Flights from Mumbai to Kochi (Cochin)

An Amazing Seaside Haven

Kochi, a major port city on the south-west coast of India, is full of history and culture. From magnificent temples and a delicious cuisine to the historic monuments, Kochi has everything one would expect from a South Indian tourist destination. In fact, it is one of the few Indian cities that have retained their historic glory in spite of modernisation.

Kochi: major festivals and weather

Every year, the monsoons visit Kochi from mid-May till September. The months after this are characterised by light showers and cool winds. During summer from February till May, the city remains humid especially in March/April. The best time to visit Kochi is between August and February, and December is the busiest month. The Onam festival that falls between mid-August to mid-September is one the biggest attractions of the city. You may also plan your tour to cover Christmas and Easter. Also, Islamic festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Milad-e-Sherif are celebrated with great pomp. The Cochin Carnival, a major festival with parades, is also a favourite time to visit the city.

Some Kochi travel facts

The best thing about Kochi is its budget-friendliness. When dining out, a full meal will cost around 50 rupees. However, the cost of accommodation can be slightly higher when compared to other Indian cities.

Arriving in Kochi

Cochin International Airport is about 29 kilometres from the centre of the city. You may take an air-conditioned bus operated by the KSRTC into central Kochi. This takes 1 hr 40 mins and costs around ₹80. The taxi fare will be around 1,200 rupees. While a budget hotel would cost you Rs.800, a decent hotel costs nearly 2,000 rupees. The Fort Cochin area is studded with numerous boutique hotels. The more upmarket Willington Island has several luxury hotels whereas the Ernakulam City area offers several options for budget accommodation.

Kochi's transport options

The city is well-connected by city buses that charge around Rs.4 per kilometre. The Volvo buses run by the company KSRTC offer excellent comfort especially during the summer months. A taxi fare is around Rs 50 for the first three km. Scooter hire, charging Rs 300 per day, is available in Kochi. The city also offers ferry services.

When in Kochi, one should not miss the famous Malabar cuisine which offers a wide assortment of vegetarian and fish recipes made with coconut oil.