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.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is officially the world’s busiest airport, welcoming more than 100million passengers annually. The airport is currently planning to expand even more to meet increasing demand. Customers flying from Atlanta with Qatar Airways will find this to be one of the most efficient and welcoming departure points, despite its huge size. The staff provide customers with a warm American welcome, and every effort is made to make sure the start of your journey is as pleasant and as hassle-free as possible.

Transportation and parking

The sheer size of the airport is almost overwhelming, but direct transport to the main passenger terminal is provided by the MARTA metro service, which has a station inside the main building between the north and south terminals. Door-to-door shuttles are provided by most hotels, and buses also run from the centre of Atlanta a few miles away, as well as from other U.S. cities. Taxis are plentiful, and the journey time from downtown Atlanta to the airport is between 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Covered short-term parking is located next to the terminals, with economy and long-stay parking also conveniently close by, served by frequent and free shuttles.

At the airport

Customers flying from Atlanta with Qatar Airways depart from concourse E or F, depending on the flight. First class and Business class lounges are available. Be aware that as with all U.S. airports, security is exceptionally tight. Allow approximately two hours before your flight is due to depart to check-in and clear customs and security checks.

Facilities and amenities

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is exceptionally well served with ample facilities, including an entire area dedicated to business travellers providing meeting rooms and conference centres, as well as full business facilities. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the airport, and luggage storage is also available. There is an excellent selection of retail outlets including Duty Free in all departure areas, and both light snacks and full meals are available from a range of food vendors, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant.

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.