Flights from Sharjah to Kochi

Beautiful Kochi in Kerala

Set in Southern India, Kochi is a wonderful place full of history with nearby pretty villages and beaches. A well known harbour which was left by a major flood in the early 14th century making it an ideal port. Since then the Arabs, Portuguese and many more have traded and travelled to this romantic part of India.

Best Kochi travel seasons

Kochi has a typically tropical fell, and it can be 30 to 35°C in the daytime. The monsoon is from mid-May till September, after which cool winds and light showers are frequent until February. After this until May it's hot, especially into April. It's busiest in December, but try August to mid September for the Onam harvest festival. Religious festivals of all sorts are celebrated in the city: Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Eid ul-Fitr and Milad-e-sherif for example. There's also the colourful Cochin Carnival in December.

Facts about travel to Kochi

Visas are needed: get one from the Indian High Commission. Tourist visa on arrival is available at Kochi airport (please check with Indian Commission before travel). All routine vaccinations should be up to date and additional recommended ones are: Hepatitis A; Tetanus; Typhoid. Some travellers may also want to consider protection against Cholera during the monsoon season. Depending how far off the beaten track you're going consider, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies.

Avoid drinking the tap water, and cook or peel vegetables and fruit before eating. Kochi, like most of India has a low cost of living, and a great Indian meal out is only around 50 rupees. One thing to note, hotel prices are high compared to much of India, but much lower than UK.

Getting about Kochi

Kochi Airport is 29 km outside the city. There's a bus which takes 1 hr 40 mins, has A/C and costs about ₹80. A taxi costs about ₹1200. There's a ferry between Fort Kochi and the mainland which is priced at 4 rupees. The city has buses which charge from Rs 4 for the first km. There are also auto rickshaws for Rs 10 for the first 1.25 km, or taxis at Rs 50 for the first 3 km. For the intrepid adventurer, scooter hire is possible from around ₹300 per day and cycling is a good way to get around in Fort Kochi. A hostel will cost about 800 Rs, and budget hotels range from 2,000 rupees. Fort Cochin is quiet and has stylish boutique hotels, the Willingdon Island area is more upmarket.