Kochi is a city that is sure to leave you spellbound. With bustling markets, ancient temples, colonial-era buildings, and mighty Arabian Sea views, Kochi has many exciting experiences to offer its visitors. But to make the most of your trip, all you need is to plan it well in advance. So, from weather to local transport and more, here are some Kochi travel tips that can help you navigate the city like a local.
Kochi Travel Tips
Weather
June To September
Kochi receives very heavy rainfall from June to August. During this period, the entire region turns into a lush and green area with little waterfalls emerging and rivers brimming with water. The average temperature in Kochi during the monsoon season is between 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Humidity during this season is also very high, which is about 80%. The monsoon here generally starts to retreat by mid-August.
October-November
Though the monsoon begins to retreat from August but light showers tend to continue till November. As it is the transition period from rainy season to dry season, the humidity is still high while the temperature can be seen fluctuating between 24 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. With 10-12 hours of daylight, this is a good time to visit Kochi with occasional showers.
December to February
As compared to the northern side of India, Kochi’s winter season is mild and pleasant. The temperatures here during the day are between 27 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, while it drops down to 20 degrees Celsius during the night. With lower humidity, clear skies, and a pleasant climate, this is the best time to visit Kochi.
March to May
With high humidity, Kochi experiences hot and humid conditions during the summer season. The weather here during these months is generally sticky and harsh. Here, the temperatures during the summer season go up to 35 degrees Celsius in the day and fall to 28 degrees Celsius during the night.
Best Time To Visit
Kochi is accessible throughout the year, but winters are the best time to visit this city. This is because the weather is more pleasant than in the other two seasons. Monsoons are good too, but heavy rainfall here can disrupt your sightseeing plans.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport enjoys great connectivity with most metros and Tier-1, Tier-2 cities in the country. Flying to Kochi is surely the most convenient and quickest way to reach the city. It is about 26-30 km away from the city centre, which is 40-60 minutes by cab. We recommend booking flights to Kochi early, as they’re likely to get expensive due to it being a major tourist hotspot.
By Road: The city is well connected by the National Highways: NH66 and NH85. You can take state-run KSRTC or private buses to Kochi city or any other nearby city in Kerala. If you like road trips, you can also opt for it, but it might take more than any other travel medium.
By Rail: Ernakulam Junction (south) and Ernakulam Junction(north) are the main railway stations for Kochi. They are some of the most important railway stations in Kerala. This means that Kochi is again extremely well connected to most cities by train, especially on the Western network.
Local Transport
- Kochi metro covers major areas like MG Road, Kaloor, Edapally, and Vyttila. It runs from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm. Their fares range from INR10 to INR60 per trip.
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates city and intercity buses.
- Major bus hubs: Vyttila Mobility Hub (integrated with metro and ferry), Kaloor Bus Stand, KSRTC Central Bus Station, Fort Kochi Bus Terminus.
- Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available. Online cab services like Uber and Ola work well.
- Ferries and Water Metro: Boat services connect key points like Fort Kochi, a scenic and practical mode of transport.
Dos in Kochi
- Respect the culture of the city. Dress modestly while visiting temples, churches, or mosques here.
- While in Kochi, try and travel in public and local transportation services as they are very convenient and economical.
- Follow healthy precautions like drinking water from sealed bottles or from trusted water sources, and carry mosquito repellent creams.
- Do not miss out on the local cuisines and meals here.
- Make sure you explore the backwaters.
- Be alert and take care of your belongings while sightseeing to avoid pickpocketing.
- While exploring backwaters, make sure there are safety jackets and other safety gear in the boats.
- Keep a track of the weather conditions.
Don’ts in Kochi
- Kerala is known for its cleanliness, so make sure you do not litter or pollute the region.
- Avoid traveling to isolated places alone during the night. Go to places that are well-lit and have people around.
- Do not consume alcohol in public here.
- Be it religious ceremonies or people, do not click any pictures without permission of the locals there.
- Do not take unauthorized rickshaws or cabs as they might charge you double the amount.
- Avoid swimming in water bodies without lifeguards or clear safety instructions.
- Avoid any risky activities during heavy rainfall.
Summing Up
Kochi is a treasure trove of experiences, from delicious cuisines to historic sites; this city will surely not disappoint you! So, when are you planning your trip to the Queen of the Arabian Sea?
