Kochi to Guwahati AirAsia Flights

  About Kochi

Kochi is one of the most dynamic cities and the commercial capital of Kerala. The city is constantly bustling while its surrounding remains true to its agricultural roots. Kochi, as a city, plays an essential port to the South-west coast of India. The ports are connected to the Maldives, Lakshadweep Island and many important coastal cities.

Despite having a blend of various seasons, the heat and humidity in the air continue to remain constant. However, that only makes travellers fly to Kochi instead. Not to mention how the gorgeous setting of the city and its impeccable connectivity that allows a traveller to traverse through various terrains.

Best time to visit Kochi

Kochi sees multitudes of seasons and climate all-year-long. Throughout the year, even know specific seasons are set and have been followed, every year, sudden twists in the western forecasts leave the locals in peril. The tropical setting of Kochi and even Kerala it ideal for summers and even winters. In fact, the months from October to February are actually enchanting and the best. The temperatures dawdle between 17 degree Celsius and 33 degree Celsius. Not only is the winter season perfect for backpackers and solo travellers but also couples and newlyweds who wish to go to honeymoon in Mumbai itself.

The months from March to June marks the start of summer in Kochi. The temperatures in Kochi during summer continues to escalate up to 37 degree Celsius. Although it is considered to be a good season to visit the city, it is only because there is less crowd. On off-seasons, tourists avoid visiting places as they fear unpleasant experiences. However, flying to Kochi on off-season might be helpful as people wouldn't have to deal with the excess tourist crowd. Plus, flight tickets to Kochi see some massive price drop. Many airlines also have flight deals to bring down the cost of a ticket to Kochi.

Monsoons in Kochi are exceptional. Even though it is not a peak season for the city as a rain-washed city would not be favourable for tourist activities, many travellers opt for monsoons. The main reason behind choosing monsoon as the best time to catch a flight to Kochi is that the city's lush greenery turns emerald as the backwaters dance under the torrent rains. Booking a hotel in Kochi during this season is also affordable as it is an off-season for hoteliers. The whole sight of the place is enchanting and definitely an unmemorable experience. Kochi experienced monsoon between July to September.

Places to see in Kochi

The gorgeous Arabian sea might border Kochi on one side, and the towering Western Ghats on the other but the melange of the two varied geographies only makes the city alluring. When in Kochi, you should definitely check out some of its famous beaches namely, Veeranpuzha Beach, Cherai Beach, Munambam Beach, Fort Kochi Beach and more. The city also has many pristine churches that should be visited. These are St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilican and the Paradesi Synagogue.

Besides these attractions, Kochi also has museums like Indo-Portuguese Museum, Ginger House Museum Hotel, Folklore Museum, and more than would enlighten you about their cultural heritage, their history and more. Not just the beaches but you should also check out what the lush green valleys close to Kochi have to offer. You can witness the Athirapally Falls and the Areekkal Falls. More than anything, you can visit the famous Lulu Shopping Mall too, which is right there in the city centre. You can further continue the pilgrimage by visiting temples such as Shiva Temple, Gowreeswara Temple Cherai, Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple, Thrikkakara Temple and more.

Things to do in Kochi

Elephant Training Centre

A little away from the city of Kochi is an adorable retreat for elephants. An Elephant Training centre has been established by the Ernakulam district where the animals are brought together to live in harmony. At the centre, these elephants are bathed and fed properly. The centre takes good care of the elephants and even allows visitors to come over and play with the giant animals. Visit this beautiful place and feel happy in the company of playful elephants who would keep you entertained with their goofiness.

Fort Ayurveda Spa

Kerala's Ayurvedic spas are world-renowned and for all the right reasons. The therapeutic massages and spa treatments actually help rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. Kochi has the Fort Ayurveda Spa, which lives up to the reputation of providing the customers with excellent services. Book an appointment here and let your troubles be washed away by the gentle touch of a masseuse. The experience will be beautiful and certainly have a lasting effect on you.

Kathakali Centre

The classical dance form of Kathakali is enchanting and compelling. The performances usually have a backstory and a theme based on which the whole show is presented. The art would keep you engaged as the eyes of the dancers would hypnotise you. Often these performances express a certain Hindu mythological story.

Snorkelling at Thiruvankullam

Compared to other parts of coastal India, Kochi has extremely beautiful and clean beaches. The shores are just as bright and spotless as is the Arabian sea that touches the coasts. The clean and clear waters of Kochi have enabled snorkelling in the area. You can head to Thiruvankullam and take up the water activity. You will be surprised to see some exquisite marine life that's prevalent just miles away from the city of Kochi.

