Airline Tickets to Cochin, India, cheap flights to Kochi, Air Booking and Reservation for Kerala

Kochi is Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Backwaters form an inherent part of life in many parts of Kerala. Newspaper, mail and milk are delivered by boats, members of political party with red flags share the same boats along with fully made up brides and wedding party.

Cochin Airport, Kerala

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL : Airport Code: COK, Nedumbassery ) is located 28 kms from Cochin (Ernakulam Junction) and 40 kms from Thrissur. Arrival hall in Cochin Airport is located on the ground floor. There are 8 immigration counters at the arrival hall. Specific counters are earmarked for foreigners and Indians to expedite the clearing process.

Changing Money/ Currency Exchange
In India, the unit of currency is the Rupee (INR). Change money with Authorized Currency Exchange places like the airport, most banks and hotels and insist on a receipt, as it will help you reconvert unused rupees into the original foreign currency at the time of departure. Avoid any people on the street who offer to change your money at a temptingly high rate of exchange ( Generally you end up with fake currencies, or its a scam where the street dealer bolts with your money. )

Taxi Bookings/Hotel Pickup
It is advisable to do all bookings of taxis (Pre-Paid) and hotels via the airport. The cab fare is little more expensive but the cops keep a record of cab passengers so you are safe and don't have to put up with a tampered meter or other excuses. If you can arrange to be picked up via your hotel it would be very beneficial.

Cochin Climate

As the city is located close to the sea, the climate is moderate (tropical). Heavy showers are experienced during south west monsoon (June, July and August) and during the north east monsoon (September, October, November and December) you will find light rainfall. December to February is pretty cool and the best time to visit. Maximum temperature 35 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperature 22 degrees Celsius. Average annual rainfall 309 centimetres.

Airlines having flights to Cochin (Direct and Code Share)

Air Canada

Air France

Air India

Alitalia

British Airways

Air Canada

Cathay Pacific

Delta Airlines

Emirates

Ethiopian Airlines

Gulf Air

KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)

Kuwait Airways

Lufthansa

Singapore Airlines

Swissair

Most of the Transatlantic or Transpacific Flights from United States have multiple stops in Paris (France), London (UK), Amsterdam, Seoul, Bangkok,...and one stop in Mumbai or Delhi.

Flights are available from the following cities to Cochin, India

Los Angeles (LAX)
Boston, MA (BOS)
New York City, NYC (JFK)
Chicago City Airport (CHI)
Chicago Ohare, IL (ORD)
Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
Denver, MI (DEN)
Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
Toronto, Canada

Houston, Texas (HOU)
Atlanta, GA (ATL)
San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
San Diego, CA (SAN)
Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
Newark, New Jersey (EWR)
Philadelphia (PHL)
Detroit MI (DTW)

Seattle, Tacoma (SEA)
Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)
Saint Louis, MO (STL)
Maimi, FL (MIA)
Washington DC (WAS)
Orlando, Florida (MCO)
Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Cincinnati, OH (CVG)

Flight Reservations during Holiday Seasons
If you are traveling during a holiday period and you have set travel dates, book early. During this period International Flights will fill up in advance. We recommend that you book your flight reservations about 3 to 4 months in advance, to get the best deals on airline ticket.

Attractions / Places to See in Cochin, Kerala

Ernakulam and Fort Cochin are twin cities connected by bridges. However Ernakulam is easily the ugly stepsister with nothing to offer except a few beach front hotels.

Being a major harbour from the ancient times, Cochin has a rich heritage of forts, churches and temples. A visit to these ancient marvels gives you an overview of the political, religious and commercial developments of the city. Along the winding narrow lanes are some old Dutch houses, spice markets, the Dutch Palace and a Jewish synagogue. Huge, elegant chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Cochin are a must see and when you're there

The excursions around Cochin are equally interesting experiences. Some of the well known places are...

Alleppey
This pleasant easy going market town, criss crossed by canals and surrounded by coconut plantations, is also known as the Venice of the East and is one of the starting points for backwater trips. The famous Snake Boat race, which takes place each year in the second week of August, is a spectacular event not to be missed.

Munnar
A scenic four hour drive from Cochin takes you to Munnar, a nature lover's paradise. This place with its hillside rivulets and streams running along the roads, extensive tea plantations, and breathtaking views also has a sizable population of wildlife.

Thekkady
Tucked in the midst of lush green tea gardens is Thekkady. One of the best places to visit tea, coffee and spice gardens and have a taste of delicious Cardamom tea. Adjacent to it is the Periyar wild Life Sanctuary with its unsullied grasslands and "Blue Mountains". A boat ride in the lake running through the sanctuary provides an opportunity to watch wild animals like Elephants, Deer and scores of water birds.

Trichur (Thrissur)
Thrichur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. Vadakkumnathan temple is the venue of the world famous pooram festival celebrated annually in April - May.

Athirapally & Vazhachal
Athirapally & Vazhachal waterfalls - this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. They are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations of tourists.

Divine Retreat Centres ( Potta Ashram )
People from all over the country and even from other countries come here to attend the retreat, which is held every week, starting from Sunday to Saturday. Large number of people from different religions, irrespective of caste and creed come over here to witness the miracle of body, mind and soul healing. The Divine Retreat center is located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi on the Kochi Thrissur route.

Cochin Travel Guide