It brought the Portuguese, and the Dutch, and the British here. And now centuries later, it brings you here, dear traveller.

This stately building was once a Portuguese mint for silver coins, and then home to the Dutch East India Company (their emblem, VOC, still graces our threshold), and later still an English plantation manager’s bungalow.  

Even today, Kara is at the heart of Fort Kochi. It is set in the quaint by-lanes overlooking the Parade Grounds. Part Dutch, part art deco, part modern minimalism, the building has been lovingly restored by celebrated architects, outfitted with plush modern amenities, flourished with iconic art and transformed into the present-day luxurious stay.

Every nook of Kara is designed to inspire the explorer in you.

To discover the Fort beyond our walls, set forth on our experiential walks. We give you a rare glimpse into the soul of place through private arangetrams of young dancers, musical recitals in a singer’s living room, art viewings, stopovers for local treats, and much more.

Kara, with all its experiences, is a creation of Maneesha Panicker, a former New Yorker, and a native of Kochi. She also runs the much-awarded Kayal Island Retreat, and experiential travel company, Silk Route Escapes. Tailoring off-beat travel experiences is second nature to her. Kara is her invitation to you, to come explore Fort Kochi, its history, its culture, its architecture, its art and all the things we heart.