Backwater tour

Kochi connects to Alleppey, which is the hub of backwaters in Kerala. Although it is a few kilometres far from the main city, Alleppey has a harbour from where you can either choose a houseboat or a shikhara ride to explore the gorgeous backwaters lined by rice paddies.

Food and restaurants

Kochi's lifestyle is heavily inspired or rather influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and English. This is easily reflected in their way of living, lifestyle and more importantly, their cuisine as well. While they still have their special curry and parotha as the highlight of the state, the landscape of Kerala cuisine has seen quite a lot of transformations. As a coastal city, the cuisine mainly centres around exquisite seafood and Malabari food. As a developed city of India, Kochi manages to sustain the traditional cuisine as it also embraces other cuisines such as Asian, North Indian, Continental and more.

Sky Grill Lounge and Bar, Fort House, Asian Kitchen, The Rice Boat, Dhe Puttu, Fusion Bay are some of the finest restaurants that you will find in Kochi. You might not know this, but Kochi actually has a lot of quaint cafes to cater to the backpacking audience. In the city and close to the coastal area, you will find small joints and ventures that have a hipster vibe and attract the young crowd. It is a known fact that the seafood in Kerala is a delight to the taste buds. The city centre will acquaint you with not just exciting dishes but also taste and flavour that will be unforgettable.

How to reach Kochi (Transportation)

By Air

The Cochin International Airport, located 29 km away from the city centre sees excellent flight connectivity from Kochi to other major cities in India. In fact, the airport also has flights taking international routes from Kochi to Middle Eastern countries. Kochi airport is known to be one of the busiest and crowded airports thanks to the excellent connectivity it has with the other cities in the country as well as internationally. A plethora of flights fly from Kochi to cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur and more. The city is always on demand and hence, getting good flight deals for Kochi becomes quite challenging. However, with good planning and timing, you might be able to get cheap flight tickets to Kochi and even decent flight deals.

By Rail

Just like the flight connectivity of Kochi with the rest of the major cities in India, even the railway network is strong. There are two railway stations, namely Kochi Railway Station and Ernakulam Junction Station that connect the city with the rest of the country. There are express trains too that travel to Kochi from Mumbai, Delhi and other big cities. Train tickets to Kochi can be booked online as well as physically at the railway station. The city is well-connected within the state too and has bus and railway services to ensure that the city's stature as one of the economically strong and developed places sustains.

By Road

Kochi has impeccable roadway network as well owing to the city being a commercial hub. The city doesn't just contribute to the state's economy but also to the country's and hence, is blessed with strong roadways network. Several buses enter and leave the city from various parts of the country. The neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, even Goa, have bus facilities that provide services to the city. The Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) travels through several cities, including Kochi. There are options for AC and Non-AC buses that you can choose from for your travel needs.

  About Guwahati

Guwahati, in Assam, is also called as the Gateway to North-East. It is the largest city in the state and a popular tourist attraction, too. The city has Shillong Plateau on one side and the river Brahmaputra on the other side. The city also has India's first railway station that is powered by solar energy. The city is also well-connected to other cities in the country. Not only is Guwahati a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty, but it also has religious significance. The Umanda island, which is the smallest river island in the world, is also worth a visit. Since the city has such a flourishing flora and fauna, visiting the wildlife sanctuaries and zoo.

Boarding a cruise in the Brahmaputra river is something you must do when you are in the city. It's also one of the most romantic things to do in Guwahati. Enjoy some lip-smacking food with live music and a beautiful sunset. You won't regret taking this cruise for sure. You can also visit the town of Pandu, which is named after King Pandu and the father of the Pandavas. It even has a temple dedicated to King Pandu. Visit the Bhubaneshwari temple, which is on top of the hill and has a lot of pilgrims offering their prayers to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. The temple also offers a spectacular view of the city from atop the mountain.

The Brahmaputra is not the only river in the city. You can also go river rafting at Kameng river. You will also get to experience the rich tribal culture in the forest. This is also one of the best locations in the city, which is perfect for taking lots of pictures. The town of Dispur is also worth visiting, thanks to its beautiful waterfalls and trekking trails. The city also has a Navagraha temple which a lot of devotees visit. The temple has survived a lot of major earthquakes and was built by Raja Rajesvar in the 18th century.

