Known to explorers, traders and travellers for more than 600 years, Kochi sits on the south-west coast of India. A hub for European, Chinese and Arab traders in the past, is now a commercial port. While it is the financial capital of Kerala, Kochi also showcases bits and pieces of its culturally-rich past. From centuries-old churches and synagogues to British and Portuguese bungalows, Kochi is a delight to be at.
For tourists, Kochi offers a fresh start of sorts. The peaceful vibe is relaxing and the artsy cafes emanate the fun and quaint lives. The backwaters are a beauty and the local cuisine is amazing. Kochi is definitely a must-visit.
Explore & Travel kochi
kochi Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- #BEST TIME TO VISIT
- #CLOTHES
- #DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- #ELECTRICITY
- #FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
- #FOOD
- #GENERAL
- #GUIDES
- #HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
- #HOTELS
- #INSURANCE
- #LANGUAGE
- #MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
- #MONUMENTS
- #MOVING AROUND
- #NIGHT LIFE
- #PHOTOGRAPHY
- #RELIGIOUS PLACES
- #SAFETY
- #SHOPPING
- #TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
- #THINGS TO DO
- #TIPPING
- #VACCINATIONS
- #VISA
- #WATER AND DRINKS
- #WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Q.What are the ideal months to visit Kochi?A.For a pleasant and refreshing weather, the most ideal months to visit Kochi are between the months of October and February. The temperatures are good for vacationing and relaxing.
CLOTHES
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Q.Which type of clothing should one carry while visiting Kochi?A.For visiting Kochi, you can pack light cotton clothes. It generally has a humid climate, so light and beachy clothes are advisable. Light woollen clothes are preferable in wintertime.
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Q.What type of clothes should one wear while visiting religious places in Kochi?A.If tourists are visiting any religious locations in Kochi, they are advised to wear modest clothes. Shorter clothes like shorts and small skirts, are generally frowned upon.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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Q.How much baggage do the domestic flight carriers allow?A.There is generally a limit of 15 kg luggage and 7 kg cabin luggage in most of the Indian domestic flight carriers. Travellers can carry luggage above that, but it is chargeable.
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Q.How safe is it to travel by domestic carriers and are the tickets expensive?A.Domestic carriers and highly safe for all types of travellers. The tickets can be highly affordable when the trips are planned in advance. Unplanned and sudden trips might be a little expensive but also depends on the destination.
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Q.Are India domestic carriers safe and on time?A.The Indian domestic carriers operate right on time and keep the safety of the travellers paramount.
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Q.Do domestic airlines offer meals and snacks?A.Yes, almost all domestic airlines offer meals and snacks to travellers which can either be bought with the flight tickets itself or can also be purchased in the flight as and when offered.
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Q.When should you report to airline counter while boarding the flight?A.It is advisable for the travellers to report to the airline counter at least one hour before the take-off timing of the flight.
ELECTRICITY
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Q.Which types of plugs and sockets are generally available in Kochi?A.Generally, 220-230V plugs and sockets are generally available in most hotels of Kochi.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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Q.What are the popular fairs and festivals in Kochi?A.The most awaited fair of Kochi is the Cochin Carnival. It is held in the last month or December. Among the popular festivals is the Boat Race, which is a water sport-cum-festival that take place in the backwaters of Kochi. The harvest festival of Onam is also one of the best festivals celebrated in Kochi.
FOOD
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Q.Can a traveller with specific dietary requirements find good food in Kochi?A.Finding good food in Kochi is not an issue. Moreover, if there are any specific food requirements, the hotel staff is extremely cooperative and can cater to specific food requirements if requested.
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Q.Can travellers buy and eat raw fruits and vegetables from the streets of Kochi?A.Fruits and vegetables are a common sight in the streets of Kochi. Travellers can conveniently buy and eat fruits and vegetables once they wash it with clean water.
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Q.Is the food spicy in Kochi?A.Food in Kochi is prepared with natural spices, making the traditional food spicy. Hotels and restaurants often offer food with mild flavours that are suitable for tourists.
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Q.Is vegetarian food or vegan food available in Kochi?A.Tourists can easily find vegetarian and vegan food in Kochi.
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Q.Is meat or fish available in Kochi?A.Located on the shores of a beach, heat and fish are common foods in Kochi.
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Q.Is Kosher food available in Kochi?A.Yes, Kosher food is generally available in some restaurants and hotels of Kochi.
