Flights from Dammam to Kochi

Kochi on the Kerala coast, romantic and relaxing

Lots of travellers have been to this lovely place, and not just because the beaches are golden and peaceful. This is a very old port that has seen many Europeans, Arabs and many more sail in and trade here. Fertile, lush countryside sits next to abundant seas, so it's not hard to understand why. However these days, tourism has made it's mark, but Kochi remains lovely and a good place for a honeymoon too.

Kochi peak travel times

Blessed with a tropical climate, the only times to avoid are during the height of the monsoon, which is from the end of May until mid September. December is the high season, and there's the Cochin Festival too, a major spectacle of parades and events. Visit from November to March for the driest and most pleasant weather, but for an interesting break, try the Onam harvest festival, which is from mid Aug-mid Sept. Kochi is also multi ethnic, and Holi and Diwali, Christmas and Easter, and Eid ul-Fitr and Milad-e-sheriff are all celebrated.

Kochi - prior to travelling

You will need a visa from the Indian High commission. Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kochi airport, but do check with the Indian Commission before travel. Vaccinations may also be needed: make sure routine ones are up to date, and add Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid if you can. If you're travelling to rural areas, you may want to add: Cholera, especially during monsoon, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B and Rabies. Do avoid drinking tap water, and cook vegetables and peel fruit before eating. One lovely surprise is the low cost of living, a full meal out only costs around 50 rs. However, hotel prices are higher than they are in many other parts of India, but still much lower than in the UK.

Getting about locally

The airport is 29 km to central Kochi, and the air conditioned bus takes 1 hr 40 mins, and costs about ₹80, whilst a a taxi is about ₹1200. A hostel is around 800 Rs. and mid-price hotels cost from 2,000 rupees. The Fort Cochin area is quiet with great boutique hotels, and Willingdon Island is a more expensive area for hotels. There is a

ferry between Fort Kochi and mainland which is about 4 rupees. City buses cost around Rs 4 for the initial km, and an Auto rickshaw is Rs 10 first 1.25 km. Taxis are Rs 50 - first 3 km. Scooter and cycle hire is also available.