You must also attend the Ambubachi Mela that happens around the Kamakhya Devi temple at Nilachal Hill. The mela often takes place in June and will be quite the experience. You can also plan your visit during the Bihu festival, which is celebrated with tradition and a grandiose. October to April is considered to be the best time to visit the city because of its pleasant climate. You can also book a hotel room in Guwahati as per your convenience and budget here since it is a popular tourist destination. You can choose from a lot of options. The city also has an international airport that also connects with all the domestic routes from Guwahati to other major cities. You can also travel to Guwahati by road or by rail.

It goes without saying that you must try the tea here since Assam is known for its tea plantations. Try the local Assamese food here like the Nga-Thongba, fish and ginger curry or the Erongba, a jackfruit-kernel chutney. You will also find a plethora of other cuisines that your taste buds crave for in Guwahati. Guwahati also has a lot of options for the shopaholic in you. There are a lot of markets where you can find handmade artefacts, jewellery and souvenirs to take back home.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati

Guwahati is the most beautiful and favourable to visit during winter from October to March. You can also participate in the Magh Bihu festival that is being celebrated in January. The city looks beautiful since the monsoon has already played its part in turning it into a green paradise. Though do not forget to carry your umbrella with you since there might be a chance of showers; not heavy rainfalls but it might drizzle.

July to October is when the city receives heavy rainfall, and it is advisable not to make any travel plans during this time. You will barely get to go out, and even commuting will be quite the task since there will be water clogging as well. A lot of tourist attractions will also be shut during this time. Since it is off-season, you might get cheap flight tickets to Guwahati.

The city experiences summer in April and May. This is not a bad time to visit the city, but the climate will be pretty humid during the day and can get hot, too. The evenings are pleasant during this time though. If you are planning a visit during this time, make sure you book hotel rooms in Guwahati in advance. Also, be a part of the Bohag Bihu festival celebrations.

Places to Visit in Guwahati

Kamakhya temple is a popular place to visit in Guwahati, and it is quite unique, too. The temple is approximately 7 km from Guwahati on the Nilachal Hills. It is a shrine of Goddess Shakti and is considered to be one of the holiest temples in the state. The Umananda temple is a must-visit for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. With a breathtaking view of the Brahmaputra river, the Shivratri celebrations in this temple will leave you overwhelmed.

Another important tourist attraction to visit in the city would be the revered Assam State Museum. The place would help you know more about the local lifestyle, its history and culture. Find sculptures and artefacts dating back to the 5th and 12th century. You will have to pay a nominal fee to enter the museum, but it will be worth it. The Guwahati Planetarium is a treat for kids, and you would definitely enjoy your time here. You can catch the different astronomical activities put up by the authorities. You will be amazed by what you see and learn.

The Guwahati Zoo, which is located in the Hengrabari Reserved Forest, is home to around 900 animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles from all over the world. You can also visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which is approximately 30 km away from Guwahati. The sanctuary is home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and around 2000 migratory birds. It is a place that almost all travellers will certainly recommend.

Stop at Fancy Bazaar, which is also called the Chandni Chowk of Guwahati, for all of your shopping needs. From traditional jewellery to outfits to fancy wooden furniture, you'll find everything you would like to own here. Haajo is yet another popular tourist destination and an ancient pilgrim, too. It's the centre for three important religions in India that are Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. It is settled on the banks of river Brahmaputra and is a place you must visit when you plan a trip to Guwahati.

The town of Pandu is also one of the best places to see in Guwahati. Named after King Pandu, who was also the father of the Pandavas, there is also a temple dedicated to him called the Pandunath Temple. The Bhuvaneshwari temple is yet another popular temple that you must visit. Not only is the view from this temple breathtaking, but it is also considered to be one of the most prominent places of worship.

Things to do in Guwahati

Sualkuchi is a town that is known for its silk production. You will fall in love with this town, and that is certain. If you are planning a trip here in November, do not miss the Raas Mahotsav and other festivities that happen during this time. Take a cruise and enjoy the serene sunset from a cruise that sails on the Brahmaputra river. Alfresco Grand is one of the cruises that is popular here, and you must give it a try.

Visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary with your camera, and you will not be disappointed. You will spot a lot of exotic animals other than the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and in their natural habitat.

