Irinjalakuda: These were courts of justice during king's reign. Now, the buildings from bygone era at Koodalmanikyam near Irinjalakuda in Kerala's Thrissur district are getting a makeover.
A magistrate court is still functioning in the main building of the Kacherivalap, which came into existence during the Cochin king's rule. The emblem of the Cochin kingdom can be seen in front of the building to this day as a reminder of the days gone by.
One of the heritage buildings of the Kacherivalap has been turned into a cafe now. Two of the buildings that were constructed in 1927 and 1929 are being renovated now without losing on its aesthetic quality. While one is a cafe, the other building is now a furniture shop.
The building constructed in 1927 is now home to a happening café, serving variety dishes.
One of the heritage buildings that was left under the care of the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom has been recently converted into the cafe. Lakshmi Group family member Adarsh, native of Vallivattom in the district, took the building on rent and started the cafe. Adarsh promises to serve a range of dishes from the traditional rice gruel to mouth-watering delicacies.
Witness box
Old auctioned chairs from government offices make up the seating arrangement in the cafe. The cash counter has been modelled to resemble a witness box. Further giving a vintage touch, a valve radio and hanging crystal lamps, as a reminder of the British era, have also been set up. Writings, elaborating the court history, adorn the red-bricked walls.
A royal chair
The royal chair, which was used to greet prominent persons during the King's rule, is at the centre of the cafe. Political leaders, religious-social leaders, and artists were seated on this ornamental chair with floral designs.
The chair was taken on rent from the Koodalamnikyam Devaswom in an auction by Adarsh.
Interior designer Sreejith Menon, a native of Irinjalakuda, is behind the vintage setting.
Demands have been raised to protect the other buildings in Kacherivalap without losing on the authenticity.