Koder House, Fort Kochi.

Koder House

This magnificent Red Mansion was built in 1808 by a prominent Jewish business man Samuel S. Koder. He was a honorary consul to the Dutch. The Koders emigrated to Kochi from Iraq.(Baghdadi Jews). The Koder Family played an important role in the development of Cochin. It was he who established the first electrical company called  Cochin Electric Company. They had a chain of department stores all over Kerala & they introduced ferry transport in Cochin.
The "Koder House" was constructed in an Indo-European style with three storeys, each for his 3 sons.  The characterestic featutes of this heritage bungalow are it's red façade, arches & alcoves, high ceilings , Belgium glasses & a hanging wooden bridge. This bridge connects the second floor of the mansion to the  Koder's office which is situated just opposite to the street. It was he who hosted "Freemason" organization in Cochin. During the colonial period several Viceroys, Ambassadors & Head of the States stayed here.Mr  Satu Koder & his wife Gladys lived here for several years. Later  his daughter Queenie & her husband Mr Sammy Hallegua was there. It was she who sold out this family property to the hotel chain.
Today Koder House Heritage boutique hotel is attracting tourists around the world.  For Hanukkah (Jewish festival of of lights) traditional jewish dishes are served in the Menorah restaurent. The starters are pineapple and tulip salads with Irish cream. The main dish is Ressaya-Plav. Chicken items are Cuba, Oof-mulakirachi & Oof-Kothiporichathu. The seafood dishes served are  prawn-majboos-Iraqi, Cuttulli & Injiyulli and the beef item is Elagal.  Queenie aunty’s fruit salad is served as desert. Most of these recipes are shared by the members of the Koder Family. This festival is  celebrated for eight days and nights. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, a member of the family lights one candle until the whole Menorah is alight by end of the week. As the candle is lit, a blessing is recited and everyone sings special Hanukkah songs.

Comments

[Aarathi]

Hi Vishnu,
I don't blame U. We don't take much interest in the near by treasures. I've decided to visit this heritage bungalow on viewing a docu - on French TV. I wonder why our TV channels(Indian) don't broadcast such interesting historical monuments. Heard that there are some more colonial mansions in the vicinity - Ballard Bungalow , Chirammal house , Tower House etc.
So it's upto U to discover .
Aarathi

[Vishnu @ sysfun]

Dear, am in kochi and I didn't know about koder house.. any way that was great and will definitely try to have a look when ever am near to my friends house in fort kochi.