Food and Restaurants in Guwahati

Cafe Hendrix is a place you must definitely visit for good food along with great music. The cafe has a lot of musicians from the North East playing live music for everyone dining here. The ambience and food both will leave you impressed and satiated. Make sure you try the chicken fingers here. Foodvilla is a restaurant that is in the middle of the city. It is famous for its authentic Assamese cuisine and a highly recommended place, too. You will get to try a lot of different and unique recipes here.

Nga-Thongba, Erongba, Laksa are some of the local Assamese foods. You can try the street food here or opt for a fancy meal and a high-end restaurant. Khorikaa and Paradise are a few restaurants that are popular and also offer a variety of Assamese cuisine on their menu.

How to reach Guwahati

By Air

The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is also called the Guwahati International Airport is the main airport in North East of India. It is well-connected to all the other major cities in the country. It is about 20 km away from the city. Look out for cheap flight tickets to Guwahati and affordable flight deals online before you plan your trip.

By Rail

Kamakhya and Guwahati are two major railway stations in Guwahati. They are connected to all major cities in the country, and you will even get super fast trains to and from Guwahati. The view from the trains is rejuvenating, which makes this a highly recommended way to travel.

By Road

State-run buses and private modes of transport run frequent services to help you get to Guwahati from the neighbouring cities and states.

  About Air Asia

AirAsia, a Malaysian airline with headquarters near Kuala Lumpur, is the largest airline in Malaysia destinations and fleet size. It has domestic and international flights operating to more than 65 destinations across 25 countries. It also has its affiliate airlines like the Thai AirAsia, AirAsia India, Philippines AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and AirAsia Japan with hubs at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan. AirAsia began operations back in 1996 and was established in 1993 by a government-owned company called DRB-HICOM. However, it was later bought by Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun's company Tune Air Sdn Bhd. The two not only made the company successful and profitable but also launched new routes from Kuala Lumpur, which is its hub. AirAsia launched its first international flight to Bangkok in 2003 along with a second hub at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Later on, it started flights to other countries and cities like Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and so on.

AirAsia operates majorly through its affiliate airlines which only makes expansion easier for the company. While AirAsia did team up with the Henan Working Group in China, things did not work out in their favour. They signed a non-binding agreement for about 12 months, and neither party renewed the contract when it expired. However, AirAsia flights do fly to different cities in China. AirAsia showed a keen interest in joining hands with India to begin their operations here since it fits their low-cost airline plans perfectly. Tata Sons holds a 49% stake in the airline. AirAsia was also the first foreign airline that set up an affiliate in India. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru serves as the main hub of the airline. AirAsia Japan's first flight took off in 2012. AirAsia X, Indonesia AirAsia and Philippines AirAsia and Thai AirAsia and took off eventually.

AirAsia has won several accolades and awards over the years for its service and efficiency. It has been consistently earning the title 'World's Best Low-Cost Carrier' by Skytrax for 11 years in a row. It also won the World's Best Low-Cost Airline award at the World Airline awards in 2012. The airline recently launched its frequent flyer programme, and it has a ton of services for you to choose from on its website. You can also upgrade to a seat that converts into a flatbed or choose seats that are comfortable with extra legroom. Apart from that, the airline also offers hotel accommodation and other events that you can sign up for in the destination that you are visiting. Make sure you look up their website to know more about all the offers and services that AirAsia has to offer. The airline does make it a point to impress you and not leave the passengers disappointed at all.

Fleet Size of AirAsia

AirAsia operates at least 165 flights to more than 25 countries in the world. The airline has 97 aircraft that are in service at the moment and has also ordered 364 more to increase efficiency and frequency. Though it was previously operating the Boeing 737-300, it moved to Airbus A320 entirely. It has approximately 66 Airbus A320-200 aircraft in service that can accommodate 180 passengers. It also has 29 Airbus A320neo aircraft that accommodates 186 passengers and has ordered 11 more. While it has only 2 Airbus A321neo aircraft, it ordered for 353 more. It is one of the biggest aircraft that can accommodate up to 236 passengers. Every aircraft has something special about it. The A330 aircraft has a quiet zone for everyone who wants to enjoy a calm and peaceful journey. Meals are also served faster here. It also has a Twin seat facility where you will not have a stranger sitting next to you and can enjoy extra privacy. You can also upgrade to a Premium Flatbed if you are eligible for it. The seat reclines to become a flatbed, and you also get a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Additionally, you get free baggage allowance up to 40 kg, priority boarding, complimentary meals, pillow with duvet, access to the premium Red Lounge and ample in-flight entertainment. The airline is looking forward to expanding its services to a lot of other countries as well. It is also extending services to Ahmedabad and Croatia.