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Q.Is Halal food available in Kochi?A.Yes, Halal food is available in Kochi.
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Q.Is non-spicy European food available in Kochi?A.Yes, with a number of tourists in Kochi, non-spicy European food is available in Kochi.
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Q.Can one find Dominos/ McDonald’s/ Pizza Hut available in Kochi?A.All the international food chains such as Dominos, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut are available in Kochi.
GENERAL
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Q.What should I pack while travelling to India?A.Travellers should make a note of the weather in which they are visiting India. Kochi generally pleasant and humid so cotton clothes, beachy accessories and a simple style is advisable. Other requirements are generally offered in most of the hotels keeping in mind the hygiene and cleanliness. These include toiletries, bathrobes etc.
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Q.What are the basic etiquettes that visitors to India must follow?A.As welcoming as Indians are, some common things to keep in mind is dressing up modestly. Smoking in public places is also commonly frowned in India.
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Q.Are the monuments handicapped friendly is Kochi?A.Yes, most of the monuments in Kochi are handicapped friendly.
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Q.Can the travellers visit local villages and schools in and around Kochi?A.Tourists can visit the local village and schools. Many tour companies also offer one-day trip to these places.
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Q.Is it recommended to pay to the beggars or children in the streets of Kochi?A.No, it is not recommended to pay money to beggars and other such people.
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Q.What are some basic words in Hindi that international travellers should know?A.Basic Hindi words that travellers can know are Namaste (Hello), Chai (Tea), Haan (yes), Nahi (No), theek hai (Okay) and Ruko (stop).
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Q.What are the common religions in India?A.Some commons religions in India include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Parsi.
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Q.Which toilet styles are available in Kochi?A.In India, both Indian style seats and European styles in the toilets of Kochi.
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Q.What can tourists do to have a unique experience, other than the monuments?A.Besides seeing the monuments, tourists can visit local villages, spend a day at the beach, visit the temples and also visit the local markets and learn about the cultures of the people.
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Q.Is Kochi LGBT friendly?A.Kochi is gradually getting familiar with the LGBT groups and accepting these communities.
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Q.Is India a family destination?A.India is a family destination, without any doubt. Travellers can visit India with their children and other family members.
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Q.How bad is the pollution in Delhi and other parts of India?A.Delhi and other heavily populated and urban cities in India face high levels of pollution, and it is advisable to wear pollution masks in these areas. In other areas, the air is much cleaner and fresher.
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Q.Do people stare at international travellers in Kochi?A.Kochi is a very travel-friendly location, and people do not stare at international travellers as such.
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Q.Is tourist police stationed in Kochi?A.Yes, tourist police is stationed in Kochi near most of the monuments.
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Q.Can one see snake charmers, cows, camels, elephants and bears in the streets of Kochi?A.Yes, one can come across some of these animals in Kochi.
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Q.Are there any stray animals in Kochi?A.Yes, there are some stray cattle and dogs that one might come across in Kochi.
GUIDES
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Q.Can international travellers hire English, Spanish, French or Italian guides in Udaipur?A.Most monuments have the availability of the Audio guides in different languages for a better understanding of the travellers.
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Q.Are there women guides in Kochi?A.Woman guides are available in Kochi upon the special request of travellers.
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Q.Are there audio guides available at monuments in Kochi?A.Yes, Audio guides are generally available in all monuments in Kochi.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
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Q.Are there good hospitals in Kochi?A.There are numerous good hospitals in Kochi that provide services 24×7 and even cater to all kinds of emergency services.
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Q.Are different medical treatments like dentistry, cardiology, Oncology, hair transplant, etc. available in Kochi?A.Yes, all types of medical treatments are available in Kochi.
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Q.Are medicines for diabetes, aspirin, migraine, etc. available at pharmacies in Kochi?A.Travellers can conveniently buy medicines for diabetes, aspirin, migraine etc. from any pharmaceutical shops in Kochi.
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Q.Are there good Ayurveda Treatment Centres available in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers may find Ayurveda Treatment Centres in Kochi.
HOTELS
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Q.Which international hotels are available in Kochi?A.While there are not many international hotels in Kochi, one can find several popular five-star hotels like the Trident, the Gateway, Radisson Blu etc.
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Q.Are the hotels expensive in Kochi?A.The price ranges in different hotels vary according to the hotels in Kochi. Travellers can choose hotels according to their pricing preferences. In fact, they can get luxury and comfortable stay at highly affordable prices.
