecture with modern comforts.
Where is Brunton Boatyard located?
Brunton Boatyard is a heritage hotel situated along the waterfront in Fort Kochi, Kerala. Once a 19th-century shipyard, the hotel recreates the spirit of old Malabar with colonial-style architecture and views of the bustling harbour.
Globally recognised author Salman Rushdie based his novel The Moor's Last Sigh at the Brunton Boatyard Hotel in Fort Kochi. The novel tells the story of a Portuguese merchant family in southern India, with events spanning from 1900 to the present. Even spending an hour in Brunton Boatyard will enlighten you as to why Rushdie was inspired by this building and its surrounding streets.
Wandering through Fort Kochi feels like stepping into a storybook of layered histories. The town’s cobbled streets and colonial-era buildings reflect centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. Travellers can visit the famous Chinese fishing nets, the 400-year-old Paradesi Synagogue, ancient mosques, and remnants of the British Raj. The area is also a vibrant cultural centre, offering traditional Kathakali dance performances and Kalaripayattu martial arts.
With its easy access to the ferries connecting to Willingdon and Vypeen Islands, and its location close to the lively mainland hub of Ernakulam, Brunton Boatyard offers a perfect base for exploring the unique layers of Kochi’s past and present.
What is the history of Brunton Boatyard?
Brunton Boatyard is a striking reflection of Kochi’s maritime and colonial past. The hotel stands on the site of the George Brunton & Sons shipbuilding company, one of the most prominent yards during British rule. Over time, as the demand for wooden shipbuilding declined, the boatyard was abandoned, leaving behind traces of its industrial and imperial legacy. Its history is deeply linked to the European influences that shaped Fort Kochi over centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British presence.
In the late 20th century, the CGH Earth group undertook the restoration of this historic site, transforming it into a heritage hotel. Rather than modernising the space beyond recognition, the group focused on restoring the spirit of the original colonial architecture. With features like lime-plastered walls, sloping wooden ceilings, terracotta flooring and broad verandahs that overlook the harbour, the hotel feels historic and inviting. Each design choice reflects the aesthetic and function of a coastal building, offering guests a strong sense of place and connection to the past.
Today, guests at Brunton Boatyard can enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the bustling harbour, where fishing boats and ferries share space with cargo ships. More than just a place to stay, it is a living museum, offering a glimpse into the city’s layered history through architecture, storytelling and experience.
CGH Earth spent six long years carefully restoring Brunton Boatyard to its former glory, and the grounds were restructured from scratch before opening to the public in 1999.
How many rooms does Brunton Boatyard have?
Brunton Boatyard is a five-star hotel with just 22 rooms, each offering sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the bustling Kochi harbour. The thoughtfully designed rooms reflect the elegance of the colonial period with a calm and intimate atmosphere.
As a small hotel, Brunton Boatyard offers highly personalised service, ensuring an exclusive experience and memorable stay for each guest. Whether you enjoy stunning sunsets over the palm-fringed shores of Vypin Island or relax in the comfort of your room, Brunton Boatyard invites you to live the charm and character of historic Kochi at a gentler pace.
What are the key facilities and features of Brunton Boatyard?
Brunton Boatyard is a quiet retreat along the harbourfront in Fort Kochi. The property brings alive the architecture, culture, cuisine and spirit of the 19th-century Malabar. From refined dining to wellness experiences to serene sea-facing views, Brunton Boatyard blends heritage with hospitality at every turn. Here are the four ways it captures the essence of Kochi’s layered charm.
Dining Outlets
True to its name, dining at Brunton Boatyard is a journey through its multicultural past at the on-site History Restaurant. Every dish on the menu draws inspiration from the different communities. Dishes like Chuttuli Meen, Samak Bil Harder Asful, Vindaloo and Fish Moilee are not just meals but stories on a plate, celebrating the confluence of cultures that shaped the culinary traditions of Kerala.
Ayurveda Therapies
The in-house Ayurveda centre of Brunton Boatyard offers a range of healing herbal massages and therapies. These ancient wellness traditions and herbal treatments are designed to support both body and mind. Guests can choose from personalised treatments that help relieve stress, improve circulation and restore balance. Also, the calming environment of the centre complements the holistic approach, making it perfect to unwind and reconnect.
Outdoor Pool
The pool at Brunton Boatyard is an anytime indulgence. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Sea, it offers a peaceful spot to pause and refresh after exploring the vibrant lanes. With sun loungers lining the water’s edge, it invites guests to relax under the warm Kerala sun. It is an ideal place to read, reflect or simply take in the changing colours of the harbour, enhancing the overall experience of this heritage hotel by blending comfort with coastal charm.
Room Features
The rooms at Brunton Boatyard overlook the sea, as do their en-suite bathrooms. Each room blends period-style architecture with contemporary comfort, featuring spacious interiors, traditional wooden furniture and large windows that fill the room with natural light and sea breezes. It is the kind of room where time lingers, and mornings begin with the rhythm of passing boats and the call of distant gulls.
The waterfront location of Brunton Boatyard is popular with domestic and international guests, particularly when the views are served with globally recognised wines and the cuisine of Kerala.
Why do we love Brunton Boatyard at India Unbound?
Lincoln Harris, Founder and Managing Director of India Unbound, has personally experienced at stay at Brunton Boatyard - and couldn’t have been more impressed.
“The rooms have an old-style colonial feel, but have all the modern amenities you need. You can also see how the hotel has won numerous sustainability awards, with recycling bins in each room and very little single-use packaging. Snacks in the room are locally made and hand-labelled with what they are and their use-by dates. The teas come in small canisters rather than single-use tea bags, and all the bathroom amenities are even in refillable bottles.”
Beyond the rooms themselves, Lincoln found that the laid-back luxury of Brunton Boatyard extended to the activities and service provided.
“During my stay, I felt Brunton Boatyard to be a relaxing sanctuary to return to each day - I could simply sit and watch the world pass by. When I wanted to go exploring, it was right in the middle of Fort Kochi, so everything is within easy walking distance. With the views, activities and meal options, the hotel feels like a destination in itself. I would definitely recommend at least 2 nights, if not 3 or more, considering how much the hotel and Fort Kochi have to offer.”
Experience Brunton Boatyard with India Unbound
India Unbound is an award-winning travel company specialising in custom-made journeys and private tours to India. With more than two decades of experience, we specialise in creating unique itineraries for discerning travellers seeking unforgettable adventures.
If Brunton Boatyard has captured your imagination, we can include a stay here in your Kerala itinerary. Contact us today to start planning your personalised journey to South India and beyond, where history, culture and comfort come together.