Air Asia Baggage Allowance

AirAsia has certain baggage allowance restrictions that you must follow. Unless you are eligible for a premium upgrade or you are willing to pay a nominal fee in addition to your flight fare, you will have to stick to 20 kg of check-in luggage and one cabin baggage that does not exceed 7 kg. However, if you are eligible for a premium upgrade, you get to carry check-in luggage up to 40 kg. Your baggage is pretty safe with the airline, and there have barely been any complaints from customers about losing their baggage. However, make sure you are not carrying anything that has been prohibited by the airline like explosives, flammable substances, toxic chemicals or drugs. You are also asked not to carry any sharp or blunt objects. A lot of passengers also tend to get confused as to whether they can pack their electronics in their check-in luggage or not. The airline advises you to carry your electronics, portable chargers and power banks in your cabin luggage. You will get priority baggage allowance if you are a premium passenger or if you want to use any of the deals that you have come across on their website. The airline also offers to deliver your luggage at your doorstep if you are a premium passenger.

In-flight Services

AirAsia's in-flight services are top-notch, and you will love the experience. You can either pre-book your meals, or you can choose from the menu during your flight. The menu is quite impressive, and the food is delicious. The in-flight entertainment services are only available in the AirAsia X (D7) flights, except for when you are flying to and from Bali, Saudi Arabia, Taipei, Okinawa or Singapore. You will have to book your Excite tab in advance since the units are limited. You will get headsets with your tab, and you can also opt for a snack combo with your tab. AirAsia X is the only flight that serves alcohol and wine onboard.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for AirAsia

AirAsia connects to various domestic and international routes daily. AirAsia India connects to most major cities in the country like Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa and so on. The international airline operates to and from Bali, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines among other destinations. It connects to more than 25 countries, and since it has affiliated airlines in several countries, it only becomes easier for it to cover the cities in all of those countries as well. AirAsia also makes layovers pretty easy for you and makes sure that you are not bored. The airline also offers accommodation services, and you can go through it on their website. You might even get great discounts on your hotels if you book through the website. You can also make the most of AirAsia's boarding pass. All you have to do is show your boarding pass at your hotel or hostel to avail the offer but do this in advance. Make sure you also go through all the terms and conditions of the offer that you want to avail. AirAsia has a Premium Red Lounge at all of its hubs that you can use if you are a premium passenger.

Why Travel by AirAsia?

AirAsia has proven time and again that it can offer the best, convenient services at an affordable price. The flight connectivity is also excellent to/from most domestic and international destinations. The airline lures you in with stunning offers and a comfortable journey, too. Some of the aircraft also have a quiet zone for passengers who want to travel peacefully. AirAsia is also known for its punctuality, and there are barely any delays or inconveniences to passengers. If you are on vacation, you can also check out their services that include accommodation, car rentals, activities in the city and luggage delivery. Web check-in is the best way to avoid long queues at the airport, and it can be done easily through the website. You can check your flight status and AirAsia's flight schedules on your phone on their website. You can make the most of AirAsia's in-flight services. The staff does not give you a reason to complain at all. Booking an AirAsia flight ticket is also quite easy. You can either log in to the website to book it, or you can get your travel agent to do so. Please make sure you check their flight deals, too, while you book the ticket. If there are any ongoing offers on tickets and accommodation, you can opt for those to make your journey even better.

  About Cochin Airport

Cochin International Airport is located 25 km away from the city of Kochi, at Nedumbassery, in the state of Kerala. The Cochin Airport is the first airport in the country that has been developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The project is funded by about 10,000 non-resident Indians (NRI) sprawled across 30 countries. The airport is known for its busy status as it is the most active in the state of Kerala. The airport is also the largest in the state. Cochin International Airport provides to ap[proximately 61 per cent of passenger movement. The Cochin Airport is also recognized nationally as the fourth busiest airport, with respect to international traffic and eighth most active overall.

About Cochin Airport Terminals

There are three main terminals at the Cochin International Airport. While two of them cater to the domestic terminal, the third one works as an international airport. Terminal 1 was previously used for international flight activities. However, with the new and improved Terminal 3, the international operations were shifted there. The terminal caters to the domestic airlines and operations and can accommodate 4,000 passengers per hour. There are 56 check-in counters, six private lounges and seven aerobridges with a conveyor belt that transfers baggage of about 12 flights at once. Terminal 2 offers an executive experience with CUTE enabled check-in counters, four self-check-in kiosks and six security gates with a space to handle about 400 passengers at once. The terminal was converted as an executive terminal much recently. The international Terminal 3 came into existence in recent times. Built with the Kerala architecture and influence from the Thrissur Pooram, the terminal boasts exquisite fibre elephants adorned with traditional costumes. There are five entry gates, 84 check-in and 80 immigration counters.