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Q.What is the average cost of accommodation in Kochi?A.One can easily get a well-furnished hotel room within the price range of 50$ - 100$.
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Q.Are there any heritage hotels in Kochi?A.Yes, there are a few good heritage hotels in Kochi.
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Q.Are the hotels hygienic and have modern amenities in Kochi?A.The hotels in Kochi are extremely hygienic and have all the best and modern amenities needed by travellers.
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Q.Are the hotels safe in Kochi?A.Yes, the hotels in Kochi are safe.
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Q.Is a lady traveller safe in the hotels in Kochi?A.Yes, lady travellers can definitely stay safe within the hotels of Kochi.
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Q.Are their handicap friendly hotels in Kochi?A.Yes, there are handicap friendly hotels in Kochi.
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Q.Can travellers find handicap friendly toilets in hotels in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers can find handicap friendly toilets in hotels in Kochi, which is convenient for them.
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Q.Are there western toilets in hotels, restaurants and monuments in Kochi?A.Western toilets in hotels, restaurants and monuments are very easily available in Kochi.
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Q.Till what time are the bars and restaurants open in Kochi?A.The timings vary for different bars and restaurants but several of them at closed by 12 AM.
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Q.How can travellers book a holiday or hotel in Kochi?A.Making bookings for a hotel or holiday in Kochi is extremely convenient and can be done online by the travellers themselves.
INSURANCE
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Q.Do travellers need medical and travel insurance while travelling to Kochi?A.It is advisable for travellers to have medical and travel insurance while travelling to Kochi.
LANGUAGE
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Q.Do the locals speak English in Kochi?A.English speaking locals are very common in Kochi.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
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Q.Can international travellers withdraw international currency from the ATMs in Kochi?A.It is not possible for travellers to withdraw international currency from ATMs in Kochi. However, there are several currency exchange centres and banks in Kochi.
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Q.Where can the international travellers exchange euros, sterling pounds, US dollars, etc. in Kochi?A.Travellers can easily exchange international currency in several banks and currency changing centres such as Muthoot Finance, Orient Exchange Services etc.
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Q.Can the travellers exchange foreign currency in the hotels in Kochi?A.Yes, reputed hotels in Kochi also arrange for foreign currency exchange.
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Q.Can travellers use credit cards at hotels, shops and restaurants in Kochi?A.Travellers can conveniently use credit cards at hotels, shops and restaurants in Kochi.
MONUMENTS
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Q.On which days are the monuments closed in Kochi?A.Different monuments are closed on different days in Kochi. Travellers are advised to find out the visiting timings and days of particular monuments before visiting.
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Q.Are public conveniences available at monuments in Kochi?A.Yes, public conveniences are available at monuments in Kochi.
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Q.Are wheelchairs available at monuments in Kochi?A.Wheelchairs are available in different locations and monuments. It is better to confirm before visiting.
MOVING AROUND
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Q.Which is the best way to travel in Kochi?A.Besides hotel transportation and Uber services, if travellers are looking for the use of local transport for travelling, they can use autorickshaws, radio taxi and Volvo buses.
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Q.Is it advisable to rent a self-drive car in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers can opt for renting a self-drive car in Kochi.
NIGHT LIFE
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Q.Is there nightlife in Kochi?A.Travellers can find several bars and lounges to enjoy the nightlife of Kochi.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Q.Is photography allowed in public places in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers can do photography in most places in Kochi. There are only a few restricted areas where photography is prohibited.
RELIGIOUS PLACES
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Q.Are there churches, mosques and temples in Kochi?A.There are several churches, mosques and temples in Kochi.
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Q.Can foreign tourists enter religious places in Kochi?A.Yes, foreigners are welcome to attend religious places in Kochi. They are advised to be appropriately dressed for such visits.
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Q.Is there a dress code that one should maintain while visiting religious places in Kochi?A.Dressing up modestly is very important while visiting religious places. Shorts and short skirts are prohibited in these places.
SAFETY
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Q.Is it safe for a single woman to travel in Kochi?A.Kochi is a safe city for women to travel alone.
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Q.Should international women travellers agree to get clicked by young boys and men?A.It is highly recommended that women use their own discretion in such cases, depending on their comfort level.
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Q.Is it safe to out at night when invited by locals?A.While the locals are friendly and helpful, it is advised not to go out with unknown locals in Kochi.
