We decided to stay 12 nights in the same place on our India trip this year and explore from our base. The Bolgatty Palace Hotel proved ideal. We could take the ferry to Ernakulam and other ferries to Willingdon Island, Vypeen Island and Fort Kochi. We did a day trip by train to Alleppey and an overnight to Munnar. In Ernakulam there were interesting museums to see - the Palace, and particularly the Folk Museum and the Historical Museum. On Willingdon there is a small maritime museum which introduced us to Robert Bristow, the engineer responsible for creating the island and developing the port. Recommended book: Cochi Saga. After the trips out in the heat of the day it was lovely to retreat to our oasis, swim, enjoy a beer in the bar and delicious buffet in the dining room, both with views of the lake. Add the comfort of our room and balcony, Kathakali and massage options, it was an experience we can thoroughly recommend.