About Thakur House
Thakur House is an 18th-century Dutch colonial bungalow located in Fort Kochi, Kerala. Built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of seven bastions of the old Dutch fort, it was originally known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow. The two-storeyed structure features Dutch architecture with spacious rooms, wooden floors, and bay windows overlooking the Arabian Sea. Now owned by Ram Bahadur Thakur and Company, a tea trading firm, it serves as a private residence while remaining an important heritage landmark.
Visitors guide
Visitors can view the exterior of this historic Dutch colonial building from Dutch Cemetery Road. The two-storeyed structure sits atop a cliff facing the sea and showcases characteristic Dutch architectural features including spacious rooms, wooden floors, and bay windows. As it is currently a private tea trading residence, interior access is limited, but the building's impressive facade and surrounding area provide opportunities for photography and appreciation of colonial-era architecture.
Key highlights
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18th-century Dutch colonial architecture
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Built on the historic Gelderland Bastion site
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Two-storeyed structure with bay windows overlooking the sea
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Former residence of National Bank of India managers during British Raj
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Characteristic wooden floors and spacious rooms
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Important landmark of Fort Kochi for centuries
History of Thakur House
Thakur House was constructed in the 18th century on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of seven bastions of the old Dutch fort in Kochi. Originally known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow, it served as a club and community centre for the Dutch East India Company during Dutch rule. During the British Raj, it housed managers of the National Bank of India. In the late 19th century, it was occupied by a prominent spice trade family from Mattancherry. In 1977, Ram Bahadur Thakur and Company, a major tea trading firm, purchased the property and used it as their residence, giving rise to its current name.
Culture & Context
The building represents Dutch colonial architecture and heritage in Fort Kochi, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the colonial era. It has been an important landmark of Fort Kochi for centuries and holds significance as part of the Dutch presence in Kochi's history.