A fire broke out around 6:50 pm on September 29, 2026, at the three-storeyed Koder House on Tower Road, Fort Kochi, near Vasco da Gama Square and the Chinese fishing nets. It spread rapidly across the upper floor. Fire, Navy and rescue personnel responded; Navy and Coast Guard firefighting systems were used to prevent spread to nearby buildings amid strong coastal winds. Officials said a short circuit likely caused the fire.

Built in 1808 by Samuel Koder, the 218-year-old red-brick mansion is associated with the Cochin Jewish community and the Koder family, which contributed to Fort Kochi’s trading history and early electricity development in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Its Indo-European architecture combines colonial elements with Kerala building traditions.

Fort Kochi’s three-storeyed red-brick Koder House, described as 300 years old and built in 1808 by Samuel S Koder, was heavily damaged by a fire on Tuesday evening. Everyone inside was evacuated, and no casualties were reported. The fire began around 7 pm and was controlled by about 9:30 pm by the Kerala State Fire Force, with assistance from the nearby Indian Navy at the fire force’s request. A short circuit was suspected. The building, an Indo-Portuguese architectural landmark, now houses a restobar and boutique hotel. Koder House was Samuel S Koder’s home; an extension across the street was connected by a small bridge. Local historians credit him with bringing electricity to Kochi’s beach town and starting a ferry network linking nearby islands and inlets. Fort Kochi attracts more than 3 million tourists annually. The current owner is Vicky.

A major fire gutted much of the upper floor of the nearly 220-year-old Koder House in Fort Kochi. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours. No casualties were reported.

A fire broke out on Tuesday, September 29, at the nearly 200-year-old Koder House, a three-storey heritage building on Tower Road in Fort Kochi. Fire and Rescue Services personnel were working to contain the blaze. The extent of damage and cause were unknown; no casualties or injuries were reported.

Built by Samuel S Koder, who was associated with the Cochin Electric Company, the building is linked to Kochi’s Jewish history. Known for its Indo-Portuguese architecture, it now operates as a boutique hotel.

A fire broke out at Koder House, a three-storey heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, around 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The blaze destroyed almost the entire upper floor, which had extensive wooden structures, and spread towards other floors. Firefighters from Mattancherry, Ernakulam Club Road, Gandhinagar, Thrikkakara and Aroor, supported by Navy and Coast Guard teams, brought it under control after about two hours, accessing the building from the rear. No casualties were reported. Two Mumbai residents staying at the hotel were out; their belongings were destroyed. Employees and others were evacuated, and a tree in front of the hotel caught fire. Nearby establishments were unaffected. A short circuit is suspected; damage is estimated at lakhs of rupees. Dating to 1808, the building is known for its Indo-Portuguese architecture and association with the Koder family and Kochi’s Jewish heritage.