Getting Here & Getting Around
The Journey
Flights, transfers & what to explore
April 9–12, 2027 • Cochin International Airport • Kerala
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Getting Here & Getting Around
Flights, transfers & what to explore
April 9–12, 2027 • Cochin International Airport • Kerala
Air Travel
The closest international airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), one of South Asia's busiest and best-connected hubs. Most international guests will fly in from Europe or the US, with total travel time ranging from 13 to 20 hours depending on your number of layovers. Common routing hubs include Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Doha (DOH), and Singapore (SIN). Direct connections from major European cities are widely available.
On the Ground
The most convenient and comfortable way to travel. Both apps work across Kerala and provide fully air-conditioned cars. Pre-book for airport pickups. The drive from Kochi to Kumarakom is approximately 1.5 hours.
Ask your hotel concierge to arrange a trusted local driver for day trips or full-day hire. Ideal for Munnar, Wayanad, or multi-stop exploration. Negotiate the rate upfront.
Kerala's bus network is extensive and remarkably cheap, but schedules are unpredictable and routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. If you're feeling adventurous, the local buses offer authentic glimpses of Kerala life. Ask your hotel staff for route guidance. Not recommended as a primary transport method, but worth trying once.
Explore Kerala
Traditional Kerala kettuvallam cruises through the Vembanad backwaters — a must-do. Half-day and full-day options available from Kumarakom and Alleppey.
For a quieter, more intimate experience, take a small canoe through the narrow village canals. Truly off the beaten path.
Kerala's temples are spiritual and architectural masterpieces. Visit the serene Vaikom Mahadeva Temple or the stunning Padmanabhaswamy Temple further south. Remove shoes and dress modestly.
Wander the heritage streets of one of India's oldest European settlements. The iconic Chinese fishing nets at sunset, the Mattancherry Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue are unmissable.
Witness Kathakali dance-drama, the graceful Mohiniyattam, and Kalaripayattu — India's ancient martial art. Evening performances are held regularly in Kochi.
Kerala is the home of Ayurveda. Treat yourself to an authentic Abhyanga or Shirodhara treatment at any reputable hotel spa or a dedicated Ayurvedic centre.
If timing allows (Nov–May), witnessing a Theyyam is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a ritual art form where performers embody deities, held in temple courtyards in Malabar.
Tips & Essentials
Kerala cuisine is extraordinary — rice, coconut, seafood, and spice at every turn. Dishes like fish curry, appam with stew, and karimeen pollichathu are local favourites.
We recommend dining at your hotel restaurant or well-reviewed sit-down restaurants. Avoid street food and roadside vendors to be safe, particularly for guests with sensitive stomachs. Your hotel concierge can always suggest trusted local spots.
Tap water is not drinkable. Always drink bottled water (widely available everywhere) or ensure water has been boiled and cooled. This applies to ice as well.
Extended Exploration
If you are extending your trip, Kerala offers incredible variety within a 2 to 5 hour drive from Kochi:
Lush tea plantations, cool mountain air, and hiking trails. ~3.5 hours drive from Kochi into the Western Ghats.
Home to Periyar National Park — elephant sightings, boat safaris, spice garden tours, and bamboo rafting. ~4 hours from Kochi.
Red laterite cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Known for bohemian cafes, yoga retreats, and dramatic coastal views. ~3.5 hours south.
Kerala's capital is home to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of India's wealthiest and most magnificent shrines. Kovalam beach is nearby. ~5 hours south of Kochi.
Where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. A stunning sunrise and sunset destination, just beyond the Kerala border into Tamil Nadu.