
Our Story
Cranganor History Café & Riverside Château" is a labour of love. Born from a deep affection for this land and its layered past. For Rasmi and Vineeth, along with their daughters Tanvi and Tia, the move to Kerala in 2017 was the culmination of a long-cherished dream. Their backgrounds – MBA's from IIM Bangalore and XLRI Jamshedpur, with over three decades of corporate experience – provide a unique lens through which they curate an experience that is both refined and deeply personal.
Rasmi's connection to the region blossomed in 2011 through her work revitalising Kerala's handloom heritage in Chendamangalam, a village across the river, echoing with the threads of tradition. For Vineeth, this land is home, a landscape etched in childhood memories of sun-drenched summers, the gentle flow of rivers, and the quiet grace of temples. He recalls tales of Vanchinaad, the ancient Chera capital, and the legendary port of Muziris, a gateway to the world two millennia ago.
Cranganor stands proudly in this historically rich area, where archaeologists continue to unveil the secrets of ancient India's global connections. By the 1st century BC, this land was a vibrant trade hub, welcoming Chinese, Arab, Jewish, Greek, and Roman merchants. More recently, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their indelible marks on the tapestry of Travancore, Kochi, Calicut, and Mysore. It is where the world came to trade.
The location carries the weight of history, once home to Shangoonny Menon, the esteemed Diwan Peshkar of Travancore and author of "The History of Travancore." Here, overlooking the tranquil, uninhabited island of Dharma Thuruth and nestled within the vast Muziris Heritage Project, Cranganor is more than a destination – it's an invitation to connect with a legacy that continues to unfold.




IMMERSE IN THE SOUL OF OLD COCHYN.

What Is Our Property Like?
Located on the banks of the River Periyar, our Château has long river views and interior/ exterior spaces seamlessly blending into one another. The architectural style is inspired by the Indo - Dutch language of Kerala Architecture that is seen all over Kochi region - notably the historic Paliyam Palace linked to the ancient kingdom of Kochi and one the famous buildings in the vicinity. This allows a double storeyed structure with luxuriant colonnaded verandahs all around.
Located on 1.5 acres of land with 150 meters of riverfront, every room enjoys long views of Kerala’s largest and longest river, the perennial Periyar which is the state’s source for not just drinking water and hydroelectric power, but an inspiration for many a poet and writer. At the site of our Château, the Periyar is just a few km from the sea, mingling with backwater canals and lagoons with the untainted rural Kerala landscape on its banks.
How Far Are We From Key Destinations?
0 km from the Muziris Heritage Area on the River Periyar
13 km to picturesque Cherai beach
20 km from Kochi International Airport, India's 7th busiest.
25 km to Kochi city, the bustling commercial capital of Kerala
49 km to the majestic Athirappilly waterfalls, Kerala's largest
57 km to the most sacred Guruvayur temple
75 km to the idyllic Kumarakom lagoon and backwaters
120 km to the serene hills of Munnar
149 km to the lush Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Thekkady
120 km to the enchanting Idukki wildlife sanctuary

Our Room Categories
Seasons at Cranganor
Cranganor welcomes you year-round, each season painting a different charm. From September to February, soon after the main monsoons, the air is cooler. March to May offer sun-kissed days, while June to August bring the lush embrace of the monsoon, when rivers swell, nature thrives, and views become enchantingly verdant. Monsoon are also the best time for Ayurvedic treatments.


What Our Guests Say
Awards
Traveller reviews have put Cranganor on Tripadvisor's "World's Best of the Best" list, in the top 1% of 8 million hotels worldwide

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A Few Highlights
150 Meter Estuarine Riverfront
Mesmerizing river views, local fishermen, al-fresco dining by the river, boat-trips, kayaks.
Authentic Kerala Cuisine & Fresh Catch
Discover the melting-pot that is Kerala's cuisine, enriched by ocean-goers from across the world
Ayurveda Spa & Herb Garden
Let a centuries old tradition heal your body and soothe your mind with herbs grown and brewed in-house.
Infinity Pool & Kids Wading Pool.
Enjoy stunning views and sunsets from our twenty meter infinity edged swimming pool.