Flights from Kuwait to Kochi

Port city with history

Situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula, Kochi is scenically stunning. Arab, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese traders have influenced its architecture and development. Kochi is the industrial, commercial and arts capital of southwest India's coastal state, Kerala.

Kochi climate and annual attractions

Kochi has a tropical climate with daytime temperatures reaching 30 to 35°C. From mid-May until September is the monsoon season. Cool winds and light intermittent showers make days more comfortable from September through to February. It is humid in the summer, from February until May.

The peak tourist season is August until February. December is the busiest month.

The Onam harvest festival lasts for ten days from the middle of August to mid September. Multi ethnic religious festivals are celebrated in the city such as Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Eid ul-Fitr and Milad-e-sherif. Hindu and Islamic festivals fall on varying dates. The Cochin Carnival, with parades, music and street food, is very popular and happens in December.

Essential travel facts

Visas are required by UK paasport holders and are available from the Indian High Commission. A tourist vVisa is available for some upon arrival at Kochi airport, but make enquiries about this at the Indian Commission before arranging travel.

It is good to update routine vaccines before travelling. Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are all recommended. Consider jabs for Cholera, especially if visiting during the monsoon season, and perhaps Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies.

Avoid drinking tap water and cook or peel vegetables and fruit to prevent stomach upsets.

The cost of living is low, with a full meal costing only around 50 rupees. Accommodation prices are high compared to most of the rest of India, but are still of course much lower than in the UK.

Local Kochi information

The distance from Kochi International Airport to the city centre is 29 km. An air conditioned KSRTC bus journey takes 1 hr 40 minutes and costs about ₹80. A taxi from the airport costs about ₹1200.

Hostel accommodation in Kochi costs about 800 Rs and mid-price hotels will be around 2,000 rupees. The Fort Cochin area is quiet and has numerous boutique hotels. Willingdon Island is good for upmarket hotels and in Ernakulam City there is accommodation to suit all budgets.

There is a ferry between Fort Kochi and Park Jetty costing 4 rupees. City buses charge Rs 4 for the first kilometre and Auto Rickshaws cost Rs 10 for the first 1.25 kilometres. Taxis cost Rs 50 for the first 3 km and scooter hire costs approximately ₹300 per day. Fort Kochi is a good area for cycling.