SHOPPING
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Q.What can one buy while visiting Kochi?A.Travellers can buy a number of products from the various markets in Kochi such as its popular silk and Kanjivaram clothes and sarees, handicrafts etc.
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Q.Should one bargain while visiting Kochi?A.One can most definitely bargain with shopkeepers while shopping in Kochi.
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Q.Are cigarettes, cigars and tobacco easily available in Kochi?A.Yes, cigarettes and tobacco are easily available in Kochi. Cigars are found in select shops and places.
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Q.Should the travellers trust the drivers for tourist shops?A.Travellers can trust the drivers for tourist shops. They can also contact the hotel reception for some guidance.
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Q.Are the tourist shops genuine in Kochi?A.Tourists are advised to look for genuine tourist shops by asking the hotel reception and other locals.
TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
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Q.Can an international traveller buy a local SIM card in Kochi? How expensive is it?A.Yes, travellers can purchase local SIM card in Kochi which is not very expensive.
THINGS TO DO
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Q.Can the international travellers visit local markets in Kochi?A.Local markets are a reflection of the local lifestyle and culture of Kochi. Travellers can freely visit them.
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Q.Can travellers attend culinary classes in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers can attend culinary classes in Kochi or even have a private class arranged in the hotel.
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Q.Can travellers opt for yoga classes, naturopathy or Ayurveda therapies in Kochi?A.Yes, all these classes are available in Kochi for people to attend.
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Q.What can travellers do in Kochi?A.Besides discovering the lifestyle of local people, travellers can enjoy water sports, relax at the beach, see the local dance forms and go shopping in Kochi.
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Q.Can travellers indulge in charitable activities in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers can contribute in the development of some NGOs or orphanages. They can even volunteer at such places and spend time with the people.
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Q.Can travellers learn classical dances in Kochi?A.Yes, travellers can enrol into the dance classes and learn the basics of the dance form of Kochi.
TIPPING
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Q.What amount should the travellers tip to the help staff?A.Tipping is not a compulsory practice, but travellers can tip the staff up to Rs 100 for helping them.
VACCINATIONS
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Q.What vaccinations do the travellers need while travelling to Kochi?A.International travellers only need vaccination for Yellow Fever while travelling to India.
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Q.Which vaccinations are not necessary but recommended, while travelling to Kochi?A.Some vaccinations that are not necessary but recommended while travelling to Kochi include Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Typhoid, Varicella, Meningitis, Japanese B Encephalitis, Rabies and Tuberculosis.
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Q.Which medicines should one carry when travelling to Kochi?A.A traveller is recommended to carry any ongoing medicines prescribed to them in a labelled container. Other common medicines are available in pharmacies in Kochi.
VISA
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Q.Can international travellers visit Kochi on an E-visa?A.Yes, international travellers can visit Kochi on an E-visa.
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Q.What is the validity of E-visa in Kochi?A.The tourist E-visa is applicable for 1 year, from the day of approval.
WATER AND DRINKS
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Q.Can we drink bottled water in Kochi?A.Yes, bottled water is safe to drink in Kochi.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tap water in Kochi?A.It is advisable to not drink tap water while visiting Kochi.
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Q.Can the tourists get bottled water in Kochi?A.Yes, bottled water is very easily available in Kochi.
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Q.Can the tourists brush their teeth with tap water in Kochi?A.It is preferable to brush your teeth with bottled water than with tap water.
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Q.Can the tourists buy alcoholic drinks from shops, hotels and bars in Kochi?A.Yes, tourists can easily buy alcoholic drinks from vendors in Kochi.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tea or coffee in Kochi?A.Yes, it is completely safe to drink tea or coffee in Kochi.
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Q.Is it safe to drink milk in Kochi?A.Yes, it is completely safe to drink milk in Kochi.
WEATHER
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Q.Which is the best time to travel to Kochi?A.The best time to visit Kochi is between October to March.
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Q.Give more information on weather in Kochi.A.Kochi generally has a tropical climate. It faces a lot of rainfall and has a short dry season. The average annual temperature is 27.3°C. On dry days, it generally has a humid climate.
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Q.When is the monsoon season in Kochi?A.The months of monsoon in Kochi range between July to September. The weather at this time remains pleasant.
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Q.Does it rain all the time during monsoons in Kochi?A.Yes, there are considerably high amounts of rainfall in Kochi owing to its tropical climate.
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