Very much an off-the-beaten-track destination, Kochi is a backpacker’s paradise. A trip to this coastal city in the Indian state of Kerala invokes images of the town’s past, when it was instrumental in the spice trade. Here, an amalgamation of Arabian, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and British influences, make for a rich experience with plenty of things to do in Kochi.

Check the price of flights to Kochi further below and book Economy or Premium Class flights to Kochi with Qatar Airways.

One of the most important airports in the United States, Los Angeles International Airport (or LAX, as it is usually referred to), sits in southwestern Los Angeles. It is the fifth busiest airport in the world, servicing well over 70million passengers annually.

Customers flying from Los Angeles with Qatar Airways will find that this airport, despite its massive size, is incredibly efficient. Staff go out of their way to make the customer experience as pleasant as possible, topped off with a warm American welcome. LAX is a major hub for international travellers, whether you’re visiting California for business or pleasure.

Transportation and parking

A free shuttle bus connects to the Aviation Station on the Green Line of the metro, providing a fast and efficient route between the centre of Los Angeles and the airport, taking around 40 minutes. LA traffic is notorious, so driving to the airport can take hours, depending on the conditions on H1 and interstates 405 and 105. If you are planning on taking a taxi during peak times, allow yourself plenty of time for your journey. 

LA is a city of drivers, so all public amenities are designed around the car. Consequently, car parking at the airport is plentiful, with around 8,000 spaces spread across eight parking lots. However, because of the busy nature of the location, it can still be difficult to get a space, especially during peak periods.

At the airport

Travellers flying from Los Angeles with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 2. Be advised that there are nine terminals spread across a vast area, so ensure you arrive at the correct location. Allow plenty of time before your flight is due to depart, as while check-in is relatively quick, security checks can be lengthy and time consuming.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities are outstanding, but again they tend to be spread across the airport rather than confined to one particular area. Customers flying from T2 will find excellent shopping and retail outlets, offering everything from high-end luxury goods to regular travel accessories. Duty Free shops are located in T2 for international passengers who have cleared security.

Food and drink is plentiful, supplied by fast food and on-the-go snack vendors, in addition to ‘TexMex’ and grills, restaurants and beverage stands. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and conference and business facilities are available in T1, T6 and in nearby hotels.

Think of Kochi and the iconic image that springs to mind are the unique ‘Chinese fishing nets’ that line the harbour. But this bustling city is much more than simply a fishing port, and is one of the main tourist destinations in India.

Book a flight to Kochi with Qatar Airways and you’ll have the opportunity to explore this diverse city for yourself. A medieval city founded on the spice trade, modern Kochi is today a thriving commercial and technology centre too, representing India’s willingness to embrace and blend both its modern and traditional culture.

Tourist attractions

The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi are a fabulous photo opportunity, particularly at sunset. But Kochi also has plenty of other attractions to entertain visitors. Everywhere you look you will see reminders of the city’s colonial past, including Princess Street, that is packed full of authentic European architecture.

In Fort Kochi you will also find the world’s only international pepper exchange, proving just how important this spice was and still is to the city. The Dutch Palace in Palace Road is a relic of the Dutch East India Company’s influence on the region, and throughout the city you will see Dutch influences alongside the colonial splendour of some of the British Raj buildings.

To find out more about the history of this eclectic city, visit the Hill Palace Museum, originally the Kochi Maharaja's palace and now the largest archaeological palace in South India. It includes the Cochin Royal Crown and Crown Jewels (be aware that security is understandably very tight around this section of the exhibition!). The palace/museum is surrounded by lush gardens patrolled by peacocks.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Kochi with Qatar Airways land at Cochin International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Kochi please check the visa and passport requirements.