City guide

Kochi

Cochin International Airport (COK)

Airport

Cochin International Airport (COK)

Time zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Currency

INR (₹)

Language

Malayalam, very strong English

Getting to your hospital

Cochin International Airport is typically 25-35km from central Kochi hospital areas, generally a 45-60 minute drive. Both pre-paid taxis and ride-hailing apps are available at arrivals.

Weather & best time to visit

Kochi has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rain from June to September, best avoided if possible given travel disruption risk. October to March is the most comfortable and reliable period.

Hospital districts

Kochi, in Kerala, is known for high healthcare standards and strong English proficiency, and already has an established relationship with NRI and Gulf-based patients through Kerala's large diaspora community.

Accommodation

Guesthouses and extended-stay accommodation are available near the main hospital areas, with options ranging from simple to more comfortable depending on budget.

Accessible transport

Kochi is generally considered a safe, welcoming city for international patients, helped by the high existing familiarity with NRI and Gulf travellers.

Dietary support

Kerala cuisine is seafood-forward but offers strong vegetarian options too, and halal food is widely and easily available, reflecting Kerala's significant Muslim population, particularly relevant for Gulf-origin patients.

Recovery-friendly communication

Malayalam is the local language, but Kerala's high literacy rate means English is very widely and confidently spoken, including outside hospital settings.

Staying connected

SIM/eSIM options are readily available, with reliable connectivity in hospital and accommodation areas.

Emergency numbers

All-in-one emergency112
Ambulance102
Police100
Fire101

Keep the treating hospital's 24-hour line; consular services for most nationalities are typically handled via Chennai or Mumbai rather than a local Kochi office.

Planning checklist

Passport, visa and medical letter
Hospital 24-hour helpline saved offline
Prescription list and medical records
Local SIM or eSIM activated on arrival
Cash plus card (INR) for the first 48 hours
Travel and medical insurance details
Companion contact info shared with hospital