About airport authority

The Cochin International Airport is owned by the public limited company, formally known as Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which is a public-private consortium. The Government of Kerala also holds ownership in the venture with 33.36 per cent stakes. The government is the largest investor in CIAL while various Indian and foreign organizations also have stakes on it. Companies such as BPCL, AAI and Air India have a collective stake of 8.74 per cent. Meanwhile, foreign organizations such as Emke Group from Abu Dhabi, Galfar Group of Oman and Majeed Bukatara Trading of UAE hold 5.42 per cent stake. There are many more players in the venture too such as Federal Bank, Canara Bank and SBT. 38.03 per cent of stake is collectively owned by approximately 10,000 personal investors panned across 29 countries. These are non-resident Indians with stakes in CIAL.

Facilities at the Cochin Airport

Luggage facility: The airport has a slew of services available pertaining to the luggage. There are free luggage trolleys available at the entrance of the airport as well as at regular counters till the check-in. The terminal also allows porterage services where you can avail help from a professional to escort your luggage from one point to another. The porterage services do come for free for senior citizens, expectant mothers, physically disabled individuals, minors and more. It is imperative that you coordinate with the respective airlines to avail the services. Along with porterage and trolleys, the airport also offers baggage wrapping services. You can get your luggage wrapped in plastic to protect them from theft, mishandle and other concerns.

Child care room: The Cochin airport has designated child care centres in the domestic as well as international terminals. This comes in handy for mothers with infants. Women with kids can make use of the room to feed and change diapers. The room also has other provisions of baby products, including toys, to help soothe the child, if needed. The centre is well-sanitized and is maintained perfectly to ensure the hygiene of the space. Mothers must find it safe and healthy.

Information desk: The information desk is available at regular intervals. The space offers all details about the airport, including a map of the airport. The desk provides all the necessary information regarding flights, airlines, boarding gates and other such concerns even if you need to find specific places such as the lost and found and VIP rooms.

Conference halls: One of the major highlights of the Cochin Airport is the conference halls that it has. You can host meetings and other such conventions at the airport. It is excellent and quite convenient as it helps save time for all the parties involved. Business professionals can simply meet at the airport, wrap up the conference or convention and take their flights to return to their cities. It is a convenient setting and hence, is most favoured.

Postal facilities:

Cochin airport has postal facilities as well that work perfectly for the passengers. In case there are some important documents and letters that need to be posted, you can make it happen at the airport. Postal services are available at both the terminals.

Restaurants and cafes: Kochi airport's domestic wing has only a few food establishments in the food court. The international terminal of the airport does have a decent slew of restaurants and food establishments that you will find.

Pre-paid taxi services: From the airport, there are many pre-paid taxi services outside the airport. Outside the airport, the officials have segregated the parking spaces in such a way that specific pillars and lanes are dedicated to taxi cabs. Depending on your bookings, you will be directed to the specific pillar or lane for taxis.

ATMs and Forex: Foreign exchange counters and ATM kiosks are present at regular intervals in the airport.

You can make your currency exchanges and even get a good rate at the airport. You can also withdraw cash at the ATMs to ensure that you have enough money in hand.

Medical facilities: Much like every airport, even Cochin airport has medical services. It is a necessary protocol that needs to be followed by all the airports to have medical facilities. The possibility of a medical emergency is always prevalent at airports.

VIP lounge: The airport has exemplary VIP lounges and guestrooms for special people. Travellers who have first-class tickets or premium memberships at specific airlines will get access to the private lounges or VIP rooms. These lounges and rooms have upscaled luxury services with great hospitality.

Top airlines flying from the Cochin Airport

Cochin International Airport is recognized as one of the largest and busiest airports in the state of Kerala. With an air passenger movement of approximately 61 per cent, the airport easily becomes a busy one in the state. The Cochin International Airport also witnesses tremendous international traffic. As many flights directly fly to Middle Eastern countries from Cochin and witnesses a high demand too, the international traffic is just as busy as the domestic terminal. Cochin International Airport also serves as a base to the operations of the airlines Air India Express. Aside from Air India Express, the airport also sees many other important domestic airlines such as Air Asia India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, Indian Airlines, SpiceJet and Vistara. There are three passenger terminals with Terminal 3 (international terminal) being the largest terminals in the whole country.

