Book flights from London to Kochi with Qatar Airways
One of India’s largest and oldest port cities is closer than you think, with flights from London Heathrow to Kochi with Qatar Airways jetting off regularly to India’s exotic west coast. You’ll have plenty of time in which to appreciate our modern aircraft, spacious cabins and our array of award-winning services on offer, combined with an attentive cabin crew who will look after you along the way.
The old ramparts and towers of Fort Cochin hide a colourful maze of medieval alleyways, lined with warehouses, old merchants’ houses and open courtyards in which ginger, betel nuts, tea and peppercorns are piled high. The city is spread over the peninsula and islands, as well as the mainland, and there are numerous small cafes and good restaurants in which to drink in the sea views and enjoy the fabulous regional cuisine.
Arriving in Kochi
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.
Flying from London
One of the busiest airports in the world, London Heathrow is at the very epicentre of the international air transport network. Investment has been poured into its development, and in 2014 the newly constructed Terminal 5 was voted World's Best Airport Terminal in the Skytrax Annual World Airport Awards.
Handling more than 73 million passengers a year, London Heathrow is a remarkable feat of logistical organisation. Fly from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways to a wide range of destinations all over the world.
Transportation and parking
London Heathrow is served by the London Underground ‘tube’ service, making it easy to reach in just half an hour, from the very centre of London. For passengers with Qatar Airways flying from Terminal 4, the terminal has its own dedicated tube station.
There are also hundreds of buses every day from the capital, and coach services transporting passengers from all over the city to the airport. Parking is at a premium, and although there are both short and long-term options, it is best to book parking in advance. A valet service is available. Note that there is a 2.6-metre height restriction on Terminal 4’s forecourt.
Arriving at London Heathrow
Flights from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways leave from Terminal 4, which is located at the south end of the southern runway, and is connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 by the Heathrow Cargo Tunnel.
Qatar Airways flights from London Heathrow make use of the very latest A380 airbuses in their service to Doha, as well as a luxury Business Class-only service using a modern A319 for one of its six daily flights to Doha. Passenger boarding gates are situated close to the check-in and security halls.
Amenities and facilities
Because of its international importance, London Heathrow offers a vast array of facilities and amenities, from baby care and children’s crèches, to shoeshine services, banking, Wi-Fi access and prayer rooms.
A broad selection of luxury retail outlets stock the very best in accessories, watches, jewellery and fashion, while a number of outstanding restaurants, eateries and snack bars serve everything from full meals to light bites.