Earlier Terminal 1 served as the international terminal. However, after a massive upgrade that took place and with the genesis of Terminal 3, the international flight activities shifted to the other one. The capacity is also quite good, with over 4,000 passengers per hour. Some of the international airlines that fly from Cochin Airport are Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air India, Air Jazeera, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Oman Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Thai AirAsia and Tiger Airways. These airlines majorly cater to the passengers flying in and out of Middle Eastern countries. As the demand for the Middle Eastern countries is very high in the state of Kerala, quite a few airlines have direct flights to those international destinations. Cochin airport houses airlines that directly connect with cities such as Muscat, Kuwait, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh and Jeddah.

How to reach Cochin Airport

There are various ways to reach Cochin International Airport. Buses, taxis and private vehicles can reach you to the Cochin airport without any hassle. There are dedicated buses that travel to the Cochin International Airport. Often many travel to Cochin Airport to reach places such as Alleppey, Munnar and other prominent tourist destinations in Kerala. While the main city does have the main bus stand, there are many bus routes that connect to the airport. These buses have destinations such as Ernakulam, Padma, Thrissur, Fort Kochi, Angamaly, Kaloor and Ernakulam-Vyttil-Thoppumpady, to name a few.

Another famous and favoured way to reach Cochin International Airport is by pre-paid taxis. There are taxi counters available close to the domestic and international terminals. There are booths available within the premise of the airport too from where you can make your taxi bookings. Even outside the airport, there are taxi counters from where you can get your taxis. Ride-sharing services are also available with apps such as Uber and Ola at work. Often many travellers even opt to reach other cities in the Ernakulam district by booking a taxi. To further enhance your trip, the airport also has rental services available. You can make a booking at the taxi counter as well.

  About Guwahti Airport

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport or popularly called Guwahati Airport is the primary airport that serves a majority of North-Eastern states of India. The airport is recognised to be the eighth-busiest airports in India, following Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Guwahati Airport is situated about 26 km from Dispur, the state capital of Assam. The airport was also called Borjhar due to the location of the airport being in the said city. The airport is approximately 28 km from the city of Guwahati. It has been named after the freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Assam, the late Gopinath Bordoloi. Apart from being a civilian airport, it also caters to the Indian Air Force base. Although the airport predominantly sees domestic flight operations, they have recently bagged bids for two international destinations. As of 2019, Guwahati has won bids to serve international destinations such as Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Bangkok-Don Mueang (Thailand), under the UDAN scheme introduced by the government of India.

About Guwahati Airport terminals

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport currently accommodates two terminals that cater to domestic and international operations respectively. Since Guwahati Airport recently acquired the rights to operate international flights, the airport has since allowed the second terminal to cater to the same. Collectively, the terminals have about 14 check-in counters, four immigration counters and one customs counter.

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 handles all domestic flight services and has direct connecting flights to more than 10 Indian cities, as one of the primary airports serving a major part of the North East, the airport witnesses a lot of crowd at the domestic terminal. The domestic terminal has the capacity to accommodate about 500 passengers at peak hours.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 has recently started flight operations. It currently serves as an international terminal with flights coming in and flying out to Bangkok and Dhaka. Druk Air is the only airline that functions from the international terminal. It has the capacity to accommodate 125 passengers in an hour. The terminals are small and have limited area. Hence, the passenger capacity is also not as high as one would expect.

About Airport Authority

The Airports Authority of India owns and operates all management-related functions of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. The airport body caters to the expansions and maintenance of Guwahati Airport. With a view to enhancing the passenger experience at the airport, they have installed quite a few outstanding facilities. Over the years, the airport has witnessed numerous expansions and renovations ever since its genesis in 1958. AAI has expanded the passenger handling capacity of the terminals. Much recently, in 2019 to be specific, Guwahati also received permission to charter flight operations for two international cities. In the same year, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport also announced that they have privatised and have given away the airport to Adani Group on lease for 50 years. Adani Group won the highest bid and bagged the project. Although the company has not revealed more details of expansion and upgradations of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, they do plan to further enhance the connectivity of the airport to more Indian cities.

Facilities at the Guwahati Airport

Baggage – Baggage services include baggage wrapping, free use of trolleys, porter services and baggage wrapping services. There are dedicated baggage claim conveyor belts also available.

ATMs – The airport has installed multiple ATM kiosks at several spots in the airport. To ensure accessibility of ATMs for cash withdrawals, the airport has strategically placed all the kiosks at decent intervals.

Currency exchange – Foreign exchange counters can be found at Guwahati Airport. They are located in the arrivals section of the terminal. You would be surprised by the good exchange rates that the airports can provide with.

Child care area – The airport has installed dedicated child care rooms. Often passengers who travel with infants need privacy to tend to them. Hence, the child care area comes in handy. The space is maintained perfectly and kept in a hygienic condition. This is to avoid any discomfort to the child as well as the parent. The rooms are also comfortable with good facilities such as cosy chairs and changing tables.

Medical facilities - Guwahati Airport has installed medical facilities that can be availed for free. There are first aid kits present at the information desk of the airport. The airport also has medical rooms where the patient can be treated, should any medical emergency take place at the premise of the airport. There are pharmacies also present in the terminals to help passengers make last-minute medication purchases. In fact, if they tend to fall sick at the airport, they can also visit the pharmacy and ask for help.

Special assistance – The airport offers special assistance to senior citizens and disabled passengers. The airport does expect the passengers to inform the airlines beforehand so that they can accordingly make the necessary accommodations. Trained professionals will be there to escort the passengers and help them through the procedures at the airport.

Transit rooms – Although specific airport hotels or dormitories are not present at the airport, they do have transit rooms for passengers. These rooms are well-equipped with comfortable seats and shower facilities. The transit rooms have been installed to cater to the needs of passengers who have flight layovers. The main idea is to enable passengers to freshen up and rest a little as well.

Smoking zones – Guwahati Airport has facilitated smoking zones for passengers. The specific rooms are located away from the main passenger lounge. Smoking lounges also have cigarette boxes that can be purchased.

Top airlines flying from Guwahati Airport

Currently, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport sees flight operations from airlines such as AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara. A majority of the airlines have flights connecting to North-Eastern cities such as Lilabari, Imphal, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur and Tezpur, to name a few. However, the airlines also accommodate flight operations to big cites of India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur and more. The only international airline that operates from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport is Druk Air. The airline connects to three airports, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Singapore and Paro. The international airline's flight operations commenced much recently. Plans of expansion to more international cities are in talks.

How to reach Guwahati Airport

By Bus

Buses are considered to be the best ways to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. The distance between the Guwahati bus stand and Guwahati Airport is nearly 141 km. With such a massive distance to cover in hilly terrains could be quite challenging. However, the state has ensured to operate bus services that would directly reach you to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport without much hassle. The ticket price is also quite low and affordable, making it a viable source of transport. You can catch a bus to reach Guwahati Airport not just from the bus stand but from anywhere between the airport and the bus stand's route. It is essential to know the bus routes to reach Guwahati Airport. There are a plethora of bus services chartered at regular intervals that enable good connectivity. You will not have to wait for a long time as there are dedicated schedules for all the buses. The mode of transport is especially convenient for backpackers and solo travellers who are on a budget trip. Private buses are also available from the city bus stand to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport.

By Rail

The recorded distance between Guwahati Airport and Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 22 km. From the railway station, various modes of transport can be availed to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. Trains are another powerful means of connecting small cities and towns in the North East. Besides, Guwahati Railway Station's connectivity is exceptional as it caters to not just North Eastern towns and cities but also has services to some cities in Sikkim, Kolkata and Bihar. From the railway station, you can opt to take a private vehicle to reach Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. It would be ideal to fix a price before the journey to the airport commences.

About Guwahati

Guwahati is one of the largest cities in the state of Assam as well as the biggest metropolis in the North-eastern states of India. The port city is surrounded by lovely hills and forms quite a picturesque ambience. It is also recognised as the Gateway to North East India and facilitates excellent connectivity to various other cities and towns in the North East. Guwahati is also known for its plethora of temples and is even nicknamed as the City of Temples. Guwahati lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and shares the foothills of the Shillong plateau. Often travellers take the Guwahati route to travel to other cities in the North-East such as Shillong, Lilabari, Agartala, Aizawl and more. Guwahati's fame also comes from its rich biodiversity as the region houses diverse flora and fauna, including rare animals such as rhinoceros, Asian elephants, tigers, gaurs, pythons and other primate species.